Page 126 of How To Tempt A Bodyguard

For a long moment, neither of them moved. He collapsed against her, his weight pressing her into the mattress, his breath ragged against her neck. She held him there, her arms wrapped around his back, feeling his heartbeat slowly steady against her own.

Eventually he rolled to the side, pulling her with him, but he stayed inside her, softening slowly. Neither of them moved to separate.

After their breathing returned to normal, he rolled to the side and pulled her against his chest. His hand caressed up and down her spine, aimless and soothing.

"Alright?" His voice was gravelly.

"It was… adequate." She pressed a kiss to his chest, tasting salt.

He laughed weakly. His fingers found her hair, stroking. So gentle. So unbearably gentle.

Florence felt tears sliding down her temples into her hair.

"Are you crying?" Matthew lifted his head, alarm in his eyes. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." She laughed, the sound watery. "No, you didn't hurt me. I'm just…"

"What?"

"Happy." She touched his face. "I'm so happy."

His expression softened. He kissed the tears from her cheeks.

"I know the feeling."

She curled against his chest, her ear pressed to his heart, listening to its rhythm slow.

"You're still here," she whispered.

"Where else would I be?"

"On the floor."

He laughed, tilting his head back, his arm tightening around her. "I'm certain I'll end up on the floor eventually. I believe it's a prerequisite for being your husband."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I don't see you sitting idle for long." He pressed a kiss to her hair. "You'll take up a cause soon enough."

"Now that we're exposed, I thought perhaps we could continue our work in the open."

"I don't like the idea of you becoming a target."

She smiled against his chest. "You know I already am. If I can garner open support from people of influence, perhaps I'll have a better chance. Perhaps I'll even influence legal changes."

They lay in silence, listening to the fire crackle, feeling their heartbeats sync. The sweat cooled on their skin. The room settled into peaceful stillness.

"You're incredible," Matthew murmured against her hair.

"Does that mean you'll be my bodyguard?"

"Hm. We'll need to discuss terms."

"Such as?"

"The perks."

She lifted her head to look at him. His eyes were half-closed, drowsy with satisfaction.