21. Sydney
I t’s been three days since I left Cypress Valley. Three days of hell on Earth. It’s like someone ripped my heart out, stomped on it, then returned the mangled organ to my chest. My whole body aches. And I’m pretty sure my face is permanently a red, swollen mess from crying so damn much.
I love him , but it’s not enough.
Leaving was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every cell in my body screamed for me to stay, but Reese can’t get over his past and choose a future. Choose me.
I couldn’t stay in Cypress Valley after he rejected me. Everywhere I turned, I was reminded of him. So I ran back to my shitty apartment like a scared child.
I made the right decision. Right?
Soft music filters through the cluttered thoughts in my brain. My sister’s name dancing on the screen of my cell phone.
“I don’t want to talk today.” Hitting the speakerphone button, I toss the phone down next to me.
“Nuh-uh. That wasn’t the deal. When you left, you agreed to call me every day or I’m driving my fine ass down there to crash on your couch.”
Lifting my head, I glare across my tiny studio apartment at the threadbare couch in question. “You wouldn’t.”
“Watch me, Syd. You’re one of the most important people in my life. I’d do anything for you, you just have to ask.”
“I’m okay, Wren. Or I will be… eventually. As soon as my heart heals.” Pulling the blanket over my head, I cocoon further into my bed.
“You know he’s hurting, too?” Her voice drops to a concerned whisper.
Tears well in my eyes. “He’s the one who chose to be stuck in the past. I love him, Wren, but he broke me. Am I not enough? Is there something wrong with me?”
“Oh, sweetie. No, nothing is wrong with you. Reese has to figure out his own damage before he can realize he’s worthy of your love.”
Knock. Knock.
“Ugh. There’s someone at the door.” Stumbling out of my warm and cozy bed, I shuffle on bare feet to the front door. “I’m a hot mess, so it better not be anyone important.”
Checking the peephole, I hiss a breath. “It’s Reese,” I whisper.
My sister’s giddy voice filters through the phone. “Yay! Looks like he made it.”
“You knew about this?” I shriek, interrupted by another round of knocks .
“I plead the Fifth. Just hear him out. Good luck! Later, sis!” Then the line goes dead. Scheming little shithead knew Reese was coming here and didn’t warn me.
Swinging the door open, I glare at the love of my life. “Go away.”
“Can we talk?” The deep timbre of his voice almost has me giving in… almost.
“No. I don’t want to hear your excuses,” I say, doing my best to keep the wobble out of my voice. Seeing him again has me hanging on by a thread. I want nothing more than to run to him, those strong arms wrapping around me, taking away every worry and fear in my life. But he needs to make up his mind and be in this one hundred percent, like I am.
“Please, Angel. Just listen to me.” Bracing a massive hand against the door, he prevents me from slamming it in his gorgeous face. A face I’ve dreamt about for the past few nights. Only to wake in my shitty twin bed—alone.
“I know I fucked up, Angel. I know you gave me a second chance, and I selfishly squandered it. I-I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
“Get to the point, Reese.” Tears pierce through my hard persona, slowly filling my eyes. I’m surprised there are any tears left after I’ve wallowed in self-pity since I left Cypress Valley.
“I miss you, Angel. Since you left, I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. Kiernan’s ready to quit after working with my cranky ass. You make me better. You make me whole. Baby girl, I need you.”
Bloodshot eyes bore right into my soul. The gut-wrenching pain I’ve experienced the past few days is mirrored in his tired gaze. His usual tan skin is sallow with lack of sleep and proper meals.
Running a hand through his black hair, he roughly grips the ends, pulling until a wince ripples across his face. As if the physical pain will distract from the deep ache in his heart.
“Reese. I-I… my h-heart can’t take this back and forth anymore.” Covering my mouth, a sob splits through the air. My eyes swim with tears until Reese’s hulking form is barely visible. “Please, just leave me alone.”
