She understands what I mean, that I’m answering the lingering question in the air.

“He knew we were fucking?”

More than that…

“He knew I was madly in love with you,” I confess before swallowing the lump forming in my throat. I can’t recall how many arcs I’ve been here, repeating again and again how I’d tell her the truth.

That I fucking loved her.

Adored her.

Wanted her to be my world all the time and not some secret I had to keep hidden in the tiny closet.

My confession leaves her speechless, but I don’t need her words to see the effect my confession has.

Her cheeks turn red, her eyes shift back to emerald jewels, her breath hitches and quickens, and the tiny waves of her aura dance around us in pure bliss at our blazing connection.

I may not be able to read my girl as she does me, but when it comes to her body, I can read her as clear as day.

“I thought you got tired of me…” she admits and tries to lower her head.

As if I’d allow her.

My hand grips her chin, lifting her head and claiming her lips once more. The tension in her shoulders seeps away as our tongues chase and entwine. Her arms tighten around my neck, and her delicate fingers run through my hair. I love the feel of it all. To have her here in my arms, pressed between me and the wall.

All mine.

“Never.” The word is firmly said, even with how breathless I am after breaking that heated kiss. I know the only way to get her to understand me is the one way we’ve always communicated.

With our lips, our hips, our bare bodies, and desperate hands ravaging across our feverish flesh.

I’m tempted to risk it all here and now if it means I’d get to ravage her and have my cock deep inside her wet pussy. I haven’t been able to be with anyone else.

She’s all I need to thrive.

“Only you,” I whisper and lightly kiss the top of her nose. “I’ve only been with you, Ophelia.” I kiss her cheek. “I’ve dreamed every fucking night of you.”I kiss her other cheek.“Every damn night… the moment I close my eyes, you’re right there.”I kiss her neck.“You… don’t get how my life went into a complete standstill without you.”

“But…” She’s finding her words as she moves one of her hands so she can press it against my cheek. I quake at her touch while I briefly close my eyes just to enjoy the tingling warmth her touch delivers every time. “That was more than two years ago.”

“And?” I whisper.

“You’ve been here for two plus years and didn’t progress… because…”

Because I was waiting for you.

I’m scared to admit it now that she’s finally here. That what I’ve been waiting for is coming to fruition before my own eyes.

“Pathetic, isn’t it?” I whisper while keeping my eyes closed. I’m frightened to see her look of disappointment. I put my whole life at a standstill for her. Like an addict or better yet, a convict who can’t prevent themselves from doing a deed that leads them back to jail.

“Asher.” Her voice has never been so tender. “Look at me, my silly Dalmatian.”

She remembers.

I open my eyes, consumed by how she allows me to see her true feelings that seep into her face.

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

I really could die happy now.