Page 42 of Lyon

I entered her slowly, savoring every sensation, every soft gasp that left her lips. I held still, just for a moment, because if I moved too soon, I wasn’t sure I’d last.

She tilted her hips, urging me deeper.

“Faster,” she murmured.

That was it.

I lost control, thrusting into her as she wrapped her legs around me, meeting me stroke for stroke. Her moans turned to cries, her nails digging into my back as she shattered beneath me.

I followed, burying myself inside her, our bodies perfectly tangled in a moment that felt bigger than both of us.

We made love all night.

When I woke, she was in the shower, singing softly.

I grinned, rolling out of bed, still naked, and joined her under the hot spray.

“I was hoping you’d hear me in here,” she teased, turning into my arms.

I kissed her, and soon, we were lost in each other again, steam swirling around us as our bodies came together one more time.

But then—too soon—it was time to go.

I stood by the door, dressed and ready, reluctant to leave. “Be careful while I’m gone,” I murmured, kissing her forehead. “Promise me you won’t go back to work yet.”

Her next words caught me off guard.

“I quit my job.”

I pulled back, searching her face. “Youquit?”

She nodded.

Something warm and fierce burst inside my chest—relief, joy, something bigger than words. I gathered her close, holding her like I’d never let go.

“I don’t have to worry about you getting hurt now,” I murmured.

She smiled up at me. “Are you going to sell your house?” I asked.

“I’m thinking about it,” she admitted. “We’ll talk about it when you come back.”

I tightened my grip. “Sell it, baby. Move in with me. I love you. Iwantyou with me.”

Her fingers traced my jaw. “I love you too. I’ll think about it. Ipromise.”

I exhaled, pressing one last kiss to her lips. “Please stay safe.”

She nodded, eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite place.

With one last lingering look, I stepped out the door and into the world that kept pulling me away from her.

I hated leaving.

But this was my job.

And I loved my job most of the time.

It’s what we all had to do.

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