Page 137 of Consume Me

“I like where this is going.”

“And that whole mysterious aura… I needed to find out what it was about you that drew me in like that.”

“I was supposed to be your mission of gathering information.”

“That was forgotten as soon as I developed this fascination and slight obsession.”

Knowing she feels as intense as I do heals every damaged part of me. All the shit I went through was worth it. Maybe it happened to appreciate her.

“Your mental strength, your deep-seated loyalty, your almost martyr-like sacrifice, and your capacity to love make you someone incredible. The fact you aren’t even aware of it makes you even more endearing.”

She robbed me of my words, so I show her my appreciation by slamming my mouth on hers.

The view from our suite is spectacular. The ocean stretches out behind the windows like a rippling blanket, with the full moon reflecting on its surface. The suite is decorated in a marine theme, complete with a soaking tub next to a king-sized bed and a glass shower adorned with deep green and gold marble patterns.

There’s a vase filled with violet roses and a box of pralines on the table, but what catches my eye is a small box. Opening it up, I find another hair clip—this one made of diamonds and pearls in the infinite symbol, with a precious filigree platinum design. I press it to my chest.

As I stand there holding my clip, emotions overwhelm me. Whatever is holding him back must be bad. I catch my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window, and my scowl vanishes the moment he comes behind me and wraps me in his strong arms.

In the cocoon of his embrace, my anguish evaporates. Ihope he will tell me soon so we can move on, enjoying and giving in to our love and relationship to the fullest. I don’t even care what it is. Knowing him, he had to do it because he didn’t see any other solution. Blake is not a bad person, nor does he enjoy doing bad things for fun. That darkness is most surely a result of his upbringing and the hardship he suffered at the hands of his awful father. I’ll love him so hard and deep enough, he will realize nothing he reveals will affect my feelings for him.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

He flicks a strand of hair behind my ear, placing a kiss on my sensitive neck, and goose bumps spread as if on command whenever his lips or fingers touch me.

“There’s this incessant urge inside of me to try to make you happy,” he says, brows furrowing as if trying to understand why.

Because he loves me, and I know that because I feel the same need to love, protect, and take care of him just as much.

“I hope it never goes away.” What I don’t say strangles my heart. I hope he will never stop loving me. I have experienced something I only dared dream about, and I don’t want to return to a time when I lived vicariously through books—off of hopes and imagination.

“It won’t. I’m yours even if you don’t want me anymore.”

Changing the subject, he says, “I placed the food order for later. We have two hours. What would you like to do?”

“Let’s go to the indoor pool.”

After changing into a black criss-cross two-piece swimsuit with metallic bands, I hand him the new hair clip so he can put it in my hair.

“I love how you always bring one back. Makes me feel like you thought about me.”

Gently, he pulls my hair to the side and attaches the clip. “Mia, I’m always thinking of you.”

His eyes glide over me with unadulterated hunger and sheer adoration.

“If we don’t leave right now, we never will.”

“The absolute horror…”

He slaps my ass and offers me a bathrobe. We take the elevator downstairs to the spa. Orchids and palms create an exotic scene. Other couples are here, either swimming, chatting in the pool, or sipping cocktails. Soft music from the island bar in the corner adds to the romantic atmosphere.

Right now,usfeels more real than ever.

We go from fooling around in the water, with him catching me every time, to him pretending to be a shark. I’m giggling so hard that I forget that we’re not alone.

We move to the sauna next, and I swallow so hard when he leans back, his body on display. Mouthwatering planes of muscle, ridges carved into a six-pack leading to a V-line dipping low, and arms flexing with sheer strength, mesmerize me. And those powerful thighs—he looks like he’s photoshopped.

I might be lean, but I have a small pooch, and my curves are not that defined.

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