Page 70 of The Desire

“Then let’s work out how we make sure we both get what we want.” Dropping my hands and wrapping her back in my arms, I relish the feel of her against my body, knowing that I don’t have to back away again.

“To be happy?” she asks, looking up at me.

“Yeah, baby, to be happy and thoroughly fucked, same-same in my eyes.” Our bodies move in unison as we laugh.

“New rule, though, no more love bites, Rem.” Then her eyes drop down slightly as she finishes her thought. “Well, in places that can be seen, I mean.”

“Oh, beautiful, be careful what you wish for, or I’ll be branding you with my mouth all over those luscious tits of yours and your ass cheeks that look like a tasty peach.”

“Christ, Rem, you always have to take it to the next-level dirty.”

“And you love every dirty word that comes out my mouth, so stop complaining.” I slide my hand under my shirt that is hanging loosely on her and feel the warmth of her skin on her stomach. My fingers gently stroking over her belly button piercing that I love, I just let it sink in that she is giving me her body, and I will be able to touch her like this whenever she wants me to. “Maybe I should find one of those hidden spots now to leave my mark.”

She pushes down on the top of my hand on her stomach.

“Too soon, Rem, too soon. How about I feed you breakfast… actual food before you get any ideas, and then we can work this out.” This time it’s El taking my face in her hands and kissing me like she has been wanting to do for months. Oh, I think I’m going to enjoy this new El who is ready to take what she deserves.

“So, we agree to keep it between us for a while. And you promise not to break this rule if I climb into your bed every night.” Her words sound like heaven to me. El in my bed every night. For that I think I can keep my hands off her during the day while others are around. Well, most of the time anyway, but I’m not saying that out loud.

“Agreed. Now, are you going to make me do one of those secret handshakes?” I hold my hand out to her and watch her roll her eyes at me.

“Some days I think it’s easier to deal with Blaise than it is listening to your comments.” Standing from her seat at the kitchen table, she starts to clear away the dishes. “Now go and work while I clean up and find some clothes to change into.”

“I kind of like you in mine.” I shrug at her as she bursts out laughing.

“You only like me in these because they are easy access to my body, admit it.”

“Valid point, El, I like your way of thinking.” I stand from my seat, and she quickly turns back around from the sink to look at me and puts her hand up to signal stop.

“Don’t even think about it. Go, work, remember? Before both our phones start blowing up, checking in to make sure we are still alive because they haven’t heard from you.” As she shoos me out of the room, I know she’s right. I still have a few things to sort out, plus I need to review my daily update emails from all the hotels.

“And so it begins, already the fun is stopping.” I laugh as I retreat toward the door.

I’m almost out of the room when her timid voice calls me. “Um, Rem?”

“Yes, baby, I will put your suitcase in my room so the ghosts can’t watch you undress.”

“Asshole,” she yells from behind me as I’m partway down the hallway. “But thank you.”

“That’s what boyfriends do,” is what I whisper under my breath as I’m climbing the stairs.

She might not be ready to hear it, but the word sounds perfect in my mind.

With all my emails sorted, it’s time to send the message to the group chat about the room we found in the dungeon. They won’t believe me unless I send pictures, so maybe I’ll start with that.

Just pictures, no words, and then I sit back and wait for the reaction.

Forrest: Didn’t picture you’d be into that, but okay.

Nic: Why are you sending this to us?

Flynn: Hell yeah, Rem is getting his freak on in Scotland.

I should answer them, but I love leaving them hanging for a moment.

Flynn: Wait, you didn’t take Elouise there, did you?

What the hell, Flynn! You might think she’s yours, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to be so protective of her. My muscles are tightening with agitation, but then I have a thought—if it was Tori, I would be just as protective of a friend as he is being with Elouise. My fingers hover over the phone, and I stop myself from replying so I don’t say something that gives away how I feel about her. As I calm down a little, the messages keep popping up on my screen, and I can’t help but smile at how much my silence is pissing them off.

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