I understood that it’s about fighting for what I want and who I love.”
He releases me and smiles. Pulling something from his pocket he goes down on one knee and takes my left hand.
“Leyla Faye Aldridge, I promise to fight hard and fiercely for your love every day that we’re together. To be truthful, faithful, and protect you for eternity. I don’t know if this is a new chapter, the next sentence, or a brand-new book. All I know is that I can’t live without you. You’re the most important person in my life, and I’m hoping to build a future with you.
“This time, it’s not going to be some sandcastle that the current might wash away. It’s a fortress with a solid foundation. I’m not promising a happy ending. I’m swearing that I’ll do my fucking best to make you happy every day. Would you do me the honor and be my wife?”
“Pierce,” I sniff, cupping his face and kissing him hard. Our mouths fuse, our tongues twirl, and we hold each other fiercely.
“I love you for always,” I whisper when we break the kiss.
“Always,” he repeats. “Love you forever, Ley.”
Kim approaches us an hour later.
“I’m sorry,” she says, her eyes look sad, but her voice is neutral. “We’ve never had a case like this before. I shouldn’t have made you come all the way over here.”
Pierce holds my hand tight.
“We understand,” I mumble. “It wasn’t our turn.”
I yawn and Pierce says, “Do you want to go home?”
Rubbing my temples, I nod.
“You okay?” he asks as we wait outside for our ride.
“I was trying to stay positive, but when she mentioned other couples, I already felt defeated. How about you?”
“It felt surreal,” he agrees then smiles at me.
Chapter Forty
Pierce
Leyla sleeps during the hour flight. I’m thankful for Vance who flew the helicopter back and forth and waited for us. When we arrive home, the house is dark and quiet.
“Thank you again,” I call after Vance.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out,” he exhales.
I don’t tell him that the trip was worth it. Leyla and I are in a better place. When we step into the room and I shut the door I ask again, “Are you okay?”
She smiles. “It wasn’t our turn,” she assures me and shows me her ring. “I’m engaged, and when we’re together everything is better.”
“We are engaged,” I repeat, pushing her against the wall and taking her mouth.
Fuck, how much I missed her. I take my time, making love with our mouths before I undress her slowly. Loving her is effortless. This time I won’t lose sight of what matters. Tonight, I plan on taking my time with her. Kissing every inch of her.
I want to consume her, immerse into her.
Slowly, we shed our clothes.
“You’re in charge tonight,” I whisper as I run my hand up her thigh until I reach my favorite place. She’s slick. “What do you want me to do? Should I eat you?”
“Yes,” she whispers when I touch her clit with my finger.
Gently, I push her backward until we reach the bed, and I sit her down. Kneeling in front of her, I open her knees bit by bit, as I lick my lips. I kiss the back of her thigh and run my mouth along her soft skin until I touch her center.
Unhurriedly, I slide my tongue along her slit. Leyla gasps as I push one finger inside her and kiss her swollen lips with my mouth before darting out my tongue, lashing it through her cleft. I concentrate on her pleasure.
She falls back on the bed, moaning. I drink greedily from her lust, intoxicated by her taste and aroma. I suck and kiss her, again and again. The motion is fast enough to please her, but slow enough to make it last. I want her to remember tonight as if it’s our first time.
Her fingernails dig into my shoulders, and I know she wants me to devour her, make it fast. I push a second finger inside her, thrusting harder, urging her to the edge. Her body trembles, and I slow my ministration. She’s on the edge. She pushes herself against my hand, fucking my face as she seeks her release.
“Pierce,” she cries my name over and over with a hoarse voice.
“I want you!” she begs.
I give her clit a hard suck before I clamp my lips around her pussy while I ride her orgasm.
“I need you inside,” she orders this time.
I push myself off the bed, placing myself between