Page 155 of Five Summers

Kit: Sure. I’ll find something. Have a good night.

Kit is truly incredible. Every request I’ve made has been effortlessly fulfilled. It’s a shame Reg can’t adopt Kit’s helpful attitude instead of constantly criticizing me.

Exiting the elevator, I slip my phone into my pocket.

When I notice Poppy rummaging through her bag for her room key, I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her close to me. “There’s no need for that. You’ll be staying in my room from now on.”

“Xander,” she says.

Keeping her snug against my chest, I guide her forward. “I’ve been clear about wanting everything, Princess, and I mean it. I want it all.” Placing a tender kiss on the side of her neck, we move towards my room.

As I insert the card into the lock, I effortlessly unlock the door to my hotel room. Holding the door slightly ajar, I signal for Poppy to enter. However, instead of stepping inside, she hesitates in the foyer, eyeing me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, dumbfounded by her intense gaze. All I desire is for her to come inside so we can explore the naughty thoughts consuming my mind. Yet, it’s clear that she’s preoccupied with her thoughts. “Take your time, Princess,” I say, trying to be patient. “Or you could let me know what’s holding you back.”

She maintains eye contact with me for a brief moment before finally finding the courage to speak. Her voice carries a hint of hesitancy as she addresses me. “So, when you say you want this, it’s not just a tactic to lure me into your bed. And then, after the tour, you’ll disappear like you did before. Because I can’t bear to go through that again. I won’t, Xander.”

Her face reflects the uncertainty she’s feeling, perhaps due to our previous encounters or my tendency to avoid difficult situations. I know I need to tell her that my intentions are real and this isn’t some line to get her into bed. It’s no longer just about sex, it has evolved into something much deeper.Man up asshole and tell her how you feel about her.

Boldly, I reach out and firmly grasp her hand, pulling her into the room. Startled, she lets out a cry of surprise as I swiftly close the door behind us. Pressing her against the door, my hands rest on either side, creating a profound sense of intimacy. Our eyes meet, her blue gaze locking onto mine. “Princess, do you truly believe I said those words just so I could fuck you?”

She gazes up at me and swallows. It’s clear that she’s attempting to maintain a façade, but I can sense from her breathing that all it would take is a kiss and I’d be balls deep in her. But I hold back because I don't want any more confusion.

“I want everything with you, Princess, and that means having you in my bed every fucking night for as long as I live. Do you want me to prove it?” I lean back, removing my shirt over my head. I observe her gaze shifting towards my chest. Her eyes widen, with shock as she takes in my tattoo. “I believe that says it all.”

I know how crucial it is to tell her those three words, even if it's tough for me. I want her to know my feelings are real, without judging me for my past. My deepest desire is to bare my soul and lay it all out for her to see.

Struggling to control the lump in my throat, I fight against the feeling of being suffocated by the words left unspoken. Get your shit together, asshole. Just tell her how you feel.

“In the past, I never told you this, but I need to say it now.” Swallowing hard, I can feel the words right there on the tip of my tongue. Yet, for some reason, I hesitate.She won’t laugh in your face, you idiot.She’s different from all those others, like my father who was supposed to love me.

Gathering my courage, I open my mouth and just go for it. “I love you.” I continue, disregarding the shocked look on Poppy’s face. “I’ve always loved you, Princess.”

With a gentle touch, I lift my hand and brush her hair behind her ear, noticing her mouth agape in surprise at my confession. But I can’t stop now. I need her to understand that she means everything to me.

“Before I left, I was in love with you. As the years went by, my love for you has deepened. I've learned the hard way in recent years that life just isn't the same without you.”

Despite her eyes beginning to water, I press on.

“I may have fame and wealth, but they cannot fill the emptiness in my heart that has persisted since the day I fucking walked away from you. Only you, Poppy, have the power to fill that void. I want you. I want Alex. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I would trade all my accomplishments in an instant to have both of you in my life. No more games, no more hiding my feelings. I am fully committed now. That’s it, Princess—I am laying my heart bare for you.”

She moves towards me, pressing her lips forcefully against mine. The gentle glide of her tongue sparks a surge of intense heat, causing my knees to weaken. I wrap my arm around her waist, guiding us backward across the room until we both tumble onto the bed. With eagerness, I claim her mouth while she wraps her legs around me, longing for closeness. The sensation intensifies as we grind against each other. Breaking away from the kiss, I prop myself up on my arms, ensuring not to crush her. She takes deep, steady breaths as she gazes up at me, her eyes filled with awe.

Her hand reaches up, gently caressing the side of my face. “I love you too,” she declares, and those words, so unexpected, bring tears to my eyes.

As she holds my gaze, her fingers trace down the side of my face, creating a comforting and familiar sensation. I close my eyes, relishing in her touch. When I open them again, Poppy’s lips meet mine in a fiery kiss. My heart races as she alternates between tender kisses and sensual strokes of her tongue. With my calloused fingers, I slip them under her shirt, causing her breath to hitch. Pressing my hard cock against her, she lets out a sexy moan that always ignites my desire.

Chapter sixty

Poppy

As he grips the edge of my shirt, he wastes no time in swiftly removing it along with my bra, igniting a rush of warmth that pulsates between my thighs. I gasp as he gently sucks on my nipple, the sensation sending waves of pleasure through my body. Within seconds, he effortlessly flips us over, placing me on top, and forcefully tears off my skirt and underwear. Straddling him, I feel the magnetic pull between us.

“Christ,” he whispers, his eyes brim with longing as he gazes at my naked form. His fingers lightly trace down the side of my breast, coming to rest on my hip. “You’re still so fucking perfect, Princess.”

His words wash over me, bringing a sense of calm.

I tug at the waistband of his jeans. “I want these off now,” I demand.

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