Page 177 of Sinful Lord

“Oh, shit—I’m sorry…” she starts to pull away, but that hurts more than any hug ever could. Calling on every last bit of strength, I lift my arm around her back and pull her into me again.

I can practically feel my ribs crunch against her soft body, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m never letting you go again,” I tell her, sliding my hand around the back of her head. She sinks into my chest and takes a deep breath.

Fuck.

This is where I belong. All of the agony and anguish in my past dissolves. The physical pain melts away. I hold my girl as tight as my tired body will allow. And I don’t let go.

Melina hugs me back just as desperately.

“Did… did you mean it?” she suddenly whispers, forehead nuzzling into my chest.

“Mean what?” I ask, brow furrowing.

Even through her warmth, my head still pounds as I try to remember every last detail of what happened.

“… When you said you loved me.”

No matter how much it hurts, I can’t help but laugh.

“Yes,” I chuckle, ribs creaking with every amused breath. My heart starts to swell as I remember the exchange we had just before I passed out. “Did you mean it when you said you loved me too?”

There’s no hesitation.

“Yes.”

“Wish you had told me sooner,” I quietly tease. “But I’ll take it.”

“Good.”

“Then I guess we’re in love.”

“I guess so.”

Those heavenly hazel eyes peak out from my chest. It takes a second, but I manage to lift my had high enough to caress her jaw.

“I fucking love you,” I rasp.

Our eyes close as we share a deep, passionate kiss. My hard life sinks into the feathery pillows of her lips, satisfied.

Nothing else matters. Only this. Only her.

“Does this mean I’m yours now?” Melina whispers, when our lips fall apart.

“Only you can answer that.”

This time, she does pause for a second. But it’s not because she doesn’t know the answer, she just wants to make sure it’s the truth.

“I’m yours,” she finally nods.

“Atta girl.”

Her light smile tugs at my heart. Pulling away, she reaches down and rests a hand against her flat stomach.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for a baby though,” she says, only half-joking.

“That can wait,” I softy chuckle, still surprised at myself. I can’t believe I revealed my entire twisted plan to her. It should have been the end of us, but it felt like the right thing to do. I guess it was. “All I really care about is having you forever.”