"Harder," she gasps, her nails digging into my shoulders. "Fuck me harder."

I don't waste any time, thrusting deeper and faster, our bodies slapping together with each harsh movement. Charlie's head falls back, her eyes closed, her face a picture of pure ecstasy.

"I'm going to cum," she gasps just before the dam breaks and she convulses around me with cries of pleasure.

I don't bother to pace myself, the intensity of the moment taking over. My hands grip her hips, pulling her closer as I thrust deeper inside her, her moans becoming louder and more strained.

I can feel her tightening around me, the walls of her pussy gripping me as I thrust harder. My own pleasure is building, the sensation of her surrounding me feeling electrifying.

"Charlie, I'm going to come," I hiss, my voice hoarse.

"Then do it," she moans, her eyes locked onto mine.

I feel myself reaching the edge, the intensity of the moment crashing down on us like a tidal wave. I thrust harder, my release coursing through me, feeling her body quivering with her own climax.

My arms wind around her body, keeping her pressed against me. "Fucking, hell."

"That was..." she trails off breathlessly.

And then she rests her head on my shoulder, lips brushing against my neck, and the full weight of it all hits me.

"I think I'm in love with you."

38

CHARLIE

"What?" I ask unsteadily, not entirely sure I heard him right.

Leo's entire body tenses to the point of perfect stillness. "Did I say that out loud?"

I lift my head from his shoulder and stare into his eyes. They've lost their lust, their need for satisfaction, and now swarm with vulnerability.

"You did," I admit quietly.

Leo just said he loves me. Or, that he thinks he does. How can that be? We've barely known each other long, and we're lost in a relationship that is too confusing for me to wrap my head around. How can he possibly think that he might love me?

"You think you love me?" I prompt him when he doesn't say anything else.

Arm still holding me tightly against him, Leo expertly maneuvers us out of the pool and onto the tiled floor surrounding it. Laying me back on the cool ceramic, he rests his head on my chest and listens to my racing heart.

"Yeah," he finally whispers.

My fingers comb through his wet, tangled hair. "Wanna find out for sure?"

That finally gets him to meet my stare. "Yes."

I smile at him, feeling the affection pour from every inch of my body. "Make love to me, then."

Leo's eyes widen, a mixture of surprise and desire flickering in their depths. He holds himself above me, his weight supported by his strong arms, as he searches for confirmation in my face. I can sense the tremor that runs through him, the vulnerability that lingers in the air, but there is also an undeniable longing, a hunger to explore this profound connection that has woven itself between us.

In silence, Leo bends down and brushes his lips against mine gently, as though hesitating to push any further. The touch is featherlight, like a delicate flower caressing my skin. I respond with equal tenderness, allowing our mouths to linger against each other, savoring the softness of his lips.

As if testing the boundaries of our newfound emotions, Leo traces a trail of kisses along my jawline, each one leaving a fiery imprint on my skin. His breath dances across my neck, sending shivers down my spine. With every passing moment, the intensity builds within me.

"Make love to me, Leo," I murmur, letting my eyelids slide shut to drown in the ecstacy of it all.

"I will," he groans back in response.