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Pax could barely breathe as Deanna continued to undress in front of him. She’d regained her confidence after the pond, and he was fucking thrilled. When she turned, he was breathless. No sound. No words. No movement.

“Pax? If you don’t say something, I’m going to get dressed and go sleep on the sofa,” she said with a blush.

“You’re not moving,” he said, shaking his head, walking toward her. “You’re not ever moving from right here, by my side, in this bedroom or any bedroom for that matter. I love you, Dee. I love you, and I’m sorry for what you had to go through, but so fucking happy we found each other again.”

“Pax,” she smiled, shaking her head. Before she could move, he was undressed and coming directly toward her.

“I thought I’d embarrassed myself in the pond. Feeling your body against mine, Dee, it was everything I’d ever dreamed it would be.”

“Same,” she nodded. “I used to think about us all the time. In middle school, it was what it would be like to hold your hand, then maybe steal a kiss. In high school, it was kissing and maybe something more.”

He laughed, nodding his head.

“When I saw you again, Pax, I could barely contain myself. I wanted to scream out ‘YES!’. Finally, he was in front of me again. I need you. I need you now, Pax.”

Pax gently laid her on the bed, kissing up her body, his rough hands sliding up and down on her silky, smooth skin. There was no sign of her previous injuries, no sign of any scars, no sign of anything except a healthy, beautiful woman that was all his.

Deanna reached out for him, feeling his thick, hot cock in her hand. She’d felt it in the pond but feeling it against her own flesh was something different. This man was big. Big, heavy, thick, and she was aching for what she wasn’t even certain she could take.

“Dee, babe, you’re killing me,” he groaned against her ear.

“Then get to it, SEAL,” she smirked. “I’ve waited long enough for you.”

He smiled down at her, pushing that gorgeous hair from her face. Passionately, he kissed her, muffling her cries as he slid into her body.

Deanna could feel him stretching her, filling her body unlike anyone had ever done. This is what a man felt like. A man that was yours, destined for you, perfect for you. There was no denying that their bodies were made for one another.

She lifted her leg, slowly riding it up his thighs, buttocks, and then back. Wider and wider, she opened for him, allowing his much larger body access to her own. Suddenly, he stilled.

“Dee,” he whispered, “I don’t have a condom.”

“Oh,” she gasped, wide-eyed.

“I’m sure that Brax or Saint has one. Wait right here,” he said, starting to pull away. But Dee wouldn’t have it. She pulled him back, securing her legs around him and smiling up.

“Do you love me, Pax?”

“You know I fucking do,” he growled.

“Are we getting married?”

“Damn right, we are.”

“Will we have babies?”

“As many as you want,” he smiled. She grinned up at him, and he nodded.

“Let’s start now.”

Pax never realized how amazing sex could be with the right woman. A woman who awakened everything in your body, everything in your senses, sending your entire world into a spin. He was grateful for the private en suite and space in the big house. The night was moving too fast for him.

The good news was it was only the beginning.

Deanna rolled over, recognizing how stiff and sore her body was. Her thighs were burning, her buttocks tense. But the best part was she didn’t give a damn. She was content, happy, and the sun was shining once again in Coronado.

Quickly showering, she got dressed and went downstairs, only to be greeted by smiling faces.

“Good morning, Deanna,” they said in sing-song voices smiling in her direction. She blushed, laughing at them.

“Good morning, everyone.” Pax kissed her, smiling at the others.

“Ignore them. They’re just jealous,” he laughed.

“I’m not jealous of shit,” smirked Benji. “I’ve got my woman. These other assholes are the slow ones.”

“What’s with you guys, by the way?” asked Deanna.

“What do you mean?” asked Brax, looking away.

“What do I mean? I mean, you run in the opposite direction of Stephanie every time you see her. That beautiful, brilliant, stunning young woman who actually thinks you’re the only man in the world. You might want to grab that before she discovers you’re not the only man in the world.” Saint laughed, shaking his head.

“What are you laughing at? You’re so terrified that Marilisa might actually love you that you can’t see what’s right in front of you,” said Deanna. “Do you know that while I was in the hospital, she visited me every day, asking me questions about what you were like growing up, what you enjoy doing, your favorite movies and foods.”

“She’s just a kid,” he frowned.

“Patrick,” laughed Deanna, “she’s not a kid. She’s a young woman who’s experienced some of the worst aspects of life and this world and still came out the other side confident, intelligent, and loving. Those men at The Well see it. You’d better see it soon, or you’ll be out of luck.”

“Wait a minute,” frowned Pax. “How do you know what the men at The Well see?”

“You weren’t always in my life, Pax. I went out there a few times with friends from work. Usually, I was meeting up with someone from Belle Fleur. You forget that I was still connected to all of you.” He looked like he was about to spit nails, and his father just shook his head.

“One day, you’ll all figure out that loving someone isn’t a choice. You either love them or you don’t. It’s a feeling in your gut, your soul, your heart. You can try to fight it, but you’re going to be one miserable son-of-a-bitch.”

“Trust us,” said Bogey. “Benji and I can both say it was the same for us. They’re not children. You’ve just known Marilisa since she was a child. Stephanie is the most unique woman you’ll ever meet, but don’t make her feel differently, Brax. I don’t think you can possibly imagine what it’s like to not feel fully real, fully human.”

“She’s as human as you and me,” said Brax, staring at Bogey.

“I agree. Have you made her feel that way?” Brax stared at Bogey, then at his father. “Listen, son. I’ve watched you walk around her, avoid her, watch her eat from the other side of the cafeteria, like she’s a science experiment. Don’t you think she feels it?”

“Shit,” he muttered. Saint stared at his father and Benji, shaking his head.

“You’re not innocent either,” said Benji. “Marilisa has grown into a beautiful young woman. A young woman with a PhD, Saint. That’s not a child. We’ve been to The Well when she and the others are there. Men flock to those two girls, and I do mean flock. So far, they’ve been lucky that no one has gotten physical, but I think it’s because one of us is always with them.”

“Why didn’t someone say something? Why didn’t someone stop them from going?” asked Saint.

“Because they’re grown women!” said Alice. “Good lord, you boys are slow. Deanna? Honey, do you feel like a walk on the beach?”

“I’d love to go for a walk,” she smiled. “Let me grab my coffee.”

Pax watched as she grabbed her thermal mug and headed to the door with his mother and Alice. He looked at the others and just shook his head.

“You can sit here and stew or get some fresh air. I’m following the woman I love.”