40. Sophia
FORTY
Sophia
The kitchen in my new apartment still feels foreign, but my hands move with purpose as I prepare dinner. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the sizzle of meat in the pan ground me, giving me something concrete to focus on instead of the nervous energy thrumming through my veins.
I’ve chosen to make Blake’s favorite—a spicy stir-fry that reminds him of a mission in Thailand. The scent of ginger and lemongrass fills the air, and for a moment, I’m transported back to easier times. Times when the biggest worry was whether I’d remembered to stock his preferred brand of beer.
A knock at the door sends my heart racing. I smooth down my shirt, take a deep breath, and open the door.
Blake stands there, looking as nervous as I feel. His eyes roam over me, a flicker of something—desire? longing?—crossing his face before he schools his expression.
“Hey,” he says softly.
“Hey.” It’s so awkward. I step back to let him in. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
He follows me to the kitchen, the heat of his gaze burning into my back. The air between us is charged, crackling with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.
“Where’s Luke?” Blake’s gaze casts around the room.
“He’s at a sleepover.”
“A what?”
“Jenna and Carter took him to Insanity to play with the other kids. Forest’s unveiling his new VR kid-friendly suite.”
“Oh…” His eyes widen.
As we sit down to eat, the silence stretches between us, thick and heavy. I watch Blake take his first bite, his eyes closing in appreciation.
“This is amazing, Soph.” The use of my nickname sends a shiver down my spine. “Just like I remember.”
I smile, warmth blooming in my chest. “I’m glad. I wanted tonight to be... special.”
“We need to talk.” Blake sets down his fork, his intense gaze meeting mine.
“I know.” My throat suddenly closes off.
He reaches across the table, his hand hovering over mine before gently grasping it. The touch sends sparks of electricity racing up my arm.
“I’ve missed you,” he says, his voice rough with emotion. “But I... I don’t know how to do this after everything that’s happened.”
“I need you. In whatever way we can make work.”
He shakes his head, frustration evident in the set of his jaw. “It’s not that simple. There’s Luke to consider…”
“You always said our dynamic was private.” I turn my hand in his, intertwining our fingers. “Blake, I’m so sorry. For everything. I?—”
“Stop.” His tone carries a hint of that commanding edge I’ve missed so deeply. “You don’t need to keep apologizing.”
I swallow hard, fighting back tears. “I can’t help it. Things still feel... off between us. I want us to be like we were before.”
Blake’s jaw tightens, his eyes darkening with barely restrained emotion. “I don’t know if that’s possible. With Luke, things are different. Not to mention everything you’ve been through. ”
I shake my head, my heart pounding. “Luke has nothing to do with what we share. I miss you. I miss your touch, your kisses, your commands, your dominance. I crave it on a cellular level. I want it back.”
Blake’s expression tightens, conflict clear in his eyes. “I was wrong before. Pushing for that kind of relationship was a mistake, given everything.” He stands, pacing the small kitchen. “A power dynamic might be more damaging than I ever thought. It could interfere with your healing. I was wrong to push it before, too caught up in my cravings to consider the implications such things would have on you. It’s my job to watch over you and protect you. Forcing dominance was wrong.”
“No.” I push to my feet, anger flaring hot in my chest. “Don’t you dare make that decision for me. I know what’s in my best interest. Being separated from you, this rift between us only grows wider each day. I need this. I want this.” My voice breaks. “Please. I need it now more than ever.”
Blake shakes his head, his jaw clenched. “I’m not sure if that’s something I can give anymore.”
“Why?” The word comes out as a strangled cry. Fury and desperation war within me. I lunge forward, my fists connecting with his chest. “Why are you pulling even further away from me?”
Blake’s hands close around my wrists, holding me back. The familiar grip and how his body towers over mine triggers something primal within us both. I struggle against his hold, my fury and desperation driving me to push harder.
“Let me go!” I demand, even as my body betrays me, leaning into his touch.
Blake’s eyes darken, his breath coming in short gasps. He spins us, pushing me up against the wall, my wrists now pinned above my head in one of his large hands. His other hand grips my hip, holding me in place.
For a heartbeat, we’re frozen, staring at each other, chests heaving. I look into his eyes, seeing them blown wide with lust and desire. For a moment, everything hangs in the balance, and then something shifts in his gaze .
A switch flips.
Blake’s mouth crashes down on mine.
The kiss is heated and desperate, with weeks of longing and love poured into a single point of contact. I arch against him, my initial resistance shattering under the onslaught of sensation. Blake’s grip on my wrists tightens as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth, reclaiming what was always his.
