Page 81 of King of Ashes
In the walk-in closet, I stare at my entire new wardrobe hanging there. He made space for me, and I made a place for him—in our lives, in our hearts.
My best decision so far.
He snakes his arm around my belly, and I lean back, loving my heavenly cocoon.
“I don’t want you to leave,” he whispers, nibbling along my neck and stirring that deep-seated ache only he can soothe.
His touch is electrifying, but his mouth is something else. He is like no other, making me so weak for him.
“I’ve heard distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
“Fuck that nonsense,” he grumbles.
I love his desperation, how deeply he feels for me. I am secure in his feelings. He infuses me with so much confidence, as if his life begins with me and I am his sole reason.
I turn into his arms, lift onto my toes, and lock my arms around his neck. Peppering kisses over his jaw instantly relaxes his features, then I move to his cheeks, the tip of his nose, his eyelids, and his mouth. With him, I’ve tapped into a side of me that is passionate, pouring out all my feelings in sheer abandon, as if my heart needs to expel everything to replenish.
“I’ll miss you too,” I whisper, and he presses his forehead against mine.
We stay embraced for long minutes, just breathing each other in. Time, responsibilities, life—nothing matters, only us. What a surreal feeling.
I put on a flowing silk dress, layer a blazer over it, and slip on sandals.
He looks mouthwatering in a suit, the metallic watch adding a note of sophistication.
I can’t see what he’s picking up with his back to me, but when he turns, my hand flies to my mouth. A diamond necklace dangles from his fingers, a large stone suspended in a heart shape. It’s stunning.
“May I?” he rasps.
The symbolism is not lost on me. He’s offering me his heart.
I nod, overcome with emotion. I am going to take care of it, cherish the man who rescued me, even though I was unaware I needed saving.
Love is being raw, vulnerable, and naked in front of your partner, and him loving every imperfect layer.
The lock clicks at my nape with something final, and I brush my fingers over the cold and precious gem. “Thank you.”
He kisses my forehead, holding me in a tight embrace. The closeness warms my chest, and I love his inability to keep his hands off me. Hand in hand, we head out.
In his car, I say, “Noemi should know.”
I’ve become close to her, and she loves her father. I have been a daddy’s girl, and I miss him terribly, wishing he were here to see how far I’ve come.
“It’s his last wish.”
I nod, aware of that, yet I insist. “I would give everything for a moment with my father.”
His fingers wrap around the wheel, knuckles whitening from the pressure he applies.
“Why are you assaulting the wheel?” I ask, not understanding his reaction.
“Nothing, just hate that you’re leaving,” he says, voice clipped.
I palm his arm, offering, “We’ll see each other soon.”
His features lose their hardness, and he glances my way. His love shines so brightly, no star in the universe could match it. I suck in a breath, my body’s involuntary reaction only emphasizing that I can’t be mistaken.
“We should go on a honeymoon.”
