Page 46 of Whispers and Warriors
Emma’s body relaxed into his touch, surrendering to the moment with a trust that stole his breath. It was a testament to the bond they’d forged, the unwavering faith that had seen them through the darkest of times. Her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer as if she couldn’t bear even the slightest distance between them.
“Alex,” she breathed, his name a prayer on her lips.
He didn’t answer her, not with his mouth anyway. He pressed against her, shifting their positions so he could crowd her against the wall as his lips trailed down her neck. His hands moved lower, his fingers slipping inside the waistband of the too-big pants, behind her underwear and over her clit without distraction or concern for where they were or that the room was just behind them.
Her hand went beneath his chin and lifted him away from her only to kiss him, her hips grinding against his fingers.
“I didn’t realize how badly I needed this. To feel you all again after so long without.” She practically purred into his ear before returning to kiss him as her hand moved to cup him through his pants.
Her words sent a jolt of desire through Alex’s body, his hands moving with renewed urgency as he sought to bring her pleasure. They had been apart for too long, denied the simple joys of physical intimacy by their circumstances. But now, with the weight of uncertainty lifted from their shoulders, they could finally give in to the desires that had simmered between them for so long.
He groaned as Emma’s hand cupped him through his pants, the pressure sending sparks of pleasure shooting through his body. With a growl, he claimed her mouth once more, their tongues tangling in an urgent dance.
Alex couldn’t recall ever feeling such intense pleasure, and it happened so suddenly that he was caught off guard. Her cries of ecstasy fueled his frantic strokes over her slick folds, and in a matter of seconds, he found himself reaching the peak of his own arousal. With an explosive moan, Alex came, his body tensing and trembling as waves of pleasure washed over him. Time seemed to stand still as they both rode out their orgasms together, lost in the throes of passion and pleasure.
“Was that okay?”
“Of course,” she looked confused.
“No, I’m an asshole. It was barely two days ago when someone touched you. I should have asked…”
“You should have done exactly what you did,” Emma kissed him again, a quick kiss this time. “I never thought I’d feel this way again after running twice in a single week. Like there’s hope for us, for a future.” She let her hand slip off of him with a sigh.
Alex did the same, his hands sliding out of his pants before he wiped his finger on his pants. “We’ll make that future, Em. Together. I promise you that.”
The words were a solemn vow, a covenant sealed with the press of his lips against hers. In that moment, Alex knew that hewould move heaven and earth to keep that promise, to build a life worthy of the love that burned between them.
The warmth of their bodies mingled, a comforting cocoon amidst the bustling environment of the ship. The soft murmurs of the passengers, the gentle creaking of the vessel, and the distant crash of waves against the hull wove together in a symphony of life, a stark contrast to the desolate silence they’d left behind.
Alex’s senses were heightened, every touch, every sound, every scent imprinting itself upon his memory. He wanted to remember this moment, to etch it into his very soul. The silken strands of Emma’s hair beneath his fingertips, the salty-sweet taste of her skin, the steady thrum of her heartbeat against his chest—these were the details he would carry with him, the anchors that would keep him tethered to hope in the darkest of times because he wasn’t foolish enough to believe there weren’t more coming at some point.
As he held her close, Alex’s mind was free from the burdens of their past struggles, the constant fear and uncertainty that had plagued their every step. In the circle of Emma’s arms, he found a sanctuary, a place where he could let down his guard and simply be. For the first time in longer than he could remember, Alex allowed himself to believe in the possibility of happiness, to imagine a future where they could build a life together, free from the shadows of their past.
They stood there, foreheads pressed together, breathing each other in, letting the reality of their love wash over them. It was a love forged in the crucible of adversity, tempered by the trials they’d faced together. A love that had survived against all odds, that had grown stronger with each passing day.
The world around them slowly faded back in, the low hum of conversations and the soft footsteps of passersby a comforting reminder that they were no longer alone. Alex reluctantly pulledaway from the safety of their embrace, but not before pressing one last kiss to Emma’s forehead.
“I’ll be here,” he vowed, his voice strong and certain. “No matter what comes our way, I’ll be here. I’ll protect this, us, with my life.”
Emma brushed a stray curl from his face, her eyes shining with love and trust. “I know you will, Alex. And I’ll be right there beside you, always.”
“I suppose we should go inside. There kids present.” He grinned like a lunatic even as he felt guilty. “Fucking kids!”
Emma leaned into Alex’s side, her voice soft and filled with wonder. “I can’t wait to see what’s ahead of us.”
“We’ll make it a good one, Em,” Alex promised, his voice fierce with conviction. “A life filled with love and laughter, with joy and hope. A life worth fighting for. We’ve just got one step left.”
“I like the way that sounds almost as much as getting out of these crunchy, salty clothes.”
Chuckling, he pushed open the door and gestured for her to walk in first.
EIGHTEEN
Chris’s measuredsteps thankfully didn’t betray the urgency thrumming through his veins as he entered the captain’s quarters, waiting to meet the man who would set them free. Bash, William, and Liam stepped in a moment after. The floorboards creaked beneath their boots as they moved all the way in, the sound unnaturally loud in the stillness. Amber lamplight lent a deceptive warmth to the room, the glow highlighting the tension etched into their faces.
Chris’s eyes darted around the space, taking in the sparse furnishings—a desk strewn with maps, a bookshelf crammed with yellowing volumes, a tattered armchair in the corner and a perfectly made bed through another door. Nothing that gave away who the person they waited to meet was, and the woman who said she would tell them how things worked hadn’t said a word.
“Well then,” she cleared her voice and Chris turned to look at her as she joined them and closed the door. “I’m Captain Amelia Novak.” Her voice was low, even. A challenge and an introduction rolled into one. She gave them a chance to voice their disbelief.