I moan softly, the sound swallowed by his kiss. Blake’s hand at my waist slides up to tangle in my hair, tilting my head to give him better access. He breaks away only to trail heated kisses along my jaw and down my neck.
“Blake,” I gasp, my body trembling against his. “Sir…”
At the honorific, Blake stills. He pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. The internal struggle flickers in his eyes, the fierce control he exerts barely containing the animalistic fury simmering just beneath the surface.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he whispers, his voice rough with emotion.
“I’ve missed you more.” The words carry the weight of everything we’ve been through, everything we are.
Blake’s eyes darken at my words. He releases my hands from above my head, steps back, and pulls me with him to the center of the room. For a moment, we stand there, the air thick with anticipation.
Then Blake releases me completely, taking another step back. His gaze is intense, filled with love, desire, and that commanding presence I crave.
He points to a spot on the floor before him. “Kneel,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
My breath catches in my throat. This is it—the moment everything changes—the moment we rebuild what we’ve lost. Without hesitation, I sink to my knees, looking up at Blake with all the love and submission I feel.
The air between us crackles with the weight of the past and the yearning for our future. Blake’s eyes darken as he drinks in the sight of me, his presence towering, overwhelming, but oh so necessary .
His hands go to the hem of his shirt, and in one fluid motion, he peels it off, exposing his body’s raw, chiseled perfection. The low light casts shadows across the hard planes of his chest, the ridges of muscle etched into his abdomen.
My heart races, each beat echoing the primal need that simmers beneath my skin. I can’t tear my gaze away—every scar, every line, every ripple tells the story of the man I love, the man who has fought for me and suffered for me.
Blake reaches for his belt, the clink of the buckle loud in the otherwise silent room. His movements are deliberate, almost slow, as if savoring the anticipation that coils tighter between us. The leather slips through the loops with a hiss, and he tosses it aside, his eyes never leaving mine. He unbuttons his jeans, the sound of the metal snaps tearing through the silence, each one sending a jolt of heat through me.
His gaze is heavy and intense as he drags the zipper down. The metallic teeth part with a soft rasp, and the denim slips lower, revealing the taut lines of his hips.
My breath hitches, my pulse pounding in my ears, and the air is thick with the scent of him—earthy, masculine, intoxicating.
“Show me.” The command is a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. “Show me how much you’ve missed me.”
His words are a match to dry tinder, igniting a blaze of desire that consumes me whole. Without breaking eye contact, I lean forward, my hands trembling as they reach for him. Anticipation hums through my veins, the electric connection between us stronger than ever, as I prepare to give him everything—every ounce of love and devotion.
I know exactly what he’s asking for and am more than willing to comply.
“You’re so beautiful on your knees.” His breath catches as he looks down at me. He reaches out to run his fingers through my hair.
The praise washes over me, soothing hurts I didn’t even know I had. I lean into his touch, a soft sigh escaping my lips .
“Tell me what you need.” Blake’s voice takes on that commanding edge I’ve missed so much.
“You,” I whisper. “However, you’ll have me.”
“I love you.” Blake’s gaze softens as he looks down at me, his hand gently cupping my cheek. “That’s never changed.”
The tension between us shifts, transforming into something deeper, more profound. He cups my face in his hands, tilting it to meet his gaze.
“I love you, too. Always.” Tears prick at my eyes as I lean into his touch.
The last of the walls between us crumble. His resistance shatters. We have a long way to go, challenges to face, and a new life to build…
And then he’s pressing his cock against my lips. I open and take him inside, savoring his taste. He tastes like home, like everything I’ve ever wanted. Blake groans, thrusting his hips forward, driving himself deeper into my mouth.
“ Fuuuuck , I’ve missed this.” His hands tighten in my hair as he guides me, showing me exactly what he wants.
I revel in the knowledge that I can still please him. I run my tongue along his length, lingering on his sensitive spot before sucking hard.
Blake’s grip on my hair tightens. “Harder,” he groans.
I do as he commands, taking more of him into my mouth, sucking harder, the vibrations of his moans spurring me on. I take him deeper, my tongue swirling around him in long, wet strokes.
His moans intensify. He’s close. “God, Soph, that’s it, baby, just like that.” His hips buck, matching the rhythm of my mouth.
Knowing I have this much power over him, that I can bring him to the edge, is better than any drug. I redouble my efforts.
“ Fuuuuck, I’m going to…” Blake’s voice trails off as his orgasm overtakes him. I wrap my arms around his thighs, holding on tight as his pleasure ebbs.
