Page 37 of Tempest

I couldn’t speak, could barely breathe. The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Tempest, his solid warmth surrounding me, his scent filling my senses.

The kiss intensified, months -- years -- of pent-up desire finally finding release. Tempest’s hands roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I arched into him, desperate for more.

“Easy, sweetheart,” he said, his voice rough. “We’ve got all the time in the world now.”

I pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. The raw emotion I saw there stole my breath. “Promise?” I whispered.

“I swear it. You’re mine now, and I protect what’s mine.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. This was more than just a kiss -- it was a vow, a declaration of intent.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. Tempest’s lips curved before he claimed my mouth once more, sealing our newfound bond with a kiss that left no doubt about our future.

As we parted, Tempest rested his forehead against mine. His breath came in ragged pants, matching my own. I could feel the tension in his body, coiled tight like a spring. His eyes, usually hard as flint, had softened to molten silver.

“Christ. You’ve no idea what you do to me.”

I swallowed hard, my fingers tracing the lines of his face. “I think I’m starting to get it.”

Tempest’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against him. The solid warmth of his body grounded me, chasing away the last vestiges of fear from our ordeal.

We sat in silence, the weight of everything that had transpired settling over us. The beach house, once just a refuge, now felt charged with possibility. Each creak, each whisper of the ocean outside, seemed to echo with the promise of our future.

Tempest’s fingers threaded through my hair. “This isn’t going to be easy, but you know that. The club, your family --”

“I don’t care,” I interrupted, pulling back to meet his gaze. “I’ve waited too long for this -- for you. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “That’s my girl.”

I felt a thrill at his words, a warmth blooming in my chest. The uncertainty of our future stretched before us, but for the first time, I welcomed it. Tempest’s presence was a bulwark against my fears.

“What happens now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

That familiar intensity flickered in his eyes. “Now? We make this work. Whatever it takes. If you were anyone else, it wouldn’t be an issue. Your dad isn’t going to take this well. Some will take his side. Others will just want you to be happy.”

His hand found mine, calloused fingers interlacing with my own. The gesture was tender, at odds with his fierce reputation.

“The club will deal,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “You’re mine now. That’s all that matters.”

I nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through me. “And my family? Dad could have died in that accident, and now we’re dropping this huge bomb on him. Like you said, he won’t take it well. I’m worried how he’ll react, and what will happen after. And mostly, about his health. What if this causes a setback in his healing process?”

Tempest exhaled slowly, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “I can’t make him accept our relationship. I can only hope he’ll come around.”

“If we have Mom’s support, she’ll help.”

“Either way,” Tempest growled, pulling me closer, “I’m not letting you go. Not now. Not ever.”

The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I leaned into him, savoring the solid warmth of his body against mine. Outside, the waves crashed against the shore, a steady rhythm that seemed to echo the beating of our hearts.

“Tempest,” I murmured, clinging to him tightly. His body felt hard and warm against mine, sending desire coursing through me. The sound of the ocean couldn’t compete with the thundering of my heartbeat as I leaned into his strong embrace.

Despite everything I’d just been through, he was right about one thing. We were done waiting. If he was claiming me, then I wanted all of him. I wanted no doubts I was his when we returned home.

“Fuck, you have no idea how much I want you.” Tempest groaned, pressing his lips to my neck.

I could feel the pounding of his heart against me and it mirrored mine. My breathing became ragged as he trailed kisses across my shoulder.

He breathed in deeply. “I just… can’t get enough of you.” His hand slipped under my shirt to trace circles on my bare skin, sending tingles throughout my body. It was the first time a man had done such a thing to me, and my pulse pounded, my cheeks flushed, and I felt a rush of liquid heat between my thighs.

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