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CONNOR

S omething in her shifted when she looked up at me with those wide, tear-filled eyes.

I felt the trust she was handing me. The surrender she didn’t even realize she was giving.

Now, I’m showing her what it means to be wanted. Cherished. Loved.

My God, this woman deserves to be loved so thoroughly it fills every broken piece of her heart and soul.

Her skin is soft beneath my hands as I undress her slowly.

My lips brush over every inch I reveal, each kiss a silent vow.

Her chest rises and falls in quick, shallow breaths, and when I meet her gaze, I see the vulnerability, hope, and fear.

I kiss her. Soft. Long. A soul-deep promise that this is different. Showing her with my lips what my words can’t say.

“I’ve got you,” I whisper, like a prayer.

“Connor,” she murmurs, her eyes cutting straight through me.

“You trust me, right?”

“I shouldn’t after last night.” She holds my gaze for a few beats. Then her breath hitches, and she nods. “But I do.”

I reach between us, feeling how soaked she is.

“I want you,” she rasps. “Please.”

My eyes lock with hers.

I’ll give this woman anything she wants. Always.

Within seconds, we’re naked.

Our eyes are locked together as I sink into her slowly, groaning as she stretches around me.

Her gasp is soft—but it slays me.

I still, pressing my forehead to hers. We breathe together, steady and ragged. Wrapped in silence and something heavier.

Something eternal.

I move slow. Deep. Steady. Every stroke deliberate.

She reaches up, fingers gliding over my face like she’s memorizing every line.

“Allie,” I murmur, kissing her again. “Mine.” I thrust deep inside her. “You’re mine, baby. Every inch. Every breath. Every heartbeat.”

She nods, nails dragging down my back, legs wrapped tight around my waist, anchoring me to her.

Let’s be honest. She couldn’t escape if she tried. I wouldn’t let her. I’m too far gone for this woman.

We move in sync, a slow burn of friction and feeling.

Her walls clench around me as she falls apart, my name on her lips.

I follow with a groan, burying myself deep, holding her tight like she’s the only thing keeping me from flying apart.

Afterward, I don’t move. I stay right there, wrapped around her, hearts racing in perfect rhythm.

She buries her face in my neck.

I tighten my grip, locking her to me.

“You ready to marry me, baby?” I whisper into her hair.

“Still hate you,” she mumbles.

I grin. “Love you too.”

Her breath hitches.

And I swear, right before she falls asleep, I hear her whisper, “Love you, too.”

I hold her like she’s everything. Because she is.

Eventually, I glance at the clock. I have work to do. Plans to complete.

Reluctantly, I untangle myself, tucking the covers around her, placing my pillow under her arm like a placeholder.

I kiss her forehead, then get dressed.

I scribble a quick note, then I head downstairs.

All good things must come to an end. Wanda deserves a proper send-off.

As I climb into the wood-paneled beast, memories of the road trip flash through my head.

I shake my head, already getting emotional.

You got us to Vegas, Wanda. But more than that? You gave me a future with the only woman I’ll ever love.

Feeling like a damn fool, I start the car and hit the gas.

Focus on what’s ahead. You’re not saying goodbye.

You’re stepping into a new life.

* * *

I return the wood-paneled emotional support wagon to the rental place with zero fanfare.

Still, there's a pang in my chest when I look at her one last time.

Goodbye, Wanda. Thanks for the memories.

With a sigh, I head to the waiting Uber.

Allie’s going to be pissed when she finds out I let Wanda go without her. But she won’t have time to be sad today.

Not on her wedding day.

I grin the whole ride back to the hotel.