epilogue
kira
Three Years Later
I never expected Noah to want to leave the state of Michigan, let alone the country, but here we are—at an absolutely gorgeous vineyard attached to our hotel.
In Italy.
I sip my wine as I take it all in. The view is jaw-dropping. Rows of grapevines stretch over the hilly landscape, and a couple of old cottages pepper the horizon.
“What are you thinking about, princess?”
I look up to see Noah in his button-down shirt, gazing over at me like I’m the only thing in the world.
That will never get old—having this man’s full attention on me. We’ve been together three years now, and I still crave it.
“Just about how I might be ready to head back to our room,” I tell him, sliding my leg between his under the table.
He laughs, brushing his hand over my bare thigh under the table. Heat spreads up my leg as his eyes darken.
“Still impatient, I see,” he chides, but there’s no weight to it.
He wants this just as much as I do.
Pushing the door open to our room, Noah leads me inside. As soon as it clicks shut, he’s on me, my back against the cool metal. I gasp at the sensation, but the sound is cut off by his lips on mine. The movement is rushed, almost frantic.
I reach up to his waistband, needing to feel him, but I’m stopped by his hands on my wrists.
“Not yet. Not until I’m done with you,” he growls, and I feel it in my chest as he pins my arms above my head. I’m surrounded by him. My breathing is ragged, and all I want is to touch him.
His lips trail over my jaw as his other hand grazes up my thigh to the hem of my dress. I suck in a breath at the sensation, leaning into his touch.
I need him.
“Noah, please.”
He pulls away, his eyes filled with heat as they meet mine.
“My little princess is so impatient,” he chides as he hits the edge of my panties.
His eyes still don’t leave mine as he pushes them to the side, his fingers sliding over me, feeling how turned on I am.
“This all for me?” he asks, already knowing the answer.
I nod, needing more of his touch.
Suddenly, his arms wrap around my thighs, hoisting me into them. In moments, he’s dropping me on the end of the bed, peeling off his shirt. His familiar tattooed body sends a wave of warmth through me.
This is all mine.
He’s mine.
His hand moves to the back of my head, his fingers lacing into my hair as his lips crash into mine. I soak it in as I kiss him back. He wants me. He knows everything about me, and he still wants me.
His kisses quickly move lower, grabbing my lace panties and sliding them down my legs. His hands grip my hips, pulling me closer to the edge of the bed.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful like this, all spread out for me,” he groans.
Before I can say anything, his mouth covers my pussy, his tongue gliding over me. All I can do is moan, loving how he feels on me. I reach for him, tangling my fingers into his hair as he explores every inch of me with his tongue.
“You taste so fucking good, princess.”
My cheeks heat at his praise, pleasure already building deep in my core.
“Noah, you’re going to make me come,” I moan, teetering on the edge.
He groans into me, the vibration of it sending shockwaves through me. He keeps devouring me as he pushes two fingers into me, expertly navigating my body. It doesn’t take long for me to come apart for him.
“Good girl.”
His hands slide up under my dress.
“Off. Now.”
I don’t hesitate, sitting up and pulling it off. I’m completely bare for him now.
His hands go to his belt, unbuckling it and pulling it off with one hand. The sight is borderline pornographic. I sit up, crawling over the bed to him. His rough hands grip my jaw as he kisses me, slower this time—more intentional.
My fingers find his waistband, unbuttoning his jeans and pulling them down, exposing his hard length. I look up at him, our faces inches apart.
“Lay down,” he breathes over my lips.
I think about denying him, pushing his limits, but I need this too much.
He climbs up onto the bed after me, pushing my legs open as he towers over me. I reach for him, pulling his lips to mine.
I can’t wait anymore.
“Noah, please, I need you,” I beg.
He finally gives in, pushing into me in one deep thrust. A loud moan escapes my lips at the intrusion, but I love it. I run my nails up his back as he pumps into me.
I’m already so close, and I can tell he is too with the way he’s breathing. Knowing I can do this to him is such a powerful feeling. My eyes squeeze shut at the pleasure flowing through me.
He keeps fucking me as he reaches up to cup my cheek. “Look at me.”
I do, and the emotions swirling in his eyes nearly end me.
“I love you,” I whisper as I arch into him.
“I love you too, baby. Now, come for me,” he commands, his eyes not leaving mine.
And I do, pulling him over the edge with me.
Freshly showered, I pull on one of Noah’s shirts. He makes fun of me for never wearing my pajamas, but I don’t care. I’ll never stop stealing his clothes.
I still can’t believe we’re here, in Italy, even as I gaze out over the vineyard. I’m perched on the balcony, wine glass in hand. The sun is hovering just above the horizon, and the fresh night air wraps around me as music plays from somewhere in the distance.
It’s like I’m standing in the middle of a painting.
Strong arms snake around my shoulders, pulling me into them. Noah presses a kiss to my head, and I lean into his touch. His warm body surrounds me, and I breathe him in.
“Already ready for round two?” I ask.
A low chuckle erupts from behind me as his hand slides up my neck to my jaw. He pulls me to look at him, and I think he’s about to sass me back, but he presses his lips to mine instead.
I melt into him.
He breaks the kiss, looking down at me, his hazel eyes searching mine.
“Kira,” he starts. “I never would have thought this is what my life would look like. After Angie, I had fully accepted the fact that I was most likely going to be alone, but then you came along.”
My heart is pounding in my chest.
Where is he going with this?
“You are everything I’ve ever wanted, and my life doesn’t exist without you.”
My heart warms at his admission.
Reaching into his pocket, he drops to one knee.
No way. There’s no way.
There, between his thumb and index finger, is the most beautiful ring I think I have ever seen.
“Kira, will you marry me?”
My heart races as I look down at him, tears threatening to stream down my face.
“Noah, oh my god,” I cry, grabbing the ring. “How much did you spend on this thing?”
The diamond is huge, nearly the size of a pea, and it sits atop a simple gold band.
“That’s what you’re worried about?” he laughs as he looks up at me from his position on the ground. “So, is that a yes?”
Wait, I didn’t say yes?
“Of course it’s a yes, Noah. I’ve wanted this for way longer than I should have,” I tell him as I slide the ring onto my left ring finger. It fits perfectly.
He rises to his feet as he holds my hand in his, inspecting the new addition.
“Do you like it?” he asks, genuine concern in his eyes.
“I love it. You picked perfectly.”
The pride that flashes on his face makes my heart skip a beat. His hand reaches for my face, and I lean into him.
“I can’t fucking wait to call you my wife.”