We lie there trading soft kisses and touches, each one a wordless conversation. I trace the line of his jaw, the curve of his shoulder, the dip of his collarbone visible above his T-shirt collar. He draws patterns on my back, occasionally venturing to my hip, my waist, but always respectful, always gentle.
"I'm sick of running away," I admit after a particularly sweet kiss leaves me breathless. "Belforte was right. Not defining what we have... It's giving others ammunition to do that for us. I thought I could control it but I can’t and I hate it." I take a deep breath. "So I'm going to come clean."
We shift positions, sitting up on the edge of the bed side by side, facing the large windows. The blue-tinted darkness of Monaco's bay stretches before us, yachts twinkling like fallen stars on the water's surface. William slips an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side.
"And what are we, Violet?" he asks softly, his breath warm against my ear as he pulls me to his lap and back-hugs me. His chin rests on my shoulder, his arms encircling my waist from behind.
"We're both in love, aren't we?" The question hangs in the air, simple yet monumental. My heartbeat accelerates as he presses a soft kiss to my neck.
"I thought I was the only one, Vi," he whispers, tightening his embrace, his lips brushing my cheek.
My heart hammers so hard, I'm certain he can feel it through my back pressed against his chest. "I'm not kidding anyone, William," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "If anything, I'm a fucking coward for avoiding what is inevitable."
"Inevitable?" he echoes, the word warm against my skin.
I exhale slowly, letting down the last of my defenses. "You've softened me," I confess. "Made me think about more than business, more than running in the hamster wheel of work, legacy and success. Made me want things for myself. Things I never thought I deserved."
William gently turns me to face him, his hands warm on my shoulders. "And what are those things, Violet?" His eyes search mine, patient but intense.
I meet his gaze directly, no longer hiding. "You, William. I want you with every fiber of my being."
His face transforms with a bashful smile that makes him look younger, almost boyish in his happiness. He ducks his head, nuzzling against my neck as he tightens his hug. "Took us so long to get here," he murmurs, his words muffled against my shoulder.
"I'm sorry," I say, running my fingers through his hair. "For my indecision. My lack of commitment. For letting fear keep me from embracing the most precious thing to happen to me in the past decade."
He pulls back, his expression serious as he kisses my cheek. "I'd wait a lifetime for you, Violet," he says simply. "Even when it hurts. My heart's been yours since the start. I don't want anyone else but you."
The sincerity in his voice, the absolute certainty in his eyes—it breaks something open inside me. He lays back again, pulling me with him, his arms encircling me as he kisses me deeply, slowly, with purpose.
"I love you, Will," I whisper against his lips when we break for air. "I do. With an intensity that scares the hell out of me. Because I’ve never felt this in my life."
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. "I'm right here to help you navigate that fear." He traces patterns on my back. "We can start with a list of things scarier than loving me.Heights. Snakes. Dominic in a thong. Did you see those photos last summer? That was the stuff of nightmares."
I smack his chest lightly, laughing despite myself. "That image is definitely terrifying. Thanks for that mental scar."
His eyes dance with mischief, but beneath the playfulness, wonder peeks through. His fingers continue their gentle exploration, tracing my jawline, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch feather-light and reverent.
"Can I..." he starts, then hesitates. "Maybe this is stupid or I'm rushing, but..."
"What?" I encourage him, curious about what could possibly make this confident man suddenly uncertain.
He takes a deep breath. "Can I have the privilege of calling you my girlfriend?" The question comes out in a rush. "If you want to entertain that dream of mine. If you..."
I silence him with a kiss, firm and decisive. "Yes," I breathe against his lips. "You should. I'm yours, William."
His arms tighten around me, pulling me fully against him. "I'm so happy that..." he begins, then trails off with a sheepish laugh as he hardens against my thigh. "Sorry about that."
"Don't apologize," I say, my smile turning wicked as I shift against him deliberately. "If anything, I'd be offended if you'd been flirting and sleeping with me for the past year and then went limp the moment I confessed my feelings."
His laugh is sudden and loud, his whole body shaking with it. The sound transforms his face, wiping away the vulnerability, replacing it with boyish delight that crinkles the corners of his eyes.
"Fair point, very fair point," he manages between chuckles.
He moves his hands lower on my body, one sliding down to cheekily cup my ass. "It has been a long time since we've been together," he says in a husky whisper. "And I should let you get some sleep, because tomorrow, there's a race..." His fingers flexagainst me. "And yet, temptation is in bed with me." His smile turns mischievous. "My girlfriend."
He practically giggles on the last word, looking so pleased with himself that I can't help but poke his dimpled cheeks. "You're adorable."
Chapter 31
