Page 71 of Wandering Closer

“You’ve got this. My dad will take care of everything, and my mom will hold your hand. I’ll see you at home tonight, okay?” His lips move to rub over mine, giving tender kisses.

“Okay. Thank you,” I give Shadow some love on my way out, “You be a good girl for daddy, I’ll see you later.”

Evelyn and David were already waiting for me with open arms when I arrived at the police station. They stayed with me through every step of the process. They sat on either side of me, Evelyn’s hand squeezing mine when they read through the text messages that Kinsley emailed me. I’m beyond grateful for their support and for letting me feel like I had parents in my corner.

Filing the restraining order felt like I was finally taking my power back. It felt like Tyler was one step further from me, and that I was one step closer to being rid of him and this whole situation. Even with the heaviness of the day, I felt lighter leaving the precinct.

Since getting home, I have tucked myself away into the office, working on the first round of edits. My developmental editor got it back to me this week, so I have been fixing plot holes, character developments, and other things she pointed out. I know most authors hate this part, but I love adding in little tidbits that I didn’t think of the first time around. I am soimmersed in the editing cave that I’m startled when Thoren calls out that he is home.

“Upstairs,” I call back, finishing my thoughts before closing my laptop. Shadow bursts into the room, tail wagging, tongue out, as she beelines for me. Thoren’s handsome face isn’t far behind as he leans against the door frame, arms crossed as he watches me.

“Hey baby,” his voice is full of grit, and I notice he isn’t in his work uniform anymore.

“When did you change?”

“Well, it wasn’t great timing with everything that transpired today, but I only worked a half day. I had a delivery and some last minute things I needed to take care of before your surprise tonight,” he says, striding over to drop his lips to mine. “Are you up for a small walk?”

He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers as he leads me down the stairs. I slip on some shoes, and as a family, Thoren, Shadow, and I make the short trek to my cabin. The sun hangs low, just behind the Evergreens, leaving beams of light dancing through the branches. Our steps crunch on the gravel as I take in my house. It looks the same from the front, but I know he must be showing me the completed bathroom as a surprise. While it will be nice to have it done and have my place back, I’m going to miss spending every night in Thoren’s arms.

He leads me onto the porch, halting our movement before he opens the door. “This was going to be a fun surprise for you today, but it feels heavier now. Before we go in there, I need you to know this has nothing to do with what happened today. I’m not kicking you out or running. I know how important it is to you to have your own things. Your own home that you worked hard for, with projects that you completed.” His free hand reaches up, thumb trailing over my bottom lip. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” His smile is devastating as he opens the front door and moves out of the way for me to enter first. The first thing I notice is a new couch and rug in the living room. I still had the previous owner’s couch with a cover over it, but in front of me is a cream-colored couch with light purple and green throw pillows and blankets on it. The rug on the previously bare floor is a light green with purple lilacs sewn into it. The walls have two new pictures added as well, one of Thoren and me and one of Shadow.

I walk forward on autopilot, moving into the bathroom and turning on the light. Everything is complete, and it’s even prettier than I imagined. The vanity Jake made is a beautiful walnut with a white basin in the center. The fixtures are all black, matching the black floor tiles that have white and gray veining throughout. The subway tiles on the shower are white with gray veining. The white paint on the walls ties it all together, aside from the pops of color he added. There’s a pretty lavender shower curtain and hand towel, and on the counter is a candle, making the whole place smell like lilacs.

Thoren’s right there when I turn around, his face softening as he takes me in. The pads of his thumbs wipe under my eyes, catching the tears I didn’t realize were falling. God, this freaking man.

“I love you,” I blurt out.

He sucks in a sharp breath as his wide eyes find mine. “Say it again.”

“I love you. I love the way you care for me and those around you. I love the way your eyes light up when I walk in a room and never stray from me. I love the way you protect me while still encouraging me to make my own choices. I love the way you see strength where I see failures. You have become my best friend and quietly loved me until I could love myself again. I love you, Thoren.”

His lips descend on mine as he kisses me like I am his next breath. When he pulls back, his hazel eyes shine with unshed tears. “I am so in love with you, Lily. From the moment you stepped into my life, I have only seen you. The light that you radiate wherever you go, and the warmth you share with everyone you meet. You have shown me that a love like my parents have is not only possible, but right in front of me. You are my home, Lily, and I love you.”

I smile through the tears that are flowing freely down my cheeks. “Will you stay here with me tonight?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

thoren

“Iwas hoping you’d ask.” I scoop her up, carrying her up the stairs to her bedroom. Lily loves me. I’ve known for a while that she does, evident in the way she looks at me with vulnerability and complete trust. I just didn’t think she would admit it to herself or to me so soon.

I drop her on the bed, immediately following her onto it, my body hovering over hers. Her small hands press on my chest, holding me up as her deep blue eyes search mine. “Thank you. Thank you for the bathroom and the furniture. For the little touches that you added for me. I’ve never had someone care for me the way that you do.”

I kiss a lingering tear. “I would do anything for you, my sweet Lily.” My lips press to her forehead, “But I can’t sleep without you in my arms anymore, baby.” I kiss a tear on the other cheek, “If you’re here, so am I.”

“I don’t mind playing Chinese fire drill with our homes. Might need to get a dog bed for Shadow. I don’t think she can fit on the couch with all those pillows,” she smiles up at me.

“I might have gone a little overboard with online shopping. I kept seeing things I knew you would love and wanted youto have them all. I’m not going to apologize for it. I’ll never apologize for doing what I think is right for you.”

Her hands slide up, wrapping around the back of my neck where she scratches her nails through my hair, pulling me down to her. Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, her soft lips molding to mine. Her vanilla scent surrounds me as I settle my weight between her legs. I lick the seam of her lips, requesting entrance. Our tongues tangle together, lazy and exploring.

I pull my shirt over my head, discarding it off the side of the bed as Lily sits up, letting me do the same with hers. Her bra follows soon after, thrown behind me as I take her mouth once again. We have spent every night in bed together for weeks, yet our hands are exploring each other like it’s the first time.

“Make love to me, Thoren,” Lily breathes against me, causing a shiver to run through me. I readjust, discarding my pants and boxers, never taking my eyes off her. She was right when she said my eyes never stray from her. They couldn’t even if I tried. Her beauty captivates me, the way her silky hair flows around her slender shoulders, the slight curves of her tits that fit perfectly in my hands. The way her lithe body moves with ease and grace, and her radiant smile that sets heat soaring through my body. Her olive skin looks so pretty under my rough hands, begging for me to mark it with my lips, my teeth, my cum.

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