Page 101 of Sweet Madness

My ears ring and my vision is clouded with the intensity of the climax.

Shaw sags on top of me after he finishes, still inside me. After a while of not being able to do anything but enjoy the high of the orgasm, I focus my gaze on him.

I watch quietly while trying to calm my racing heart, as Shaw drops a kiss on my naked shoulder.

“Ella…” Shaw’s breathing comes out haggard.

Reaching forward with shaking hands, I trace the freckles on his nose. “Yeah?”

“I— I.” He stumbles with his words, while my heart stops in my chest. Is he really going to say it? Brown eyes meet mine and they tell me all his mouth can’t. “I love fucking you.”

I know.

We both understand that’s not what he wants to say, but for some reason, he can’t form the sentence and tell me the secrets of his heart. Knowing how hard it must be for him to let someone in after the tragic loss he suffered, I decide to make it easier for him.

I don’t need the words as long as he’s here with me. That’s all I’ll ever need.

My face softens, and so does my tone. “Ready to deliver the cupcakes?” I ask breathlessly.

Shaw frowns, then his eyes darken with desire, a devilish smile tugging at his lips. “After I fuck you again,” he says, his eyes meeting mine.

He fucked me two more times and after we were both spent, we get dressed, and together we gather up the boxes and head out the door, all the while feeling like my heart is about to burst with joy.

Space Note

“Did you know that stars don’t twinkle? The movement of light is down to turbulence in the earth’s atmosphere. That’s all there is.” — E

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

WILD DREAMS

Ella

“Excuse me… can you tell how much I love you? — S

The entrance to Rainbow Refuge has grand double doors leading into a charming two-story building painted in vibrant, rainbow-like colors, with white clouds adorning each corner. Flower boxes overflowing with yellow lilies hang beneath the windows, adding a touch of life to the facade. A colorful mural on one wall shows children dancing on clouds and reaching for the stars. It is cheerful and sweet, seemingly mirroring the shelter’s mission.

As I stand in front of the wooden doors, I can already feel the warmth emanating from within and hear the cheerful laughter of the kids inside. Looking down at the boxes in my hands, I smile, knowing that our visit today will not only brighten the children’s day but mine as well. There’s nothing quite like the joy of doing something good for those in need, and from the brief summary of the shelter’s mission online, it is clear that these kids deserve all the happiness and magic they can get.

Growing up in privilege can sometimes obscure the realities of the world. The truth is, there are more people struggling than those who are lucky, and that reality deeply saddens me.

Although I started helping those less fortunate out of guilt, I have come to view it as a true mission in my life. With so much joy and magic in my own life, why not share it with others? That’s why we’re here today—no cameras, no paparazzi, just us.

Beside me, Shaw stands tall and silent as ever, holding the balloons we picked up for the kids on our way here. It was his idea. For someone who considers himself grumpy and a recluse, he certainly has a big heart.

Eager to spend time with the kids, I start to climb the short stairs to the shelter’s entrance but stumble, missing a step. “Watch your step,” Shaw says quickly, grabbing my arm to steady me before I can trip. I find my balance and hug the cupcake boxes closer to my chest. “My hero,” I say with a sheepish smile.

He shakes his head with an amused smile and then opens the shelter door with his free hand, gesturing for me to enter first.

The first thing I notice upon entering is how sweet the air feels. The room is painted in the same bright, cheerful colors as the exterior, adorned with vibrant murals. Toys are scattered across the floor, and tables are piled with a variety of books.

As soon as we enter, we are met with a chorus of sweet, excited voices and eager, curious little faces. The small children quickly gather around us as we move further inside the room, their eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation. Some shyly peek from behind their caretakers, while others boldly approach with broad smiles.

“Balloons!” A little boy with red hair, dressed as a firefighter, shrieks with delight when he sees Shaw enter with colorful balloons in his hands.

“Oh, isn’t this wonderful, kids!” An older lady with a kind face and a blonde bob approaches us, her smile matching the children’s enthusiasm. “These kind folks have come to visit.” She extends her hand to me, which I gladly shake. “This is so generous of you both,” she whispers, beaming at both Shaw and me.

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