Page 67 of Backstroke

“What did he say?” I press, unable to help myself.

He hesitates, running a hand through his tousled hair, a nervous habit of his that he often used to mask tension. “He wanted us to take some time... to understand how this could affect his career.”

My heart plummets, struck by the harshness of his words, like a blow that renders me breathless. Doubt creeps in, beginning its venomous whisper: can we withstand the storm? Yet, just then, he cups my chin with his palm, lifting my heavy spirit for a brief moment, his dark blue eyes locking onto mine with fierce determination.

“I told him that wasn’t an option, because I’m in love with you. You are mine, little fox.”

His words seem to cut through the doubt, illuminating the shadows of fear that linger in my mind like ghostly apparitions. The fervor in his voice, the conviction with which he holds my gaze—it illuminates the darkness and ignites hope within me.

“Remy, what will we do?” I ask, my voice trembling, trying to find purchase in the uncertainty that loomed just ahead.

His response is simple, straightforward, as if the answer is etched in stone, unmoving and resolute: “We’ll be together.” He squeezes my hand tighter, an unbreakable promise meant for just the two of us, buried in the chaos of the world outside

“I love you too, Remy,” I sigh, leaning my forehead against his. The warmth of his forehead against mine sends a flood of comfort through me. He sucks in a deep breath, pouring his everything into that moment, then pulls back to cup my cheek in his rough yet gentle hands.

“Say it again, little fox,” he pleads, like they’re the most precious words in the world and maybe they are. They sparkle inthe air between us like stars against an encroaching night sky, a beacon guiding us home.

“I love you, my pink psycho,” I declare, watching as a massive smile spreads across his face, illuminating his features, for once slicing through my worries like a warm knife through butter.

Before I can blink, he is on his feet, lifting me along with him in one smooth motion. He twirls me around as laughter pours from my lips, a melody that chases away the shadows of doubt. As the world blurs around us, I can only focus on him—his touch, his scent, the sheer joy of being wrapped in his arms.

When he finally places me back on the ground, he doesn’t let go, maintaining a steady grasp on me as if he fears the moment might slip away. “I promise, no matter what happens, we will make it through.” His voice is steady, a lifeline tossed out into turbulent waters, inviting me to hold on tight. I tilt my head back, looking into those sparkling eyes, and I know, deep in my heart, that I believe him.

“I know,” I smile up at him, intertwining my fingers with his. We step outside the grand mansion, past the marble columns and ornate fountain glistening under the dimming light.

He helps me into his Jeep, his movements filled with an effortless confidence that stir something deep within me. As he leans over to buckle me in, I inhale deeply, catching a hint of his cologne, a blend of cedar and cinnamon that always leaves me wanting more.

“I have a surprise for you,” he beams, excitement dancing in his voice, sending delightful chills coursing through my body.

Yeah?“ I reply, curiosity igniting the butterflies in my stomach.

He brushes my hair away from my face with his fingertips and leans down, ghosting his lips over mine. I whimper softly at the tantalizing contact, a small sound laden with longing as he lingers close before pulling away, his smile reaching ear to ear, making me drunk on desire.

“Does my girl need something?” he taunts, teasing me as he presses soft kisses along my neck. Each kiss lights a fire beneath my skin, igniting a hunger far greater than that of a casual embrace.

“Mmhmm,” I breathe out, clenching my fists in impatience as I whisper, “I need you more than air.” The confession slips from my lips, raw and unfiltered, and with it comes an overwhelming wave of need.

“You’ll have to wait until after your surprise,” he answers with a playful smirk, eyes glinting with mischief as he turns the ignition and rumbles onto the road.

As the Jeep barrels forward into the night, I watch the countryside fly by. The pale light from the dashboard illuminates his face, accentuating the sharpness of his jaw and the contours of his lips as he steals glances at me, like I am his rarest possession. He has become my solace, and being with him feels like an escape from everything that has ever burdened me.

Twenty Seven

Remington

Ipull into myspot, cutting the engine and letting the silence of the night envelop me. The clock on the dashboard flickers—it’s just past ten, but to me, it feels like we’ve been waiting for this moment forever. This is the surprise she never made it to that night.

Looking at Fallon takes my breath away. Her shimmering blue hair illuminated by the silver moonlight is almost ethereal. It drapes over her shoulders like waves crashing gently onto the shore, inflaming a longing within me that only she can satisfy.

The door creaks as I swing it open and jump from the truck, excitement rushing through my veins. I quickly round the vehicle, unable to contain the urge that surges inside me. She’s just as beautiful as ever, a vision I want to remember every moment of. Her eyes sparkle like stars—two pools of depth I could get lost in forever. I’m relieved when she stays put, allowing me the privilege of opening her door.

As I help her out, that familiar scent of lavender and honey envelops me, pulling me closer to her warmth. I pull her body against mine, wrapping my arms around her waist firmly yet tenderly. A jolt of electricity travels through me, igniting the hunger I’ve been holding back. God, I’ve wanted her. My cock hardens instinctively, and it’s maddening that it’s only been a few hours since I last had her beneath me. But every moment apart only amplifies the intensity of my desire.

“You look amazing tonight,” I whisper, my breath brushing against her delicate ear, eliciting a shiver that runs down her spine. She tilts her head back, exposing her neck, and my lips instinctively hover just inches away.

“You always say that,” she teases, her voice soft, melodic.

I smirk; it’s true. She wears these deep blues and blacks perfectly, accentuating her porcelain skin, making the hues of her hair glow even brighter under the moonlight. But it’s not just her looks. It’s the way she makes me feel, like I’m the only person in the universe.

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