Page 30 of Tangled Desires

“You got it.” He holds his hand out, mine slides inside, and we head down a trail. Jagger took it to the extreme when I had to wear a helmet, double-checking it was secure. The same could be said for the other gear. The harness, though, he triple-checked, just in case. The man undertook a lot of wild thrill-seeking adventures, yet when it comes to my safety, he goes to the highest degree. I expected him to go after me when it came to our turn, but he muttered under his breath that he’s going first in case something happens.

Luckily, he made it to the other side each and every time, my stomach in knots and holding my breath until I saw his feet meet the landing spot. Then he watched me the entire time, too. I’m thinking all of our vacations are going to end up being similar if I try to marry his penchant for fun and mine to see more of the world. Even with Dad’s job and us being stationed in all kinds of areas of the world, it’s different when you’re a child. You don’t appreciate what you have right in front of you, until you look back.

“Okay, so, since you’re picking the next adventure, do I get to pick the place?” I ask when we get further away from anyone else.

“Sure, name your place, Lili.” The name he uses for me comes across his lips in a husky tone.

“Paris. Two birds, one stone. We can have time for ourselves but also see Naomi and Scott.” They split their time between North Carolina and the 1stArrondissement in Paris, an area that’s rich with history while being close to everything.

“We’ll have to make sure we have more than four days for a trip like that, plus book Tysen’s jet in advance. You might lose hours at the clinic.” Jagger pulls me toward an overlook area.

“It’ll be worth it. The house being done helps, and while I’ve yet to figure out what to do with it, I’m leaning toward renting it out to Lennie’s family since they’ll be here on and off over the next few months. A little added income to put away.” I’ve been seriously contemplating renting it out, and maybe I still will, one of these days.

“Fuck yeah, I’ll take any time I can get without workblowing my phone up. Only thing I worry about is how you’ll handle being away from Shadow.” Jagger comes up behind me, caging me in. His warmth surrounds me, settling my soul like a deep balm.

“I think if we set up a cat camera and allow ourselves a few minutes a day to check on him, I’ll be okay.” I turn around, wanting to see his laugh lines at my crazy suggestion.

“I love you and your wild ideas. We’ll get one for the house. I figure we’ll need our phones to get around everywhere when we’re not with the newlyweds.” Yep, Naomi and Scott eloped. Didn’t tell a single soul, just went and did the damn thing and sent me pictures the next day.

“I love you, Jagger.”

“I know you do, which is why I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m telling you. Though it’s safe to assume you’ll say yes.” I watch as the man I love slides a ring off his pinky finger. It doesn’t even fit over his first knuckle. It’s absolutely stunning, an oval cut diamond in a silver setting, and he slips it on my finger. The ring fits perfectly.

“I’ll marry you, any day, any hour, anywhere.” I jump into his arms as tears stream down my cheeks. His mouth lands on mine, and he kisses me with fierceness, so much passion, and when his tongues snakes inside and they tangle together, it’s everything.

“Christ,” he mutters against my lips in between kisses. I feel what I’m doing to him when his thick, hard ridge slides along my core. The leggings do nothing to hide my own desire. I’m dripping wet. The need to have Jagger feels like it never ends, and it probably never will.

“Take me back. We have reason to celebrate.” When I nip at his lower lip, a low grumble gives me all the answer I need. There won’t be any going out to dinner tonight. We’ll be too busy with one another to care about food, not until it’s late at night, and we’ll end up ordering a pizza.

“Might have to climb down, unless you want me to carry you.” I unhook my legs and slowly slide down the length of his body.

“You can carry me to bed. Right now, we need to hurry.” Jagger takes my hand again, leading me down the path to where the rental truck waits. Excitement is thrumming through my veins. Any day that begins and ends with Jagger is my favorite kind of day.

I hope you enjoyed Jagger and Lyric’s story and will consider leaving a review.

Coming next is Secret Seduction, Luke and Shae’s story and releases August 2025

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Prologue

Shae

Two WeeksEarlier

“Hey Shae,how’s your day going?” Lyric walks in through the studio doors, a smile on her face and a pep in her step. She’s here three times a week and part of the reason I’ve seen an influx of new clients. Between her and the girls, Lennie, Kenny, Winnie, and Maci word of mouth has gotten around Oak County. The neighboring towns around Oak View where my place is situated.

When I opened up LITHE a year ago, I barely had two nickels to rub together especially after installing the mirrors, floors, and speakers throughout the at one time art gallery. It truly helped when I looked at the space with the realtor that the plan was completely open. My parents being the most supportive helped in the way of elbow grease. They couldn’t help me financially, yet they pulled their weight in what I needed most. Dad built the walls for two separate rooms for different classes to be held. He also did similar for the reception area where I’m standing behind now.

“Hi Lyric, not too bad. What about yours?” I don’t tell her that I’m waffling between closing the studio down for the afternoon and having to refund or credit the next class for the day. One of my instructors turned in her notice this morning and didn’t feel the need to give me her two weeks either. Needless to say, I truly hope she won’t be using my name as a reference or that her next place of employment chooses not to call me.

“Oh, you know, same old, same old.” She shrugs her shoulders, I notice the iced coffee with the Oak & Brew emblazoned with in a clear plastic cup, olive green print with their signature logo in the form of a coffee cup on the side.

“Anything new on the menu this week?” I ask, Oak & Brew is known for more than just coffee, they have baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and teas.

“Yes, it’s all things cinnamon this week. Cinnamon swirl latte, cinnamon coffee cake, cinnamon tea, and endless others. The girls and I have stopped by almost every day so far. I swear they put crack in their drinks because I am officially addicted.” Lyric takes the last sip of her drink, the slurping telling me more than she ever needed to.

“Crack in the form of caffeine and you are not wrong.” Tomorrow morning, I’ll be waking up earlier than usual to get a fix of my own.

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