Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Elle
The soft hum of the espresso machine fills the kitchen, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and French Toast. Sunlight streams through the large bay windows, painting golden streaks across the polished countertops. It’s a peaceful morning – one of those rare, perfect moments where the world feels balanced, as though everything has aligned just so.
I glance over my shoulder at Seb, who’s leaning casually against the counter, his hair still slightly damp from his morning shower. He’s scrolling through his tablet, a small frown tugging at his brow, and I can’t help but smile. Even in repose, he exudes that effortless command, a presence that’s both comforting and utterly intoxicating.
“Stop staring,” he says without looking up, his lips twitching with a knowing smirk.
“Why? Can’t a wife admire her ridiculously handsome husband in peace?”
Seb finally glances up, his gaze locking with mine. “Admire all you want, Mrs. Sterling-Knight. Just be prepared to deal with the consequences.”
A delicious shiver runs down my spine at the dark promise in his voice. “Is that supposed to be a threat?”
“It’s a guarantee,” he replies, setting the tablet aside and closing the distance between us in a few long strides.
His hands find my hips, pulling me against him as his mouth captures mine in a slow, consuming kiss. I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as the world around us fades away. When we finally break apart, I’m breathless, my heart pounding in my chest.
“You taste like sugar,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple.
“That’s because I’m so sweet,” I reply cheekily, earning a low chuckle from him.
“Smart mouth,” he mutters, his hands tightening on my waist. “I’ll have to do something about that later.”
The anticipation in his voice sends heat pooling in my belly, but before I can respond, the timer on the oven beeps, pulling us back to the present.
“Saved by the bell,” I tease, slipping out of his grasp to tend to the pastries.
“For now,” he replies, his gaze lingering on me in a way that promises retribution later.
The rest of the morning unfolds in a rhythm we’ve perfected over the past six months. Breakfast together, a leisurely stroll through the garden, and a quiet hour spent in our respective corners – Seb in his office, catching up on work, and me in the library, losing myself in a new book. Ever since I hired a manager and a team to help at the boutique, I’ve had more free time than I know what to do with, though Seb has a few ideas about what I can do now that I’m freed up a little more.
It’s a life I never imagined for myself–content, fulfilling, and rooted in a love that feels both grounding and exhilarating. Every day, Seb and I grow closer, discovering new facets of each other and deepening the bond we share.
By the time afternoon rolls around, the sun is high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the patio where we’re lounging. Seb is sprawled on a chaise, his shirt unbuttoned, exposing the smooth planes of his chest, while I’m curled up beside him, my head resting on his shoulder.
“Are you happy?” he asks suddenly, his voice low and contemplative.
I glance up at him, surprised by the question. “Of course I am. Why do you ask?”
He shrugs, his fingers idly tracing patterns along my arm. “Just making sure I’m doing my job right.”
I reach up to cup his cheek, my thumb brushing over his stubble. “You’re doing more than right, Seb. I’ve never been happier.”
His gaze softens, and he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead. “Good. Because I plan to keep it that way.”
The sun has dipped below the horizon by the time Seb pulls me into the bedroom, his expression dark with intent. The air between us crackles with anticipation, and I know tonight will be one of those nights–a night where we push boundaries and explore the edges of pain and pleasure.
He closes the door behind us, the soft click echoing in the quiet room. “Strip,” he commands, his voice low and authoritative.
I obey without hesitation, peeling away my clothes until I’m standing bare before him. His gaze sweeps over me, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.
“On the bed,” he orders, and I climb onto the plush mattress, my heart racing in anticipation.
Seb retrieves a thin cane from the chest at the foot of the bed, his movements deliberate as he tests its weight in his hand. The sight sends a thrill of nervous excitement coursing through me, and I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry.
“You remember your safe word?” he asks, his gaze locking with mine.
“Yes, Sir,” I reply, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach.
“Good.”
The first strike lands across my thighs, sharp and precise. I gasp, my body jerking instinctively at the sudden sting. But then the pain fades, replaced by a warm, tingling heat that spreads through me like wildfire.
Seb moves methodically, his strikes measured and deliberate, each one building on the last. He alternates between the cane and his hand, the sharp sting of the wood contrasting beautifully with the warmth of his palm.
By the time he’s finished, my body is trembling, my skin flushed and hypersensitive. He discards the cane, his hands gentle as he pulls me into his arms, murmuring soft reassurances against my hair.
“You did so well, baby,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. “I’m so proud of you.”
His words wrap around me like a cocoon, soothing the raw edges of my emotions.
Later, as we lie tangled together in the sheets, the world outside fades into insignificance. Seb’s hand traces lazy circles along my back, his touch grounding me in the present.
“I’ve been thinking,” he says, his voice rumbling against my ear.
“About what?”
“About the future,” he replies, his fingers brushing over the collar at my neck. “About what comes next for us.”
I lift my head to meet his gaze, my heart skipping a beat at the vulnerability I see there. “What do you have in mind?”
“Whatever you want,” he says simply. “A house in the countryside, a family, seeing the world, a life that’s ours and no one else’s.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I press a kiss to his chest, over his heart. “I want that too, Seb. All of it.”
His arms tighten around me, and the moment is perfect.
Life itself isn’t perfect – it’s messy and unpredictable, but it’s ours. And as long as we’re together, I know we can face anything that comes our way.