Page 128 of For Better or Hearse

With urgency, he unzips his pants. His long, muscular body hovers over her as he backs her against a portion of brick wall. Roughly, he grabs her leg and drags it up to his waist.

When he shoves her panties aside, Ash closes her eyes.

And then he slips into her. She cries out silently, head falling back. He’s so hard, fits her so right. She rides him, grinds against him in mindless desire.

His eyes blaze with hunger. Hand tangled in her hair, he brings her mouth to his and whispers, “Come with me.”

At his words, something sharpens inside her.

Her heartbeat pulses in her gut. Desire rises like a wave inside her. “Yes, yes,” she breathes. She falls forward, that strong chest holding her up as they rock wildly—together.

The thorns around her heart release. Then constrict.

Not loose. Not quite yet.

It’s nearly ten before they return to the hotel, and they have to be up early for a tropical island excursion his grandfather has pulled strings for them to participate in. As they exit the van after dinner and Nathaniel tips the driver, he tucks Ash tight against him.

Letting go of her proves a feat impossible.

After today, he’s never seen clearer in his life.

She’s the woman he’s going to marry.

And not someday.

Soon.

Nothing else matters.Them. Fuck the North Sea. Fuck his hike in Peru.

He hasn’t loved anyone in five long years.

But he remembers what it feels like.

It feels like Ash.

The knowledge burns through him.

She makes him want to stop running. To make a home. But unless it’s with her, it’s not worth it.

“Come to my room,” he tells her. He can’t explain this inexplicable pull to keep her close. To hold on.

“And do what?” Her eyes twinkle.

“Whatever you want.”

A mischievous smile tugs at her lips. “Then we’re escaping to the roof and howling at the moon.”

He feels breathless as she laughs and tugs him forward. This is one of those fleeting moments where she drops her guard. He craves them.

How has he lived without her his entire fucking life?

Different. She is different. Unlike anyone he’s ever known. She offends his family. Makes little kids cry. Once upon a time, he’d say they’d never work. They’re different in so many ways, yet they get each other. Belong together. A car can’t be wired without two opposing wires. And that’s what she is to him.

Feral, mean,his.

He’s trying not to think about it. What happens when this trip ends. But suddenly, it’s the only thing on his mind. While Ash dozed in his arms in the helicopter, he worked through scenarios. Ways to make it work.

How hewillmake it work.