Page 110 of Fragile

“She’s my everything,” I cut him off gently, but with a certainty that leaves no room for doubt.

For a moment, Dad just looks at me, his expression softening in a way I haven’t seen in years. There’s no judgment, no critique, just genuine emotion. “I’m glad you have someone like that, Miles. Your mother always said you two were like magnets.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, my voice a little rough. “That means a lot.”

He nods, looking down at his hands for a moment before meeting my eyes again. “I’m proud of you, son. Not just for the job or finding Quinn, but for finding your way through all of this. For standing up for yourself, for learning to be happy on your own terms. I know I didn’t make that easy.”

The words hit me harder than I expected, and I realize how long I’ve waited to hear something like that from him. It’s like a balm on an old wound, soothing some of the pain that’s lingered for so long. For the first time in a long while, it feels like we’re on the same team—not the one he tried to force me onto, but one we’re building together. I feel something shift inside me. It’s not just the release of the anger and fear I’ve been carrying—it’s the start of something new, something better.

Epilogue part two…

Miles

Her body trembles beneathmy fingertips, subtle shivers that urge me to explore every inch of her, mapping out the places that make her sigh or catch her breath. I kiss my way down her body, savoring the warmth of her skin under my lips. She arches slightly, wordlessly urging me on.

When I reach the spot just below her navel, I pause, letting the anticipation build. Her breathing quickens, shallow and expectant. I want to take my time, to savor her reactions, to feel the way her body responds to my touch, to listen to the soft sounds that escape her lips. But I also want to devour her.

I dip lower, my mouth finding her with a gentle, teasing stroke. She gasps, her hands tangling in my hair, pulling me closer. A smile tugs at my lips as I deepen my touch, exploring her slowly, deliberately. I want to give her everything, to make her forget the world beyond this room, to lose herself completely.

The taste of her is intoxicating, and each sound she makes drives me deeper into my own desire. I love how responsive she is, how every flick of my tongue draws a new reaction from her. It’s a conversation between us, one that doesn’t need words—just the sounds of her pleasure and the way her body moves beneath me.

She’s getting closer, her moans growing louder, her grip in my hair tightening. I can feel the tension building within her, the way she’s on the edge, and I’m determined to take her there, to watch as she comes undone because of me.

Her hips lift, her back arches, and I hold her steady, grounding her as the waves of pleasure crest. I keep the rhythm steady, unrelenting, until finally, she breaks. A breathless cry fills the room, her body tensing, then releasing in a series of shudders. I stay with her through it, not stopping until I feel her coming down, her breathing slowing, her grip on me loosening.

I kiss my way back up her body, taking in the sight of her—her flushed skin, her half-lidded eyes, her parted lips. She’s beautiful like this, raw and vulnerable, completely in the moment.

I brush a kiss across her lips, tasting the remnants of her pleasure on mine. She sighs into it, her arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer. “That’s one way to begin the day.”

“It should be the only way for my Queen.”

“Seriously, I think I’m floating.”

I chuckle. “Glad to be of service.”

“I’m going to be glowing at the commencement today.”

“I can make sure you’re extra glowy, if you want?” I press a kiss to the tip of her nose. She giggles again, this time more fully, and it lights up her entire face. I know how much this day means to her, but there’s something else I’ve been thinking about—something that’s been on my mind for weeks now.

Something I’m hoping I’ll have time to discuss later with her.

Her phone buzzes on the bedside table, breaking our perfect morning bubble. When the ringtone for Saweetie & Doja Cat’s “Best Friend”starts playing, I have to laugh. “Did you set that for her?”

She gets up, giving me a perfect view of her mostly naked body. “Yeah.” She shrugs, and the tiny strap of her sleep camisole falls down her shoulder. I want to reach up and pull her back into bed with me, but when I hear her next words, I know my morning is thwarted. “Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

She hangs up and swirls around with the grace of a cheerleader. “I’ve gotta shower. Indie has a hair emergency; she needs my help.” She pops out of the room, only to peep her head back in. “Join me in the shower?”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice.

***

Freshly showered and with a bigger glow to her cheeks, we drive in my truck to Quinn and Indie’s dorm. We don’t spend evenings here much together because since I got my new apartment a year ago and the job, it made more sense for her to stay at mine. But she doesn’t spend every night at mine, and I like that we’ve got a balance. I’m ready to be selfish with her, though.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I let Quinn go in ahead to help her best friend, thinking of my own best friend, who’s been living in Seattle for the last year. He got his pro career like he always wanted, and damn is he still the best QB out there. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I bring up his number and press call.

“Dude, do you have a sixth sense?” he answers, his voice full of amusement.

“Were you just about to call me?” I ask, grinning.

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