44. My Underworld – Lauren
44
MY UNDERWORLD
LAUREN
A s Dakota and I talk, our voices low and intimate, the weight of the day, of our reunion, of everything we've learned, settles over me like a blanket. I feel my eyelids growing heavy, Dakota's heartbeat a soothing rhythm beneath my ear.
"Lauren?" His voice is gentle, far away. "I think you're falling asleep."
I mumble something incoherent, burrowing closer into his warmth. I feel his chuckle rumble through his chest.
"Come on," he says softly. "Let's get you to bed."
Strong arms lift me, and I instinctively wrap my own around his neck. His familiar scent envelops me as he carries me to the bedroom.
As he lays me down, our eyes meet in the dim light. The tenderness in his gaze makes my breath catch.
"Stay," I whisper, my hand finding his.
For a moment, he hesitates. Then, with a soft smile, he nods.
Our lips meet softly at first, then with increasing urgency. Months of longing, of missing each other, pour into every touch. Dakota's hands trail down my sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I arch into him, craving more contact.
Clothes are shed slowly, reverently, each newly exposed inch of skin explored with fingers and lips. Dakota's body is familiar yet new - more toned from his time on tour, a map I'm eager to rediscover.
When he finally enters me, we both gasp. The feeling of completeness, of coming home, is overwhelming. We move together, finding our rhythm easily, as if we'd never been apart.
"God, I've missed you," Dakota murmurs against my neck, his voice thick with emotion.
I can only nod, too overcome to speak. My fingers dig into his back, pulling him closer, deeper.
Our pace quickens, driven by months of pent-up desire. I feel the tension building, coiling tighter and tighter until, finally, it snaps. I cry out Dakota's name as waves of pleasure wash over me. He follows soon after, his face buried in my hair as he shudders against me.
In the aftermath, we lie tangled together, my head on his chest, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my back. The world outside fades away, leaving only this moment, only us.
"I love you," Dakota murmurs into my hair.
I tilt my head up to meet his gaze, seeing in his eyes everything I feel reflected back at me. "I love you, too."
As sleep begins to claim me once more, I feel a sense of peace settle over me.
We're home.