“I can’t, Angel. Everything you’ve been tellin’ me for the past month finally sank into my thick skull. You’re it for me. If I can’t have you, then I’ll live out my days alone. But I did some soul-searching on the drive here. And, baby girl, you’re right. I need to forgive myself for everything that happened in the past. I deserve to be happy and I want that with you, Sydney Fields.”
God, I want to believe him and dive into his arms and forget the world exists for a little while.
Angrily swiping away the tears, I take a cleansing breath before speaking. “How do I know you won’t change your mind in a year? Or ten years?”
“Because, Angel, in only a month, you’ve become such an important part of every facet of my life. Every square inch of my damn house reminds me of you now. Fuck, I can’t even drive my truck without hearing you moaning my name. I’ll beg. I’ll grovel. For as long as it takes. What do you need from me?” To drive his point home, he abruptly drops to his knees, hands clutching my hips as if I’ll run again. “Please.”
Tears stream down my face at the broken tone of his voice. His broad shoulders shake with a sob, his head resting against my stomach as his tears soak the fabric of my oversized t-shirt—one I stole from him before I left.
My heart clenches when he looks up at me and speaks. “I love you, Sydney Fields. I was an idiot to push you away. You’re the best part of my life. Without you, I’m a shell of a man; empty and angry at the world. Please, Angel, I’m yours to keep. Say you’ll keep me.”
Broken eyes stare up at me and I give in. How can I not? The man just professed his love.
Dropping to my knees, I throw my arms around his neck, knocking him on his ass in the process. With a relieved sob, I bury my face in his neck and fill my aching lungs with his minty pine scent. Home. He smells like home.
“I love you, too. I missed you so fucking much, Reese. Promise me you’ll never hide your feelings again. I’ll never leave you, but I’m not a mind reader either. Okay?”
“I promise,” he rumbles, stroking a hand into my hair as we sit on the floor. I soak up his familiar warmth, afraid this isn’t real, that he’s not really here.
“Angel?”
“Hmmm,” I respond, rubbing my nose against his throat, embedding his scent on me.
“We should probably get out of the hallway,” he whispers, a hint of humor in his tone.
Lifting my head up, I find that we tumbled into the hallway when I tackled Reese. His ass planted firmly in the hall as his long legs extend into my tiny apartment. “Oh,” I squeak, hopping to a stand .
Following me inside, he closes the door and flips the locks in place. “So, this is where you live?” Obsidian eyes scan my messy apartment.
“Well, hopefully not for long.” I pull him to sit on the couch. It creaks under his weight. “I actually quit my job at the diner and my lease is up in a few weeks.”
“What? Were you coming back to Cypress Valley?”
I twist my fingers in my lap, unable to meet his penetrative gaze. “I didn’t have a plan. All I know is I can’t keep living the same day over and over like Groundhog Day. I thought, maybe, I’d go to Florida and see my parents. Give the art business a shot.”
“Would you come back to Cypress Valley… with me?” His cheeks flush with color.
Turning to face him, my heart beats wildly in my chest as I ask, “Will you knot me and bite me?”
“Yes,” he answers without hesitation. Using both thumbs, he strokes under my eyes, wiping away the last of my tears. My body ignites under his gentle touch, stoking the flames of desire building deep in my belly. “I’m so fucking sorry I didn’t claim you earlier. I was an idiot and couldn’t see what was right in front of me. You’re mine, Sydney.”
I shiver at the intensity in those obsidian eyes I love so much. They’re like a bottomless pool I’d gladly drown in. “Will you do it now?”
“Is that what you want, Angel?” His eyes darken further as lust fills his voice. “Are you needy for my cock, my little mate? ”
An involuntary whine leaves my throat. Wetness coats my panties. Fuck, how does his voice alone send arousal shooting through my veins? He’s like a drug that I’ll never get enough of.
“Do I need to remind you who you belong to?”
Clenching my thighs, I whimper and nod.
“Get on your knees, Angel.” He points at the space on the floor between his thick thighs.
Slipping to the floor, I kneel between his spread thighs like an eager puppy, waiting for its favorite treat.
“Be a good girl and take my cock out.” Gentle fingers tug the clip from my hair, sending silky strands tumbling around me.
