Page 65 of Thanks for Coming Along

He carried her under the warm shower spray, the water cascading over their intertwined bodies. Eden's hair instantly soaked under the spray, clinging to her skin in dark strands. Ronan pinned her against the tiled wall of the shower, his lips trailing over her glistening skin, leaving a trail of wet kisses in their wake. Her body arched in response as he boosted her higher against the cool tiles, her back pressing into the smooth surface.

His tongue traced a path from her shoulder to her erect nipple, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her body while his hands squeezed her ass in a possessive grip. Just as his tongue brushed against her sensitive peak, Eden seized his shoulders, pulling herself impossibly closer, her legs wrapping tightly around his waist. He rubbed the head of his cock over her slick entrance, teasing her.

A loud moan escaped Eden's lips as she felt the heat of his cock against her, her body trembling with anticipation. Her head pushed back against the cool wall, her back arching against the slick surface. With a slow, deliberate motion, he began to slide the first few inches inside her, each inch sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body. Then, with a demanding thrust, he pushed into her, filling her completely as her walls fluttered around him.

"God, you feel better than I could have ever imagined," he growled against her neck, his voice dripping with desire. Her body shivered at his words, and she felt as if she could climax right then and there after just one stroke, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of their connection.

Within seconds, Eden found herself teetering on the edge, her entire being consumed by the fire coursing through her veins. Her fingernails digging into his shoulders as she desperately clung to him, lost in the whirlwind of sensation. He continued to drive into her with relentless intensity, each thrust pushing her closer to the brink of release.

Leaning forward, he captured her lips in a kiss, their mouths crashing together desperately. His tongue devoured hers as warm water slid off his shoulders against sensitive nipples. Oh,Lucifer.

Her body bucked involuntarily against his, her head sliding against the tiles as a loud moan escaped her lips. "Ronan," she groaned, her voice filled with longing and desire. He responded by pinning her hips firmly against the shower wall, his thumb pressing into the crest of her hip bone as his thrusts quickened, driving her closer to the edge of euphoria. Her legs trembled uncontrollably, her entire being straining for release.

"I feel that pretty pussy clamping down on me. I know you're close," he whispered roughly in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine as he gently bit her earlobe. His words ignited a fire within her, pushing her over the edge.

With a forceful arch of her body away from the wall, her inner walls clenched tightly around him as she reached her climax. Ronan leaned over, his deep groan vibrating against her sensitive skin as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Pulling her closer, his pace stuttered as he approached his own peak.

His lips captured hers with a fervent hunger, a deep possessiveness that stole her breath. His fingers entwined in her damp hair.

"Eden," he whispered her name, the sound both demanding and desperate. When he said it, it was more than just her name. It was a confession, a declaration of the intimacy they now shared. Something had irreversibly shifted between them like they had crossed an unspoken line that could never be undone. He had left a permanent mark on her heart, branding it in a way that made it clear there could be no other. It was him, or no one at all.

41

Eden

Eden woke up the next morning, the sunlight streaming through the gauzy linen curtains. The sun reflected brightly off the ocean waves outside, blinding her eyes. She was caught in the top sheet, her leg tangled with another pair of warm, solid legs.

As her eyes adjusted to the brightness, she gazed at the tousle of dark brown hair beside her. Ronan's lips were slightly parted in sleep, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. He looked angelic, framed by the bright stream of light filtering through the curtains. Unable to resist, she traced her thumb over his full, dark eyebrow, marveling at the sheer beauty of his face.

"It's rude to stare," Ronan murmured, his eyes still closed as if he sensed her gaze. He pulled her closer, and she ran her fingers through his soft hair.

The night before had been life-changing, something so rare that Eden couldn't help but feel how special it was. This type of connection went deeper than just words or touch. It was an understanding of souls, a fusing of something bigger.

Ronan's fingers gently traced the intricate lines of her tattoo on her ribs, following the delicate branches until they reached her sternum.

"I can't believe this tattoo has been on your skin all this time, and I only saw it yesterday," he whispered softly, his breath warm against her ear. "I want to see it every day."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, and she bit her lip to suppress the swell of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. As he looked at her with those eyes filled with tenderness and desire, the realization of what he meant to her hit her square in the chest. Usually, a statement like that would have her running with Usain Bolt-level speed far, far away, most likely catching the next flight out of California. Commitment had been something she avoided over the last few years, a locked door she refused to open.

Enjoy this while you can, her brain mocked. She quickly pushed away the nagging thought. Her brain was still battling with her heart, a silent struggle waging within her body.

She let herself relax into his touch, tuning out the conflict and focused on feeling the warmth of his body against hers, the steadiness of his breath. Her fingers absently traced the line of his jaw, enjoying the rough, dark stubble against her skin. She watched as a soft smile played at the corners of his lips, it made her heart skip.

Ronan's fingers continued exploring, mapping out her tattoo's delicate petals and intricate details. As he traced the final line, his hand came to rest over her heart, feeling the steady rhythm beneath his palm. Her heart fluttered at that touch. He had unlocked something inside her, something profound. She had never felt such a strong connection to anyone before. And last night seemed to have peeled back a layer of her soul, making her realize she was unequivocally his—body and soul.

He had taken root within her heart, stretching and sprawling, embedding within her. Over the passing weeks, those roots had grown deeper, penetrating and weaving an intricate web that now seemed to envelop her entire being. It was a bond that felt so deep that attempting to sever it would leave her heart mutilated beyond repair.

"Does it mean anything?" Ronan's eyes continued exploring her tattoo, still tracing its intricate lines.

"It's a branch of magnolias," Eden began her voice initially a bit raspy from sleep. She cleared her throat gently before continuing. "I used to stare at the magnolias in Central Park growing up. They were one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, and it always felt like a reprieve after a long, freezing winter. The ground would thaw, and the magnolias would always bloom. I remember seeing them during some tough times at home. That burst of pink in the shades of gray. I would stare at those flowers and think, 'If they can still bloom after countless harsh winters, maybe I can too.' So, I got this tattoo as a reminder of my own resilience." Ronan's fingers glided over her ribs as she spoke, leaving a trail of electric sensations in their wake.

"It fits you perfectly. You are one of the strongest people I know," he replied, his lips tenderly kissing the center of her sternum, his eyes meeting hers. A thousand butterflies took flight in her stomach, their wings fluttering in a frenzy at his words and the softness in his eyes.

"What time is it?" Ronan asked suddenly, his body going taut. Eden glanced at the clock over his shoulder.

"It's 7:57," she replied, her words with a sleepy yawn.

"Shit. I have a video meeting at 8 o'clock," Ronan exclaimed, his body tense as he kicked the sheet off their lower halves. He hurriedly got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom to gather his clothes. "Can you double-check and make sure the meeting is still scheduled?" His voice echoed from the bathroom. "It should be in my email."

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