16. Rhys
The rainthat now falls is a bloody nuisance.
As we exit the theatre, the heavens open up, an irritating end to an otherwise perfect day. I move to guide Sadie into the waiting car, shielding her from the sudden downpour with my jacket. But she surprises me by stepping out of reach and turning her face up to the weeping sky.
Raindrops cling to her soot-colored lashes before trailing down her cheeks. She’s beautiful, remarkably so, even when drenched. But I’m more concerned with getting her out of this deluge before she catches a chill, or worse, becomes sick.
“What are you doing, love?” I call over the roar of the rain, my no-longer-styled hair plastered to my crinkled forehead. “You’ll catch your death out here. Let’s get you inside.”
She laughs, the sound bright and carefree as she spins in a circle, her arms outstretched, palms facing the heavens, reminding me of the moment we shared earlier on my yacht. Only now she isn’t thrown over my shoulder, her hands gripping the back of my shirt.
But if she doesn’t get in the car, that’ll change.
“Don’t worry. Promise I’ll be fine. I’m just busy letting the rain wash away the last of my past.” Her eyes meet mine, sparkling with an emotion I can’t read. “A task you started when you rescued me at The Opulence and asked me to stay and have a drink with you.”
I swallow hard, emotion clogging my throat. “Sadie...”
She dances closer, her soaked dress clinging tightly to her every curve. Bloody hell, she’s a vision with her drenched hair and glistening, rain-kissed skin. Even as desperate as I am to get her out of the weather, I can’t tear my gaze away, my fingers itching to once more trace the lines of her body, to feel her warmth as I sink my cock deep inside her.
She’s so close now I can smell her, her signature sunshine and honey scent mixing with the rain. I ache to grab her, pulling her into me. “Want to know something, handsome? There’s something I’d really like from you right now. Something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Name it.” I waste no time. “Whatever it is, it’s yours.”
Her smile grows, remaining soft. “Dance with me? Here, in the rain? It’s something my papaw and mamaw used to do during summer afternoon downpours. And they were always so happy, so in love, even after fifty years together and—”
“Phillips,” I say through the now open door of the waiting car, momentarily interrupting her. “The radio, if you please.”
Sadie’s breath catches.
It’s such a simple request she’s made, yet to her, I imagine it feels significant. Mainly because I suspect she’s offering me a piece of her heart, hoping I’ll keep it safe.
I’ll die before I betray that trust.
A gray-haired Phillips, one of my part-time drivers, grins knowingly, the uptick of his lips deepening his wrinkles. He shoots a knowing look at a stoic Mark, who stands by the front of the vehicle. Seconds later, the dulcet tones of Etta James singing “At Last” fill the night air, mingling with the steady patter of rainfall.
Uncaring of the patrons passing by as they exit the theatre, I pull Sadie into my arms, one hand settling on her waist, the other twining with hers. She comes willingly, melting into me like she understands she was made to fit in my arms.
As we sway to the music, our bodies moving in sync, I feel some of the last of her walls crumbling, one of the final barriers between us dissolving.
My teeth gritted, I pray she’s listening to what her soul is undoubtedly screaming—I’m what she needs, what she wants—and is finally deciding to let me in. Trusting me not just with her heart but with her hopes and dreams.
It’s a gift I’ll cherish for the rest of my days.
Lost in the feel of her, I almost don’t register the words she’s murmuring into my neck. But I catch them, and now it’s me whose breath catches.
“It doesn’t make any sense but I’m done questioning the hows and whys. Because it doesn’t even matter. What does matter is I’m falling for you, Rhys Kensington. Harder and faster than I ever thought possible. And one day, when we’ve had more time together, and I’ve healed the last of my heartbreak, I’m going to tumble completely and irrevocably head over heels in love with you.”
Elation explodes in my chest, detonating behind my collarbone. I tighten my grip on her waist in response, pulling her impossibly closer.
“I’ll wait forever if need be.”
She pulls back, just enough to meet my gaze. Raindrops tremble on her lashes, her lips, and I’ve never seen anything so lovely. No longer able to take the sodding space between us, and acting as a man possessed, I fist her hair and lean in, taking her lips.
Soft, then hard.
The kiss is one full of promise, of passion, of those three little words we’ll both one day say. She sighs into my mouth, her fingers gripping me tightly, as if she fears I’ll pull away, and then I’m lost.
Lost in her.
In the moment.
In the perfection of her in my arms.
When we finally part, breathless and teetering on the brink of wholly losing ourselves in one another, I rest my forehead against hers, something I’ve never done with another woman.
“Take me home.”
My blood heats, desire and adoration twining into an intoxicating cocktail when she refers to my—but soon to be our—penthouse as home.
“Anything for you.”
I guide her into the car, my hand possessively resting on the small of her back, same as always. As we settle into the luxurious leather seats, I pull her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She nestles into me, her head resting on my chest, and I marvel at how perfectly she fits.
More proof she was made for me.
As Phillips navigates the rain-slick streets, the raindrops falling against the roof mixed with the soft purr of the engine create a soothing symphony. Sadie’s warmth seeps into me, her gentle curves moulding to the hard planes of my body, and I’m consumed by a fierce need to protect her, to cherish her, to make her mine in every way possible.
Because bollocks to ever giving this up.
Yet there’s still one final piece to my plan. One last grand gesture to prove to her the depth of my feelings, the strength of my commitment. But for now, I’m content to simply hold her, to fantasise of what’s to come, of all the ways I plan to show her my love.
Physically and emotionally.
I press a kiss to her forehead, my lips lingering on her soft skin. “Hope you aren’t planning to sleep tonight, love.” Sleep is the last thing we’ll be doing. “Because I’ve got plans for you.”
Bending her over my bed is only the start.
She tilts her head back, her heated eyes meeting mine. “Oh, really?” Lifting her hand, she traces the line of my jaw with her fingertips. “Guess you’ll have to give me a good reason to stay up past my bedtime then.”
I capture her hand, bringing it to my lips, my eyes never leaving hers. “Oh, I intend to.” I grin, unable to quiet myself. “By worshipping every inch of you, branding myself on your skin, on your soul. By the time I’m finished with you tonight, you’ll never question my devotion to you.” I pause. “Mind and body.”
Pupils dilating, her breathing quickens, making it clear she’s just as affected by my words as I am by the mere sight of her. And as if sensing the growing tension, the electricity filling the air, Phillips accelerates, driving faster while maintaining a safe distance from other motorists.
He’ll be receiving a raise come morning.
Pulling my belle closer, I continue to hold her tight as the car speeds through rainy London, letting myself dream of the future we’ll build together. A future filled with love and the kind of happiness I never thought I’d find.
The kind Mum wanted me to have.
In time, that future will become a reality.
But first, I have a promise to keep. A vow to worship her body until she’s trembling with pleasure, her need satiated. Reaffirming what she’s finally starting to see—that I’m her glue.
The man meant to heal all her broken pieces.