My fingers tremble with nerves as I work open his belt and jeans. Reaching inside, I wrap my hand around his already hard cock. Pulling it out, I stroke from root to tip. His full lips part on a hiss as his hips buck to chase my hand.
“Fuck, I missed your touch, Angel.”
Smiling up at him, his eyes blaze with affection as I slowly stroke him. “I missed you, too, Reese.”
He growls.
“Take your shirt off, mate. Show me what’s mine. ” I shiver at the command in his deep voice. I love when he bosses me around in the bedroom.
Quickly removing my shirt, Reese’s eyes laser in on my nipples. The beaded flesh tightens to points under his intense stare. Fuck, I missed his eyes on me, feasting on my flesh.
Bending forward, I lick his cock like it’s my favorite lollipop, tracing the throbbing veins that run along the underside. Tongue lapping the drops of precome as they drip down the shaft, not wanting a single one to go to waste. When I pull back, a string of spit trails from the tip of his cock to my puffy lips.
Spitting on the head, I work the saliva up and down his length with my hand. Both of our eyes following the glide of my hand, wet noises squelching in the air.
“You’re filthy, Angel,” he groans, hips thrusting slowly with my hand. With my free hand, I squeeze his knot and fondle his heavy sac.
“You love it, Grumpy Bear.”
He groans at the nickname.
Diving back down, I swallow as much of his length as I can, eyes watering as he hits the back of my throat. Hollowing my cheeks, I bob up and down his length until animalistic grunts and groans spill from his lips. “Yes, Angel. You suck me so well. Such a good girl for your mate.”
I moan a garbled sound, mouth stuffed full of his cock. The salty taste of precome hits my tongue, spurring me on.
I want him to lose his mind.
Suddenly, fingers tangle in my hair, a delicious pinch of pain on my scalp as he drags my mouth from his perfect cock. “Get on the fucking bed, Angel. I need to taste my mate.”
Scrambling to the bed, I wiggle out of my boyshorts and wait on bated breath as Reese strips out of his clothes.
It’s only been a few days since he took my virginity, but my body vibrates in excitement like I haven’t been touched in years. Gripping my ankles, Reese tugs me to the edge of the bed. A small squeak pops from my mouth as my back drags against the soft sheets .
Falling to his knees, he runs his hands up my thighs, spreading me wide open. “Let me worship you like the goddess you are. My beautiful, fallen angel.”
I moan at the sight of this powerful man willingly on his knees for me.
Locking eyes with me, he devours me. Licking and sucking my most sensitive flesh until I’m a needy mess, writhing under his intense, dark stare.
“Fuck, I missed your mouth,” I breathe.
He moans against my swollen clit. “You taste like mine , mate. I’m never letting you go again.”
His claiming words throw me over the edge as his thumb rubs my clit. Pleasure burns through me, the orgasm carrying me above the clouds until I think I’ll never come down.
Blinking my eyes open, warm chocolate brown eyes stare back at me. Shimmering with love like I’ve never seen before. “Are you ready to be mine forever, mate?”
“Yes, mate.”
Reese slowly presses inside my slick pussy, giving me time to stretch around his thick cock. With a pained groan, he leans his forehead against mine. “I forgot how tight you are, Angel. Your pussy is exquisite. So wet and warm.”
Too caught up in the moment to speak, I pull his mouth to mine for a much needed kiss. Soon, he’s pumping in and out of me at a steady pace, bringing me back to the edge of bliss. “Please, Reese.”
“Tell me what you need, Sydney.”
“Your knot. I need your knot inside me,” I beg, my nails digging into the thick muscle on his shoulders .
Sweat beads on Reese’s temples as he pushes his knot inside me, stretching my pussy further than I thought possible. The burning sensation ebbs, replaced by an unimaginable amount of pleasure.
My mouth falls open on a silent cry, muscles tensing up as I fly into another orgasm. This one stronger than the first.
“Forever, Angel.”
