Page 86 of Unmasking Mayhem
“Fucking yes,” he breathes, biting my shoulder before pushing himself over the edge with me, spilling himself inside me with a roar of satisfaction.
We collapse together, panting, the storm now a symphony of sound surrounding us. I shudder against the sand, the moment stretching into eternity as I bask in the warmth of his embrace. He pulls me against him, our bodies slick and intertwined, attempting to shield me from the rain, but somehow the cooldroplets feel like a blessing—a cleansing of the heart. The storm rumbles, and I glance at him, seeing the way the rain has plastered his hair to his forehead and the way his chest rises and falls, a rhythm that now beats just for me.
“Are we okay?” I ask softly, longing to hear him say it, longing to believe that amidst the chaos of our lives, we can find solid ground again.
He traces a finger along my jawline, eyes locked with mine. “We will be,” he promises. “As long as we keep each other close and hold onto what we have. Maybe it’s not what we expected, but it’s ours.”
Nodding, I bite my lip, overwhelmed with emotions that swirl like the storm above us. “Always.”
“Always, baby,” he whispers, sealing our unspoken promise with a gentle kiss as thunder rumbles in the distance, signaling the start of a new chapter—one filled with passion, pain, healing, and the memory of love.
Just because Hawk isn’t here doesn’t mean we stop living—it means we live for him, for ourselves, and for the connection that continues to bind us, even through the dark. Together, we’ll navigate this storm, hand in hand, heart to heart, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
The rain becomes a comforting lullaby, washing away the remnants of the past and reminding me that renewal is possible even amidst the sorrow. I nestle closer into his chest, grateful for the way our bodies fit together, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his heart under my cheek. It offers a steady reminder that life persists, that love endures, and that we have a choice in how we carry our pain.
“Let’s get out of the rain,” Raze whispers, brushing a strand of wet hair behind my ear, his breath warm on my skin, carrying the scent of saltwater and electricity. “There’s a bonfire not farfrom here. I can grab some blankets. We can dry off by the fire and talk.”
The thought of warmth is inviting, and I nod, still feeling the sparks of our earlier intimacy lingering in the air. “That sounds perfect.”
With a gentle yet firm grip, he helps me to my feet, our skin still slick with rain and intimacy. I shiver, partly from the cold, but largely from the remnants of passion coursing through my veins. He gives me a look, almost a challenge, as he sweeps me up into his arms, lifting me effortlessly, and I cannot suppress a laugh that bursts forth as he carries me toward the dim glow in the distance.
“Raze!” I protest playfully, my arms wrapping around his neck instinctively. “Put me down!”
“Let them all see,” he grins, his eyes alight with mischief as he strides through the sand. “They’ll only envy how much we’re enjoying the storm. Plus, isn’t this just proving that we’re alive?”
An electric thrill runs through me at his confidence. The far-off crackle of laughter and the warm, smoky scent of fire are enticing, pushing me forward into a new realm of possibility. Basking in his steadfastness, I don’t mind being swept away. For the first time in months, the shadows feel momentarily lifted, and the weight of sorrow, while still present, seems just a little lighter.
When we reach the bonfire, my cheeks begin to color at the sight of a few familiar faces. Friends we hadn’t seen in what felt like ages gather around the flickering flames, laughter rising into the night air. Some are encouraging, others surprised, and a few even grin knowingly at Raze and me.
Raze steps back, gently lowering me to the ground, and I feel the heat of embarrassment creep up my neck, but it's oddly exciting too. I exchange glances with Raze, and in that shared moment, we know that despite our pain, we have found comfortin each other. We don’t bother to hide what happened moments ago; through his eyes, I can see he feels the same—the thrill of connection outweighing the scrutiny of others. As we settle near the fire, Raze wraps a blanket around me, and I snuggle into him, feeling another layer of warmth and safety. The flickering lights of the bonfire dance across his features, highlighting the lines of his jaw and the softness in his dark eyes.
“Are you okay?” he whispers, his voice dropping low as he locks eyes with me over our makeshift cocoon of blankets.
I nod, my heart swelling as I take in the gentle way he checks in on me, making sure I know I’m cherished. “I am. I think I’m going to be okay.”
“Good.” His gaze is earnest and fierce, a promise enveloped in warmth. “Because whatever we’re doing, I want to keep doing it. Together.”
His words settle around us like the fire's glow, enveloping me in hope. A small smile creeps onto my lips, full of understanding of what healing will require—honesty, vulnerability, and the shared moments that light the way back to joy.
As laughter erupts around us and the stories of the past weave through the night air, I let myself indulge in the warmth of the present. My heart begins to mend, each heartbeat a reminder of resilience in the wake of despair, each laugh a step into the light. Together, Raze and I will navigate this new chapter in California, knowing that the storm may still boom from time to time, but the fire we kindle within each other will always guide us through.
The End