Page 180 of Desperate Actions

“Sammy,” she whispers when I reach her, breathless, as if she can feel the weight of my need pressing against her skin.

I don’t stop.

My hand finds the delicate curve of her neck, fingers threading through her hair as I pull her in, claiming her lips with a fierce, deep, unapologetic kiss.

Loud cheers erupt from our friends and family, the clinking of forks against glass echoing in the air

But none of it matters.

Not when she’s here.

Not when she’s mine.

"Jesus Christ, do you two ever stop?" comes the familiar, exasperated groan of Angel Fury.

I smirk against Aella’s lips, but she pulls back just enough to turn her head, grinning at her father.

“Stop it, Dad. I love him!” she shouts, unapologetic.

My girl.

The crowd erupts in laughter, and before I can even think, I grab her hand and twirl her straight onto the dance floor.

The DJ’s voice booms through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for the newlyweds!”

Next, I am dancing with my wife.

I hold her close, my hands splaying against the small of her back, pressing her body into mine.

Aella’s arms wrap around my neck, her fingers curling into the hair at my nape.

She’s looking up at me, and fuck, I swear I feel the earth tilt beneath my feet.

I’ve never seen eyes so bright.

So full of love.

I’ve never deserved something this beautiful.

But I’ll never let her go.

"You know, I never thanked you," she murmurs, voice barely audible over the music.

I brush my lips over her temple. "Don’t thank me."

She pulls back just enough to level me with a stare.

"No, I mean before then," she insists. "It’s like I was walking around, missing a piece of me for my whole life. And then that night in Vegas, you claimed me. And suddenly, I waswhole. Sammy, I am so lucky to have you."

Her fingers tighten around my shoulders.

"I love you so much."

I can’t breathe.

I can’t fucking move.

---