Page 111 of Jenna's Protector

It’s overwhelming, all-consuming, and exactly what I need.

The tension builds, a coiling heat in my core that grows with each passing moment. Carter’s movements become more urgent, hisgrip on me tightening. I cling to him, my nails digging into his shoulders as I teeter on the edge of oblivion.

He shifts his angle, pressing deeper still, hitting that spot inside of me that sends waves upon waves of pleasure coursing through my body for the second time.

When I fall, it’s with Carter’s name on my lips, a cry of pleasure and release. He follows me over the edge, burying his face in my neck as he shudders against me.

The musky scent of arousal fills the air around us, mixed with the clean smell of soap—it’s intoxicatingly sensual and addictive all at once. We’re lost in each other completely—two souls connected by nothing but raw passion and primal desire for more than just physical release.

Each thrust, each caress, each whispered endearment is a promise. A vow that we’re here, we’re alive, and we’re together. It’s as if we’ve never been apart—every touch, every caress feels so right, so perfect.

Afterward, we stand together under the cooling water, our foreheads pressed together, just breathing. Carter’s hands stroke my back in soothing circles as I nuzzle into his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat.

For the first time since this nightmare began, I feel whole again, safe and loved. The horrors of my capture seem distant now, washed away by the strength of our connection and the depth of our love.

Carter’s hands continue their gentle exploration, no longer urgent with passion but tender with care. His fingers trace the outline of my face, brushing away stray droplets of water. I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth of his palm against my cheek.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his eyes roaming my face as if memorizing every detail. “I’m absolutely and totally captivated by you.”

Warmth creeps up my neck, heating my cheeks. Even after everything, he still has this effect on me. I stretch up on my toes, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “For everything. For finding me, forsaving me, for being here for me. And I’m absolutely and totally captivated by you, as well.”

“I love you.” Carter pulls me closer, enveloping me in his strong arms.

“I love you more.” I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart.

We stand like that for a long moment, the cooling water cascading over us, neither willing to break the peaceful bubble we’ve created.

Eventually, Carter reaches behind me, shutting off the water. He grabs a towel, wrapping it around me before quickly drying himself off. His hands are gentle as he pats me dry, careful of the bruises that mar my skin. When he’s done, he pulls me into another embrace, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“We should get dressed,” Carter murmurs eventually, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. “Max is waiting.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Carter

The antiseptic smellof the vet clinic hits me as soon as we walk through the doors. Jenna’s hand tightens in mine, her anticipation palpable. The receptionist recognizes me immediately, offering a warm smile as she leads us to Max’s room.

My heart clenches as we enter. Max lies on a large, padded bed, various tubes and monitors attached to his body, but as soon as he sees us, his tail thumps weakly against the bed.

“Hey, buddy,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. I kneel beside him, gently stroking his head. “You gave us quite a scare.”

Jenna joins me, tears streaming down her face as she carefully hugs Max.

“My brave boy,” she whispers, burying her face in his fur.

“He’s doing remarkably well.” The vet enters, clipboard in hand. “The bullet missed all vital organs, and he’s responding well to treatment. With some rest and care, he should make a full recovery.”

Relief washes over me. I look at Jenna, seeing my own emotions mirrored in her eyes. We’re all going to be okay.

We spend the next hour with Max, talking to him softly and showering him with gentle affection. Jenna pulls out some treats shemade special for him. His eyes never leave us, as if he’s afraid we’ll disappear if he looks away.

“I’m so sorry, Max,” Jenna murmurs, her fingers tracing the bandages on his side. “You were so brave.”

I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “He protected you. Just like he always has. Just like he always will.”

Max’s tail wags a bit stronger at that, as if he understands my words. He manages to lift his head enough to lick Jenna’s hand. She laughs softly, the sound like music after everything we’ve been through.

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