Page 56 of Shattered Echoes

Christ, I've felt lust and desire and even a twisted semblance of love before. But nothing could have prepared me for the shattering depth of connection I experience with Colette in these fever-pitched moments of ecstasy.

A shudder wracks my spent body as her slick walls flutter in a weak aftershock. Clinging to her limp form, I nuzzle against the fragrant curve of her neck and pepper a trail of whisper-soft kisses along the thundering line of her pulse.

Colette hums almost imperceptibly, fingers carding through the damp strands at my nape in a sleepy caress.

God, how is it possible to feel so deliriously sated yet bereft at the same time? Like every cell in my body has been reduced to embers, only to be abruptly snuffed out before the inferno could ignite.

I can't deny the depths of my attachment any longer. I can't avoid the reality that Colette has irrevocably carved out a space within the most sacrosanct corners of my heart. She's lodged herself so deep in my core that the mere thought of being ripped away is enough to constrict my chest with panic.

But despite the terrifying intensity of these feelings, far too uncanny to be dismissed as the lingering vestiges of post-coital bliss, I find myself oddly…calm. At peace in a way I haven't experienced since before the dark days of addiction and despair consumed me.

Perhaps it's because for the first time in my life, I know I don't need to run from the fear of losing myself in another person. With Colette's arms wound around me in that timeless sanctuary of trust and acceptance, I'm whole. I'm home. And as harrowing and humbling as that realization is, I find myself ready to lean into it instead of recoiling.

Colette must sense the subtle shift in my energy because she draws back, tipping her chin to pin me with those dark emerald eyes. Her brow furrows in a wordless question, fingers stilling against my overheated skin as she searches my face.

I wet my lips, then take a steadying breath. "I think you’re right about me fixing things with Henry. I think it will be nice if I talked to him first. Explain this… whatever this is. I think it would be nice to give him some closure."

Her mouth parts in a silent “oh” before curving into the barest hint of a smile. "I was wondering when you were going to talk about that."

"Yeah, well..." I shrug. "Let's just say it’s been on my mind for a while. Henry fucked up alright, but I don’t think anyone recognizes that fact more than him. Plus, I think he’s being honest about wanting to make amends."

Colette angles her body to slide down from her perch against the wall, wincing as my softening length slips out of her welcoming depths. My concern must show on my face because she shakes her head almost immediately, lifting onto her tiptoes to smooth her palms over my tense shoulders in a soothing caress.

"I'm fine, Antonio," she murmurs, leaning up on her tiptoes to brush a chaste kiss to the corner of my mouth. "More than fine."

The tension eases from my muscles as I draw her into my embrace, marveling yet again at how perfectly she seems to fit against my body. Colette melts into the circle of my arms with a soft hum that warms me right down to my battered soul.

We stay that way for several hushed beats, basking in the afterglow of our profound connection as the sounds of nature drifting in from the surrounding forest envelop us in its eerie melodies.

It’s dark now, and the stars shine in a moonless sky. Sharing one deep, last kiss, we shift apart, lacing our fingers together as we gather our belongings.

We return to our different cars, our clothes beyond rumpled and caked with drying paint. A deep feeling of contentment settles inside me as we make our way through the ruins of the mill, hand in hand.

“You know, I could just drive back with you and come pick my car up in the morning,” I say, leaning through Colette’s window when she gets into her car.

“Don’t be silly. It’s a ten-minute drive back home.”

“Seems much more than that, unfortunately.” I kiss her and warmth blossoms inside me as if this is our first kiss together. I step back from the window. “Fine. Get going, before I change my mind.”

“Race you back?” she asks, firing the engine.

I spread my hands to the side, walking backwards with a lazy grin on my face. “What’s the rush, babe? We have all the time in the world.”

“You’re a hopeless romantic, Antonio. Did anyone ever tell you that?”

“So I’ve been told,” I reply, getting into my car. I watch her drive off, then follow close behind, my soul yearning for her even if she’s just a few meters in front of me.

Wild thoughts of our love making occupies my thoughts, and the drive back into town passes in a comfortable silence punctuated only by the occasional crackle of gravel beneath the truck's tires. Someday, I vow, gripping the wheel. Someday, I'll ensure those old ghosts are exorcised for good.

No more fear or trauma or nagging doubts to haunt the shadows lurking in dark places. Only the warmth of affection, contentment and self-acceptance she deserves.

Colette pulls into my driveway, and I follow close behind. Having her live with me now feels like the most natural thing in the universe. I park behind her and walk up the driveway to meet her at the foot of the steps, smiling.

She sees the serious look on my face and says, "What's on your mind, rockstar?"

I sigh and pull her close. "Just thinking how lucky I am to have someone as incredible as you in my life."

A faint flush colors her cheekbones as she ducks her chin, though I don't miss the pleased quirk at the corner of her mouth. Before she can deflect the compliment, I reach over to trace a line down her jaw, hooking a finger under her chin, and drawing her gaze back to mine.

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