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With a final, powerful thrust, I follow her over the edge, my own release washing over me like a tidal wave.
"Holy shit," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.
"Yeah," I agree, my own voice equally breathless. "That was...incredible."
We lay there for a moment, our bodies entwined as we catch our breath. I can feel her heartbeat against my chest, steady and strong. I press a soft kiss to her forehead, my arms tightening around her.
"I don't want to let you go," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
"Then don't," she replies, her eyes meeting mine. "I don't want you to either."
And in that moment, I know that I never will. Ariana is mine, and I am hers. Fate may have brought us together, but it's our love that will keep us that way.
I gently scoop Ariana into my arms, her body warm and pliant against mine. She mumbles something incoherent, her eyes heavy-lidded with exhaustion and satisfaction.
"Come on, love," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Let's get you cleaned up."
I carry her to the shower, her head lolling against my chest. The warm water cascades over us as I hold her steady, her legs wobbling beneath her.
"Mmm, feels nice," she sighs, leaning heavily against me.
I chuckle, reaching for the soap. "Stay with me, sweetheart. Can't have you falling asleep in here."
My hands glide over her skin, washing away the evidence of our lovemaking. She shivers under my touch, a small moan escaping her lips.
"Careful," I tease, "or we might have to start all over again."
She laughs softly, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "Tempting, but I don't think I can move."
I rinse her off, marveling at the way the water beads on her skin. Even in her exhausted state, she's breathtaking.
"All done," I announce, turning off the water. "Think you can stand while I grab a towel?"
She nods, but as soon as I let go, she sways dangerously. I catch her quickly, wrapping a fluffy towel around her.
"Whoa there," I say, steadying her. "Let's get you to bed before you collapse."
I dry her off gently, then guide her back to our bed. She crawls in, her movements sluggish but graceful. I slide in beside her, pulling her close.
As she drifts off, I can't help but stare. Her face is relaxed in sleep, her lips slightly parted. The moonlight filtering through the window casts a soft glow on her skin, highlighting the curve of her cheek, the sweep of her lashes.
I trace the line of her jaw with my finger, marveling at the softness of her skin. She sighs contentedly in her sleep, snuggling closer to me.
At this moment, I'm struck by how lucky I am. This beautiful, strong woman is mine. My mate, my partner, my love. I press a gentle kiss to her temple, careful not to wake her.
"Sleep well, my love," I whisper, letting my own eyes close as I join her in slumber.
CHAPTER 30
ARIANA
The blanket feels soft under me as I stretch out, the warmth of the sun kissing my skin. The lake stretches before us, sparkling in the afternoon light, a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who refused to let Armstrong fall into ruin.
"Remember when this place was a toxic swamp?" I say, leaning back on my elbows and glancing at Valen. He sits beside me, a rare, relaxed smile playing on his lips.
He chuckles, a low rumble that I feel more than hear. "Yeah. We used to joke that you’d grow an extra limb if you fell in."
I laugh. "It’s amazing what people can do when they care enough."
