Page 50 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“Yet, here I am. Kinda hard to run when you have a loaded gun pressed to your stomach.” Her one eyebrow arches in challenge.

Mmm. Feisty. I love her like this.

I slide my hands up the curves of her body, lifting the sweatshirt she’s wearing and stripping it off her. My fingers dip into the waistband of her sweatpants, pushing them to the floor. They are Liam’s anyway. I don’t need my girl in his clothes.

A streak of desperation hits me as my hands find her face, fingers fanning out around her ears and clinging to the nape of her neck. Soft lips find mine, the prickle of stitches nudgingagainst my skin before I even lower my head. Her hot, needy tongue glides over my lower lip before tangling with my own. The tips of her fingers press against each of my shoulder blades, digging in and pulling me tighter against her body.

I lower my head pressing kisses to her neck, over each bruise formed there. A shiver races up her spine as goosebumps spring up over her bare breasts. My greedy hands cup each one, toying with the puckered nipples. Madison releases a pleased moan, throwing her head back, giving me better access to the column of her throat.

My teeth graze over the space at the base, before my tongue licks up the gorgeous length of it. As my lips find hers once more, I pick her ass up, her legs finding their place around my hips. Her arms circle my neck as I hold her with one hand, tossing the comforter and sheets to the bottom of the bed. My knee finds the mattress before I lower us down onto it. I hover above, admiring those sparkling eyes.

“I’m not running anymore, Diego. I’m yours—only yours—if you’ll still have me. I don’t want to be anywhere else,” she confesses breathily.

Like the Grinch, my heart feels like it just grew three sizes larger.

Twice more, I kiss her, leaving the both of us breathless. “You,Mariposita, are not only etched into my skin,” I say, placing her hand on my chest, “But are etched into my very soul. Not having you would mean this erratic heart beating beneath your fingers has ceased.”

A radiant smile spreads across her face. I’d kill anyone who threatened to take it away from me. Her determined hand slides down my chest, dipping below the waistband of my sweats. I stop her, cuffing her wrists with my fingers.

“I would love nothing more than to hear my name sung from this beautiful mouth. But, I refuse to fuck my wife in her ex’s house. An ex I have come to respect.” I shift the both of us untilwe are vertical and drag the covers back over us. My arms drape around her center, pulling her back against my chest. “Tomorrow is a new day—and I plan on ravishing you. So sleep, beautiful. You are safe, you are mine, and you are loved.So.Fucking.Much. I love you,Mariposita.”

Her body snuggles in closer until there is nothing between us but the heat of our bodies. “I love you,Ocean Eyes.”

It’s the first time she’s actually said it. Madison loves me back. Nothing could have prepared me for what it felt like hearing those three little words. Five, if you add in the nickname she gave me. The one that drives me wild.My wife fucking loves me back.Damn. I sit here in awe and elation knowing she’s mine in every sense of the word.

Legally, spiritually, and romantically.

A few heartbeats later, silence fills the room. Her breathing has slowed and shallowed. Just when I think she’s fallen asleep, my sassy woman says, “I’m holding you to that.”

A deep laugh rumbles my chest, shaking her and I. I place a kiss on her shoulder blade.

“Go to sleep, gorgeous. You’re going to need it.”

I sleptthe entire day away. Lexi and Conor left at midday to head back to New York. They had a flight to catch back to Arizona. With everything going on, Liam gave Con a bit of time off to spend with her while they prep for the wedding.

Diego woke me up with lunch earlier this afternoon. He brought in a tray of sandwiches and some soup Liam had prepared for everyone before they hit the road. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I devoured two sandwiches and half a bowl of soup. Which led to theitis. All I did was close my eyes to digest and ended up falling asleep again. It barely registered that Diego had snuck out of the room shortly after.

I stretch my arms over my head, curling my toes against the soft sheets. My hands sprawl out on either side of the mattress, coming up empty. Diego must be with Liam, sorting out everything that happened last night.What a crazy night.Not one I wish to remember, but one that Ineedto remember.

This will be my life now.

If I want to remain part of Diego’s life, and call the Kennedys my family, I need to always remember the risk.

But with risk comes reward, right?It’s one I am willing to take. I’ve explored the alternative and tried living away from them.

It’s just not possible.

The buttery soft material of Diego’s t-shirt clings to my body.Damn. I really must have been in a food coma not to notice him dressing me in not only his t-shirt but a pair of sweats as well. Thank goodness I feel well rested. I should be—considering it’s almost five o’clock.

I shuffle over to the en suite to brush my teeth and wash my face. One look in the mirror has me gasping. The bruising looks downright awful. Dark purple and green splotches cover my jaw line, climbing up towards my cheek. Similar bruising has formed like a necklace around my throat. My fingers glide over the markings in frustration.How the hell am I supposed to visit Dad looking like this?

Diego enters the bathroom, spooking me. I jump as our eyes meet in the mirror. Sneaky bastard is as light on his feet as a panther.

“It’s winter. It’s not unusual to wear a scarf. Don’t worry, baby, your father may never catch on. I know you have amazing makeup, it’ll cover the bruising. The stitches can be explained by a fall.”

“I don’t want to lie,” I grimace, wincing from the pain in my jaw.

He steps into my space. The warmth of his body pressing against my back and his hands gripping the counter around me send delicious shivers down my spine.

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