Reese drops his head to my chest, licking a path between my breasts. Teeth graze the flesh over my heart before he strikes. Sharp pain floods my system. My hoarse scream fills the air and a third, smaller orgasm flutters through me.
He roars into the bite, his cock pulsing deep inside me as he comes. Surge after surge of his release coating my womb.
Relief washes over me once the bond cements in place. I’m his forever . No turning back now. Happy tears prick my eyes and spill over.
“Oh, fuck. Did I hurt you?” Reese pulls back, eyes ping-ponging around my face, finally latching onto a tear as it tracks down my cheek. Tendrils of worry slither down our bond as a crease forms between his dark brows. It’s so strange to experience his emotions, like a window into his mind.
Shaking my head, I push my joy and love to him through our bond until a breathtaking smile fills his face. “Happy tears,” I reassure, stroking my fingers over his bearded jaw. “I love you, Reese.”
“I love you, Angel.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips.
My heart soars, knowing I finally broke down his hard exterior and I get to experience this softer side of him for the rest of our lives .
My butt slips from the bed as Reese rolls to his side. A squeak flits from my mouth as I cling to him like a koala. “Sorry, your bed is really…”
“Small?” I giggle as he settles us so we lay face to face, not a millimeter between our sweaty bodies, his knot holding us together.
Rough hands cup my ass cheeks, keeping me from falling off the bed. “Yeah,” he chuckles. “And I’m clearly not.”
His cock pulses inside me, showcasing how not small he is indeed.
A gentle purr sounds from his chest as our legs tangle.
“Love that sound,” I murmur. Lacing our fingers, I bring them to my mouth and place kisses along each of his knuckles as I bask in the afterglow of the best sex of my life. Not a long list, but still, I’m glad I waited for my fated mate. My Grumpy Bear.
T he hot shower water beats down on us. After Reese’s knot deflated, he carried me to the bathroom to clean up, not letting my feet touch the ground until the water was the perfect temperature. I could get used to this beast of a man taking care of me.
I love being his safe space, where he can let his guard down and be his true self .
Reese strokes the bite on my chest. “Admiring your handiwork,” I quip as his fingers ghost over the teeth marks, blood still slowly trickling out.
Arching my neck, I meet his dark smoldering eyes. He’s so damn tall. A boyish grin stretches across his face. I trace his full bottom lip with my finger. “I love your smile,” I whisper, my own mouth tipping at the corners.
A deep chuckle rumbles through my small shower, bouncing off the dingy tile walls. Closing my eyes, I soak up the sound, letting it wrap around me like my favorite fuzzy blanket. My hands rest on Reese’s hard pecs, the steady drumbeat of his heart soothing me, reminding me of home. He is my home now.
Thick fingers thread in my damp hair. “Open your eyes, Angel.” His voice is soft and warm, reminding me of melted chocolate.
Droplets of water cling to my lashes as they flutter open.
“My beautiful mate,” he breathes, using the grip in my hair to guide my lips closer to his. Mere inches separate us, our bodies coated in water and steam from the shower. Inhaling deeply, his minty pine scent hits me, making my head swim with lust.
“Angel, I don’t remember my life before you came into it. Everything was black and white before you painted it in brilliant colors. I fucking love you, Sydney.”
I let the words sink in, bouncing around inside my heart.
My eyes drink in my mate, strands of damp black hair flop over his forehead, his chiseled cheekbones painted pink by the heat of the shower. Those molten, dark chocolate eyes search my face. “I love you, Reese Moore. So fucking much. ”
The smile that spreads across his handsome face nearly stops my heart. Fuck. I thought he’d never give me those smiles so freely.
“Are you ready to go home?” One dark brow hitches up, waiting for my response.
A broad smile lights up my face. “Hell yeah! Let’s go home before Wren shows up to drag us back.” I giggle at the horrified look on Reese’s face.
“She wouldn’t… would she?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m pretty sure she would. That’s what you do when you love someone.”
Wrapping me in a hug, he kissed the top of my head. “We better get a head start, then. Come on, Angel. Let’s go home.”