Page 112 of Where We Bloom

God, his eyes are on fire as he stares at me. He grips my arms so tightly, they might have bruises later, but I can’t bring myself to care.

Because he loves me.

He loves me.

“You wanted more,” he says, softening slightly, as he tips his forehead to mine. “And because I needed to be with you, to touch you and spend time with you, I gave it to you. I’m doing the work, learning you, caring for you, and giving myself to you in ways I never have with anyone else before. You’ve become the center of myuniverse, and in giving you themoreyou needed, I’ve lost my entire heart and soul to you. I’m yours. Everything I have is for you. So yeah,a ghrá,today terrified me, and I took that out on Simon, and I won’t fecking apologize for it.”

My throat and nose sting as tears come to my eyes, and I try to swallow them down, but it’s no use.

“God, I’m so sorry you were scared.” I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close. Connor buries his face in the crook of my neck, his arms locked around me as he takes a deep, shaky breath. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I would never do that to you.”

“I know, it’s not your fault,mo rúnsearc.But it can’t happen again.”

I shake my head, still holding on. “It won’t.”

We’re quiet, clinging to each other, and then I whisper in his ear, “I love you, too, you know.”

He releases a shuddering sigh, as if hearing the words is a huge relief, and then his lips cover mine, kissing me so tenderly that more tears fall from my eyes.

“Say that again,” he says as he changes our position. Laying me on the sofa, he kneels between my knees, bracing himself over me.

“I love you.” I bite my lip as he makes a grab for my khaki pants, pulling them down my legs, along with my panties, and tossing them aside. “You’re so damn smart and kind, and you love your family.”

His eyes warm as he works my blouse off, alongwith my bra.

“You’re thoughtful.” I help him get his shirt over his head. “And gentle. I can sleep when I’m with you.”

His gaze whips up to mine and narrows. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve never slept as well as I do when I’m with you. I joked with the girls that I wish we’d have nap dates.”

The corner of his mouth tips up. “Nap dates?”

“Yeah, just let me curl up around you and sleep. Jesus, it’s heaven. I’ve spent a decade exhausted because I can’t sleep, so if you dump me and I have to start sleeping alone again, I’ll have a nervous breakdown. No pressure.”

Now, that smile spreads all over his face. “Oh, I’m not letting you go anywhere, bumble.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Good. Because I’m also addicted to your body. These muscles arecrazy pants.Your body is insane. I’ve never met anyone with such an incredible physique. And when you’re inside me?—”

He does just that, slipping right inside me, making me gasp and hold on to him.

“What, baby?” he asks, dragging his nose up the side of my neck.

“It feels like I finally have my person.”

His eyes drift closed, and he rests his forehead against my own as his hips slowly start to move.

“You’remyperson,” he whispers before kissing me sweetly. “I’m taking you shopping tomorrow. On Fifth Avenue.”

“You don’t?—”

“Let me. Let me dress you from head to toefor my enjoymentand then take you out somewhere special.” Hepicks up the pace, grinding against my clit, and I start to see stars. “You don’t get to come until you agree.”

“That’s blackmail.” I have to lick my lips. “Or entrapment. Or treason. It’s something.”

He chuckles, brushing his nose against mine. “Say yes.”

“Connor, shit, I’m so close.”

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