I want him buried inside me and to feel that explosion of pleasure, but I feel suddenly shy. I’ve never been good at asking for what I want, and it feels awkward.

“Hey,” he whispers, framing my face and forcing me to look at him when I try to turn away. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head and grind against him, desperate. Everything about him makes me feel hot and needy, and yet, his familiar scent and the bond between us make me feel so safe. Cherished.Loved.

It gives me the confidence to be bold.

“I want you,” I whisper, biting my lower lip. “All of you.”

He smiles a slow smile and then reaches between us, fisting his cock in his hand and stroking, before moving his hands to my hips. He lifts me up, his hands gripping me tightly, as he guides me onto him.

I moan loudly as he fills me completely, the sensations overwhelming and intense. He thrusts up into me, setting a rhythm that has my body trembling with pleasure.

I start to move with him, feeling every inch of him inside me. Our eyes lock and I can see the love and desire burning brightly in them.

“You feel so good,” he groans, his breathing becoming ragged as I ride him faster.

My hands grip onto his shoulders as he whispers dirty words into my ear. It’s intoxicating and impossible to resist.

Our moans and gasps fill the air as we let go of all inhibitions and give in to the primal desire that has been building between us for years.

“Oh, god, Austin, right there,” I moan as he thrusts up. His hand reaches between us again, his thumb finding my clit and rubbing it with small circles.

My whole body feels alive with pleasure, and I know I am close to reaching my peak.

“Come for me,” he whispers huskily in my ear and that’s all it takes for me to shatter into a million pieces. The wave of pleasure crashes over me as he continues to move inside me until he reaches his own release. I cry out when he comes inside me, filling me with his seed.

We lay there panting and spent, our bodies tangled together in a mess of sheets and limbs.

“When does Cleo come home?” he asks, his breath heavy.

I turn to him. “At three,” I say with a yawn. He glances over at his phone on the bedside table.

“We’ve still got twenty minutes,” he says, with a devilish grin. “I know just how to spend it.”

He kisses me softly before trailing down my body once again. This time, I let out little giggles as he tickles my sides with gentle kisses.

“I love this,” he says against my skin. “Being able to make you laugh like this. Touching you.”

“I love it too,” I reply with a smile. “But mostly I just love you.”

He meets my eyes again and we both know that these words are promises we’re making to each other. It may not be a formal mating ceremony, but to us? These whispered words are our vows to each other. The journey has been hard, but we’ve survived it and come out the other side.

This is what I want…forever.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Yelena

The sweet aroma of chocolate chip pancakes fills the kitchen, along with the sizzle of bacon. I hum a cheerful tune to myself as I finish setting the table and preparing for our breakfast.The first breakfast as a family of three.

Last night was incredible. My body is tired and sore, but in all the right places.

Austin loves me and is ready to finally accept our mate bond. He loves Cleo and can’t wait to be her Dad.

For the first time in years, I’m filled with hope.

I pour three glasses of orange juice and set them aside. The front door opens, and I look up, smiling when I see Austin come in the door. He’s carrying a small bouquet of pink flowers.