Page 56 of From Rome, With Hate

I love the way her breath falters when I touch her. Every moment is charged with electricity, catching us both by surprise. I hope this never ends.

“I’ve always been yours.” I want to wrap us up in this memory, tattoo it into my brain so that, if I were to ever doubt Julianna’s love in the future, I’ll fall back on this moment. I’ll never forget the words she just whispered to me, with me inside her, claiming her forever.

“Come for me, Lark.” I grunt, and her walls tighten around me. “Let me hear you sing.” I rock my hips, grinding into her deeper with every thrust.

Her arms wrap tightly around my shoulders, holding me against her. I drop my hand from her neck and replace it with my mouth to place rough, messy kisses along the base of her throat.

“Rome.” She sings my name, and all the blood rushes to my cock as it slides in and out of her. “I’m going to?—”

I steal her cries, kissing her to muffle the sound. I don’t want us to get caught out here. The adrenaline of us being here in secret pushes us both to the brink.

I press my forehead to hers. Her jaw drops, breaking our kiss.

“Oh, fuck, Rome,” she moans on a whisper. “Don’t stop.”

“Never,” I pant in her ear, pushing her over the edge.

Her body shudders against me, and her walls tighten around my cock as she reaches her orgasm. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. Seeing her fall apart propels me to reach my own climax. I thrust again, my muscles tightening and the exhaustion setting in. Her walls are pulsating against my cock, then I’m coming. I spill inside her, continuing to drive in and out of her. I bury my groan into her shoulder. Her handswrap around the back of my head, sending a shiver down my spine.

Pausing only briefly to catch my breath, I finally look up. Julianna’s gorgeous face is flushed, but there’s an elated satisfaction in her gaze. I kiss her. Then I kiss her again.

“I love you,” I tell her, pulling out of her.

She lowers her legs, touching the ground with her toes. She fixes her dress, then leans back against the tree while watching me fix my pants in the moonlight. I tuck myself back in and rezip my jeans.

“I have no words, Rome.” She’s still catching her breath.

When I finish buckling my belt, I close the gap between us again. I can’t wipe the smile from my face as I straighten her tiara and tuck her tussled hair behind her ear. “For someone who is pretty vocal and opinionated, I’m shocked.”

She laughs, draping her arms over my shoulders. “Best birthday ever.” Her eyes search mine. “I wish we could be together like this every day.”

“Maybe in a bed.” I smirk, licking my lips.

She giggles, touching my nose with hers. “A bed would be nice. But I don’t know, I kind of like the danger in doing it in unconventional places.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She inhales a deep breath. “I should probably get back inside before Sola starts looking for me.”

“Okay,” I sigh, not wanting this night to end. Every time I leave Julianna, it only gets more difficult.

“I love you. I’ll text you when I get inside.” She kisses me, allowing her lips to linger longer than usual, wrapping her hands around my neck.

When she pulls back, she gifts me with a small smile, then starts to turn and walk around the tree. Our hands glide downeach other’s arm, but when my fingers reach her hand, I stop her.

“Lark, wait.” I blow out a heavy breath and use my free hand to rake my fingers through my hair.

Concern is etched in her expression, but as I look at her, I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. Well, other than not wanting to follow in my father’s footsteps.

“I hate being with you like this,” I start. I’m suddenly nervous as fuck. I lick my lips and plant my hands on my hips, sorting through my thoughts.

“What?” Julianna gasps, her voice cracking.

I snap my head up and, shit, I realize how that sounded.

“Oh, no.” I cradle her cheek. “I didn’t mean that I don’t want to be with you anymore.”

Her brows pinch. “Then, what did you mean?”