Page 50 of Sheltering Hollis

We found a picnic table near the games and laid out our food. Olive immediately ran off to join some other kids at the bouncy house, her laughter ringing above the din.

"Hey, ladies," Maddox greeted us as he kissed Helena and nodded at me. "Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it," I replied, grinning. "This place looks amazing."

"Credit goes to the whole club," Maddox said, looking around with pride. "Everyone pitches in to make these events special."

The BBQ became a blur of joyful moments as the day went on. Dimitri joined us at the table, his arm draped casually around my shoulders as we watched Olive play. Members of the club and their families mingled, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy, starkly contrasting to what I had imagined it would be like. I wasn’t kidding myself; I knew he chose to live with one foot in the light and one foot in the grey, but I loved him. Friends and family, what more could I ask for? Olive and I were so lucky.

"Hollis, you have to try these,” Helena said, passing me a plate of barbequed ribs. “Whitney makes them. They’re fantastic."

I took a bite and nodded appreciatively. “You’re right. Those are good.”

I leaned into Dimitri, feeling content. "This is nice," I said softly.

He kissed the top of my head. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. You and Olive deserve days like this."

As the sun set, the kids gathered for a game of sack racing, their laughter echoing across the field. Olive was in the lead, her face lit up with pure joy. Watching her, I felt a swell of pride and happiness.

"She’s thriving here," Helena said, nudging me gently.

"Yeah, she is," I agreed, my eyes never leaving Olive. "We both are."

The day ended with a bonfire, everyone gathering around to roast marshmallows and share stories. The sense of community was palpable, a reminder that family wasn't just about blood; it was about the people who stood by you, celebrated your joys, and supported you through your struggles.

As we packed up to leave, Olive, tired but happy, climbed into Dimitri's arms, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for today," I said to Helena, hugging her. "It was perfect."

"Anytime," she replied, smiling. "Welcome to the family, Hollis."

Driving home, the day’s warmth lingered, filling me with peace. I glanced at Dimitri, his hand resting on mine, and Olive, sleeping soundly in the backseat. This was our life now, filled with love, laughter, and a community that embraced us.

And I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.

Dimitri had carried Olive to her room, tucking her between her yellow pillows and brushing aside her curls, not even minding her sticky cotton-candy cheeks. I’d peeked in and watched as he sat beside her for a moment in reverent silence. More than anything, moments like that convinced me that I’d done the right thing. I’d catch him watching Olive or me with something akin to wonder like he’d won the lottery. He felt lucky that we were here.

I returned to our room and got ready for bed. Arizona was cooler in the evening, but it was still a lot to get used to—hot. Thank goodness that Dimitri had updated the house with air conditioning. There was no way I could have done without it during the day, especially.

Stretching out between the sheets, I waited for Dimitri, shifting my thighs together. He gave me a knowing look when he came into the room. “Looking restless, malysh.”

There was no doubt that I craved him. He was a magician in and out of bed, knowing how to work my body to a frenzy. I’d say he was insatiable, but that would imply that I wasn’t just as hungry. Even now, as he closed the door and shucked out of his clothes, I could feel how wet I was.

“Let me see you. Spread those pretty thighs for me.” He stroked his cock as he came forward, pumping it up and down, moisture gathering at the tip. I reached a finger down and swirled around the tip, spreading it. Then, I brought it to my lips, watching him the whole time. His eyes darkened.

“I want you so much. Right now. Don’t wait.”

Hooking one of my legs over his shoulder, he slid to the hilt, groaning when he bottomed out. “Fuck, your pussy is choking me. It’s the best feeling. Like it has a heartbeat in there.”

I groaned. “Move, please.” He hummed with pleasure and stroked in and out slowly, kissing me gently, too gently — torturously. “More.”

“Are you going to marry me, malysh? Stay with me?” He thrust forward again. “Make a life with me? Never leave.”

He picked up the pace, grinding against my clit as the words reverberated. “Are you serious … fuck … harder, Dima.” He obliged, swinging the other leg up and fucking me deeper and harder.

“That’s right. Let go for me. You’ll come, and then we’ll do it all over again. I’m going to make a mess of you until you say yes. Reach down and feel us, malysh. Feel us together,” he commanded.

Blindly I reached a hand down to where we were joined, jumping as my hand traveled over my sensitive clit, my palm landing there as my fingers split around his cock. My eyes nearly rolled back in my head. I wasn’t so sure why the feeling was so erotic, his thrusting and my fingers, the feel of my hand there against my clit. The orgasm blindsided me, stars shattering behind my eyes.

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