Page 84 of Hannah.

“I know, but that’s what I thought two years ago. The idea of being with you made me feel immature and childish. Like I’d be overwhelmed by the whole experience, and I’d mess something up, and you’d realize that Elise would have been the better choice.”

A mortifying flash of memory—Elise and Dan on the beach—is quickly stifled. “You know good and well she and I would have never?—”

Hannah isn’t finished. “But that’s not how I feel now. When I’m with you, it’s like I’m the same person you always knew, but suddenly older, stronger, and more confident. It’s like you can see the best parts of me, and that makes me feel invincible. I’ve never felt this way before.”

“Me neither,” I confess, drawing her into my arms. Our lips meet, and in that moment, nothing else matters.

After passing by the pharmacy, I take Hannah back to the cottage once the sun is fully down. Despite the town lights, the stars are bright overhead. We don’t go in right away, walking around the estate together. Hannah’s arm is wrapped around my waist, and my arm is around her shoulders. We’re leaning into each other, walking slowly, content and silent.

“Did you ever imagine we’d be here?” Hannah asks quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“Back when I was just Elise’s annoying little sister, and you were this tall, handsome, unattainable man a million times too good for her. Did you ever think we’d be walking together under the stars, with your arm around me, and me thinking about how much I want to jump you and have you take me to bed?”

I stop and turn Hannah to me. She smirks, and her eyes twinkle. There’s not a hint of insecurity here, just confidence. “It might have occurred to me that I met someone special.”

Hannah pulls away from me, jogging a few steps ahead before turning back to face me. She almost glows in the moonlight. She spreads her arms wide, “Then why aren't you chasing me? I’m right here. Aren't you going to claim me?”

I know she’s playing around, but the image of her, the words, ignite something primal in me. Something dark and possessive that wants to take and mark and claim her as mine. That wants to let the world know that Hannah is mine. Mine alone, and no one else’s.

“Hannah,” I warn.

She giggles and spins and then takes off running down the path, her laugh echoing in the night. I take chase, my longer strides quickly catching her, and I wrap my arms around her, lifting her up off the ground. Hannah shrieks with laughter and twists in my arms.

“You caught me,” she pants, her eyes glittering with mirth.

“And what do I do with my catch?”

Hannah arches her back, pressing her hips forward. “You can start by kissing me. And then, you can take me inside and have your way with me.”

“Seems simple enough.” I kiss her, our mouths hot and hungry as she slides her fingers through my hair. I’m still holding her, and her legs wrap around me.

We’re out in the open, still on the grounds, and yet with her so hot and willing in my arms and her tongue sliding against mine, all rational thought and concern flees.

The need to have her is overwhelming.

We’re a flurry of kissing mouths, groping hands, and stumbling feet as we make our way back towards the cottage, barely breaking apart to catch our breaths. By the time we reach the door, Hannah is practically ripping my shirt as she works frantically to get it off.

“Bedroom,” I command, pushing the door open.

Hannah's already halfway there, and she sheds her clothes along the way, leaving a trail behind her that makes me groan. I follow after her, admiring the sight of her naked body silhouetted against the moonlight filtering in through the window.

When I reach the bedroom, Hannah’s stretched out across the bed, her hair fanned out in a halo around her head. She looks like a goddess, a temptress, a woman who knows exactly how powerful she is. She grins at me, and there’s a devilish gleam in her eyes.

Jerking my now-stretched out shirt over my head, I roll my shoulders, preparing myself to worship her.

23

Johan

For the secondnight in a row, I’m given the surreal gift of Hannah sleeping in my arms for the entire night. Her breathing is soft, and her back is tucked firmly against my chest, her bottom nestled against my groin.

Her hair tickles my nose, and the softness of her skin makes me sigh in contentment.

It’s early, just past dawn, and the day is going to be full of packing and goodbyes to our little sanctuary, but I can’t resist taking just a few moments longer to linger here. To savor the peace and beauty of the morning and the girl in my arms.

With Hannah, it’s not just the physical bliss of last night, though there's no denying the sheer pleasure we’ve experienced over the last two days. It’s so much deeper than that. With every passing moment, I’m falling harder, and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

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