He helps me to my feet, pulling me into a tight embrace. We stand there, holding each other, our heartbeats synchronizing. The world falls away, leaving just us—two souls finding their way back to each other.
“Now, what do you need?” he asks.
“You,” I whisper back, my voice barely audible. “I need you.”
His lips twitch in a small smile, his eyes softening with understanding. “That’s never changed, sweetheart.” He leans down and presses a feather-light kiss against my forehead before pulling me up into his embrace. His strong arms encircle my waist, drawing me close as he savors the feel of my body against his.
As Blake’s fingers sift through my hair, I lean into the touch, my body responding instinctively to his touch. His praise washes over me like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, soothing my soul and settling my nerves.
“It’s my turn now.” He lifts me into his arms and carries me to bed. “I’ve missed your taste.”
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be here again, in Blake’s arms, feeling the fire I thought had been extinguished. But here we are—survivors of a hellish experience, finding solace in each other’s arms.
Blake’s kisses trail down my neck, his breath leaving hot tingles in their wake. His hands roam my body, reacquainting himself with every curve and valley.
I cling to him, reveling in the sensations I once thought I’d never experience again. I can’t help but smile, feeling safe in his arms once more.
Blake lays me down gently on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. I can see the hunger in them, but there’s also something else—a tenderness I’ve never seen before.
He settles himself between my legs, his hands gentle as he undresses me. But his eyes undress me first, stripping away the hurt, the betrayal. I’m left bare before him—body, mind, and soul.
His lips find mine again, more insistent this time, and I can’t help but respond. Our tongues dance together, familiar yet new, as if relearning each other’s bodies. His hands roam my body, memorizing every curve, every valley .
Blake’s kisses trail down my neck, sending shivers down my spine as he goes. He pauses at my collarbone, planting open-mouthed kisses along the sensitive skin. I arch my back, silently begging for more.
He chuckles softly, his warm breath on my skin sending goose bumps down my arms.
“Impatient, are we?” Blake asks, his voice a deep rumble in his chest. But he doesn’t wait for an answer, instead continuing his journey down my stomach, his tongue making slow, wet circles around my bellybutton.
I moan, my nails digging into the sheets above my head. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this alive, this wanted. Blake’s hands slide up my thighs, fingertips gently brushing the inside of my thighs. I can feel the heat radiating from between my legs, my body aching for his touch.
He teases me mercilessly, tracing the outline of my underwear with his fingertips.
“Blake,” I whine, my voice barely above a whimper.
He looks up at me, a wicked glint in his eyes, and I know he’s enjoying this—enjoying the control he has over me. It should infuriate me, but instead, it only adds fuel to the fire within me.
Finally, mercifully, he slips a finger between my legs, finding my slick core. I gasp, my back arching off the bed. He doesn’t relent. Instead, he adds a second, then a third finger, stretching me, preparing me for what’s to come.
The room around us vanishes, and it’s just us, tangled in the sheets, lost in each other. Forgotten worries melt away as we pick up where we left off, two halves of an intertwined whole. Blake’s lips find mine, and I welcome the familiarity of his touch, the heat between us consuming us both.
As we move together, our bodies are in sync, and I realize some things are just meant to be. Blake and I may have taken a circuitous route to get here, but we made it.
Looking up at him, I see our future in his eyes—challenges, yes, but also love, strength, and unwavering commitment. The final barrier between us falls away, leaving only the foundation of our bond stronger than ever .
“What are you thinking about?” Blake asks, his hand gently stroking my hair.
I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “Everything. The past, the future. Us.”
He shifts slightly, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me more directly. “And what do you see when you think about our future?”
“I see hope,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “I see us building a life together. I never thought I’d have this. A family, a home, love. After everything that happened, everything I did?—”
“Hey,” Blake interrupts gently, “we’ve been through this. You did what you had to do to protect Luke. I understand that now. We can’t change the past, but we can build our future.”
“How did I get so lucky?”
“I think we’re both lucky. We found each other against all odds. Twice.” Blake’s laugh rumbles through his chest.
We lie there in comfortable silence, basking in the simple pleasure of being together. The weight of our past, the pain and betrayal, still lingers, but it no longer feels like an insurmountable obstacle.
We have a long way to go, a new life to build, but in this moment, wrapped in Blake’s arms with his steady heartbeat echoing my own, we’ll make it.
We drift off to sleep in each other’s arms; as long as we are together, we can face anything the world throws at us. For the first time in years, I fully embrace hope.
This is our new beginning. Our happily ever after. And it’s more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.
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