Page 106 of Fallen Crown

We tease and toy with each other, fingers skimming across flesh, tongues dipping in and out of mouths. She rocks her hips against me, and when she arches, I draw her nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the bud before grazing it with my teeth. There’s nothing rushed or hurried in any of our movements, but her pants and moans of pleasure coupled with her sliding along my length are going to do me in.

“I want to feel you inside me,” Tucker murmurs against my lips.

In the table beside the couch, there are condoms in the drawer, and I dig one out while Tucker strips herself, and then she undoes my jeans before tugging them off. Her efficiency is impressive.

When she goes to straddle me again, I grip her hips to hold her off, and I trail a line of kisses across her abdomen before flicking my tongue along her hot, wet center. She digs her fingers into my hair, and my name brims with pleasure when it falls from her lips. I could listen to her say my name like that all day.

“I need you,” she says. “Please.”

And because I also need her, I roll on the condom and guide her over my shaft. As she lowers herself onto me, she grips the back of my head, and we’re cheek to cheek.

“I love you,” she whispers. “I love you so much.”

“I don’t know how I got so lucky,” I say. “I love you, Maren Tucker, more than I ever thought possible.” I drag her mouth to mine, and I kiss her deeply.

While the two of us move together, for the first time in my life, I truly understand why someone would call this making love. Everything inside of me is straining to be closer, more connected, and the big emotions I’ve had for her for months are rotating around us, making every touch, every kiss, every slide of our bodies feel bigger and better than it’s ever felt before. Sex was always pleasurable, but it was never this.

When she cries out with her orgasm, I swallow her cries and follow her over the edge. And while her forehead rests on my shoulder, an immense gratitude radiates through me that I get to have her and this feeling for the rest of my life.

Later that night in bed, I lie on my stomach with the pillow propped under my cheek, and Maren is facing me, her hand on my back and a soft expression on her face. We’ve just spent the last hour talking about our childhoods, and it amazes me how much she’s giving me now that we’re both sure and secure in our feelings. There are no barriers, and I didn’t think it was possible to love her more, but it feels like every conversation we have lately tips the scales a little further.

“How did you pick your charities to support?” I ask because it’s been weighing on my mind since we returned from the adventure race. The Alzheimer’s Society is staying, and it’ll likely always be one of my passion projects, but I think it’ll also be a cause tinged with sadness, and I want something that’ll bring me joy too. Like Nick and Julia’s project in Tanzania—I want something where I’m capable of making a difference.

“Four of the five I picked because I have a genuine interest. The Alzheimer’s Society approached me—well, Cheryl did, actually—when they had a vacant spot and they wanted someone they knew could bring in the fundraising dollars.”

“What’s your favorite one?”

“No Child Hungry. Working with Bellerive families who are less fortunate has been really rewarding. The BAS asked me to work with them just before we went to Fiji. I haven’t said yes yet, but I’m actually really excited about that opportunity.”

“Bellerive Animals Shelters?”

“I love animals, but my mom always said they were too messy when we were kids.”

“You’re an adult now, and you don’t have any pets.”

“No.” Her expression turns sad. “Enzo wasn’t a fan.”

“When you fall in love with one, you let me know.”

“There are no pets at the palace.”

“Not yet, but I like animals, and I love you.” I lean over and give her a quick peck. “Now I need to figure out a cause that gives me that kind of joy.”

“What are some of your favorite things?” Maren nuzzles closer to me, tucking herself into my side and lying close enough that her lips could graze my arm.

“You, tequila…” I hesitate to say the next one, even though it’s true. “Kids.”

“When Paxton came to see me at the hospital, he mentioned that the Bellerive Youth Sports Committee was looking for another member. You sit on the committee, but you also help match kids with sports they’re interested in. Develop new sporting opportunities across the island. Take disadvantaged kids to pick out equipment and other essentials with fund money. He was angling for me, but it might be a good fit for you?”

I let the idea sit between us for a beat, and it settles over me with a surprising rightness. There’s one more thing I want to broach with Tucker, but I’m not sure now is the right time when she’s still recovering.

“I’ll talk to Paxton,” I say. “That sounds like something I might really enjoy.” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “Do you think the team would be up for fundraising for another race?”

“Yeah?” Maren perks up and cradles her head in her hand, resting on her elbow. “You want to do another one?”

“With you,” I clarify. “I’d want to do another one with you, if you’re up for it.”

“Yes. One hundred percent.” A wide grin spreads across her face. “I love that it’s something we can share.”