Page 67 of Seven
Elara nodded, her gaze unwavering. “I’ll do anything, Grace. I don’t expect you to forgive me overnight, and I know I have a lot to prove. But I want to start now, if you’ll let me.” She reached out, placing her hand gently over Grace’s. “I want to show you that I’m capable of love, that I’m capable of lovingyouthe way you deserve.”
Grace felt the warmth of Elara’s hand, her resolve softening slightly as she looked into Elara’s eyes, seeing the sincerity and longing there. Part of her was still afraid, still cautious, but another part—the part that had fallen in love with Elara’s rare, soft moments—wanted to give her a chance.
After a moment, Grace’s hand shifted, her fingers intertwining tentatively with Elara’s. “I’m willing to try,” she whispered, a small, hopeful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “But this is the last time, Elara. If you shut me out again, I won’t come back.”
Elara’s eyes filled with relief, her fingers tightening around Grace’s. “I won’t let you down,” she promised, her voice thick with emotion. “I know I have to earn your trust back, and I’ll do whatever it takes. I just want you to know that I love you, Grace. Truly.”
Grace’s heart fluttered, her fears beginning to melt as she leaned into the warmth of Elara’s touch. It wasn’t a perfect reconciliation, not yet, but it was a start, and as she felt the weight of Elara’s hand in hers, she realized it was one she was willing to take.
Grace leaned forward, closing the distance between them and softly kissed Elara. All of her fear and sadness began to wash away as Elara’s arms slowly came around her back and pulled her closer. Their embrace was slow, soft, and charged with emotions. Grace pulled back and cupped Elara’s face as she searched those piercing blue eyes for any signs of doubt or fear and found only love shining toward her. Elara’s hands stilled asshe gazed back deeply, the vulnerability clearly written across her face.
Her hands still cupping Elara’s face, she leaned in and rested her forehead against Elara’s, taking a moment to savor the closeness and breath in her tantalizing sandalwood scent. Their breath mingled in the small space between their lips as Grace whispered, “Make love to me.”
Elara’s hands squeezed gently as her body tensed. She took a shaky breath and whispered back, “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like that’s all I want from you.”
Grace pulled back an inch, allowing their gazes to connect once more as she said, “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
Elara’s tenseness loosened as she closed the distance between them once more, pressing their bodies together as their lips moved in a slow dance between their usual fire and the tender emotions pooled between them. Grace’s hands traveled down Elara’s chest, unbuttoning her shirt with shaky fingers. Elara placed her hand over Grace’s, stopping her after the third button. Grace looked at her with wide eyes, worrying that she had taken things too far.
Elara gently raised Grace’s hand to her lips and placed a soft kiss on her palm. She looked deeply into Grace’s eyes. “Not here. You deserve better than a couch.”
Grace felt her heart melt as she took in Elara’s words, feeling for the first time as if Elara truly cared about making her feel wanted. A tear threatened to escape from the corner of her eye as she leaned forward and kissed Elara gently once more. In silence, the two stood up from the couch, hand in hand, both unwilling to break their contact. Grace silently cursed herself for not picking up her mess as she led Elara toward her bedroom. Once she stepped into the room, she looked over her shoulder with worry, waiting to see Elara’s disapproval. Instead, she saw Elara’s eyes on her with a wide smile warming her cold features.
Elara quietly commented, “It’s so you. So full of life.”
Moved beyond words, Grace felt tears slide down her cheeks. Elara immediately reached out to soothe her, brushing away the tears. She looked panicked in the face of tears, but still she held Grace steady as she waited for her to respond.
Grace looked up at Elara, her tears brimming. “I love you, Elara.” She led Elara to the bed, pulling her down as she laid back on the mattress.
She savored slowly undressing Elara, kissing each inch of skin that she revealed. In turn, Elara caressed and kissed her, letting Grace lead. Once Elara was laid bare before her, Grace peppered Elara with kisses along her skin, making a trail back toward her lips. Once she had thoroughly kissed Elara, she whispered against her lips, “I love you.”
Elara shivered as Grace ripped off her tee, revealing her bare breasts underneath. She moaned quietly as she captured one pink nipple in her mouth, sucking and nipping until Grace groaned in return. Moving to the other breast, Elara kissed the middle of Grace’s chest and whispered against her skin. “I love you.”
She moved her mouth over to Grace’s other breast, worshipping her with kisses until Grace was writhing in pleasure. She leaned back, looking into Grace’s eyes. “I am so lucky to have you.”
Grace shivered at the sudden distance between mouth and breast and reached her hand forward to gently caress Elara’s face, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
It felt like seconds before Elara’s face was buried between Grace’s thighs in the delicious dance that had become their sexual go-to. Elara devouring her with a hunger Grace had never known.
Sucking her, licking her, pushing her tongue inside of her.
Grace moaned, relaxing into it and her head tipped back onto the bed.
The two made love throughout the night. Their kisses and licks became prayers, the bed a temple to their love. Later, when they both were spent, Elara held Grace closely. Their limbs intertwined and breath mingled, blurring the lines between one soul to another.
Filled with joy, Grace wiggled closer, nuzzling her nose against Elara’s neck and breathing in her scent. Elara gently pressed a kiss on the top of her head, prompting Grace to look back up.
Once their eyes locked, Elara quietly asked, “Will you come back with me? To the resort? As much as I never want to leave this bed, I would like to have the chance to introduce you as my partner. For real this time.”
Grace paused at Elara’s words, taking them in as she considered her response. Elara watched her silently, the question hanging in the air. Having made her decision, Grace took a deep breath.
Grace’s gaze softened as she held Elara’s hand, a feeling of calm warmth spreading through her chest. “I’ve wanted to hear you say that for so long,” she murmured, her heart full. “And yes, I’ll come back with you. I’d be honored to be by your side—as your partner, as someone who loves you.” She smiled, pressing her forehead against Elara’s. “Let’s go back together.”
15
Elara stepped out of the car, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding as she looked over at Grace, who was just climbing out beside her. The familiar sight of the resort, framed by the mountains and softened in the early morning light, filled Elara with a warm, quiet sense of anticipation. This time, they were arriving together, and for the first time, it was real.
Grace took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, her own face a mix of nerves and excitement. Elara felt a surge of pride and protectiveness, a thrill at the thought of introducing Grace as her partner in the way she’d always secretly wanted.
