10. Wren
Chapter 10
Wren
“Forgive me, little bird.”
Gabe’s words echo in my ears as the mist of pleasure recedes at the hard pressure between my legs. I whimper at the discomfort, digging my fingernails into his shoulders.
Immediately, he stops. I shift to ease the uncomfortable sensation between my legs. He buries his head in my neck, shudders coursing through him. There’s something poignant about this strong, capable man shaking with his need for me.
Gabe groans into my skin, his breath warm and damp. “Wren, hold still, or I won’t be able to stop.”
He won’t be able to stop ?
Years of living under the threat of Gregory’s masculine oppression causes my pulse to gallop with fear.
This is Gabriel. He would never hurt you.
Gabriel, who’s given me the freedom and opportunity to discover myself. Who’s given me nothing but warmth and comfort and safety.
I inhale, and my muscles loosen a fraction. I’ve come so far with this incredible man. I won’t retreat now.
“Don’t stop. I-I need you.”
He nods and kisses me tenderly as he inches deeper. A whimper escapes me at the unaccustomed fullness, and he stops again. His heart thunders against my chest, his back slick with sweat. My earlier pleasure dissipates. This is nothing like how I felt when he touched me intimately. I loved that. I don’t love this.
“Don’t fight me, little bird.” Gabe sounds like he’s teetering on the edge of his control, his jaw clenched, his expression strained.
I close my eyes, gripping his shoulders. “I don’t know what to do,” I say helplessly.
The muscles of his back flex and release as he takes a deep breath. “It’s all right, baby girl. Trust me.”
I tighten my arms around him even as the impulse to move away gathers momentum. His lips graze my neck, finding a sensitive spot where it meets my shoulder. Excitement shimmers through me when I thought any possibility of pleasure had fled.
Gabe’s muscles tighten as he moves with purpose. This time, when he thrusts, my world explodes into pain. My cry resonates around the room. Oh, God, it burns. Aches. Like he’s tearing me in half. Why do women do this?
He becomes terrifyingly still, although his chest rises and falls roughly. “You’re doing so good. Just… a little longer,” he mutters, kissing my neck again as if in apology.
“You’re… big.”
Gabe nods as if he knows it, and it doesn’t matter. And then he’s kissing me, licking inside my mouth. After a few seconds, I soften, opening to him a little more.
Through the fading agony, I experience a tiny glimmer of pleasure to counter the burning ache. I shiver, focusing on his deep voice and musky scent as he moves incrementally. I’m so attuned to him that the tiny slide of his cock is like an earthquake .
Cupping my breast, he tweaks the nipple to an aching point, sending more pleasure to ease the discomfort. He squeezes the peak, sending a swirl of heat to my core.
I sigh.
Gabe groans.
He withdraws carefully from my body, creating a shivering friction, followed by… nothing. Emptiness.
I hook my leg around his hip. “Please… don’t… leave.” My words are an echo of that night in the alley after I was stabbed, but they hold a deeper meaning now.
“Never, little bird. I’m never leaving you,” Gabriel vows as he slowly thrusts inside me with a smoothness that surprises me.
I brace for pain, but it doesn’t come this time. A little discomfort, but nothing compared to the thrills now shuddering through me. My muscles unfurl like a blossoming flower, and after brief resistance, he plants himself deep with a long, silky glide. Deeper than before. So deep, I swear he’s touching my heart as my body stretches to receive him. To welcome him home.
I’m taking him to the hilt, stretched full, his balls resting against my ass. He’s everywhere, all around me and inside me, like it was always meant to be.
I swallow hard as tears sting my eyes. Despite the initial pain, the intimacy of this connection goes beyond anything I imagined. I’ve never felt so close to another human being. It’s like we’re breathing for each other.
“Oh, Gabe,” I whisper. “I didn’t know.”
He lifts his head to gaze at me, his eyes troubled. “I hurt you.”
I blink back tears and tenderly brush away a lock of black hair from his forehead. “Not now. Keep going, please. I need you.”
“Fuck.” He drops his head to my shoulder.
He thrusts again, and I tilt my hips to take him deep, curling my fingers into his shoulders. He groans with approval, pressing feverish kisses to my lips as he surges in and out of me. His face is a mask of tension. He looks savage. Desperate.
“Knew you’d feel like heaven,” he says, voice deep and shaky. “I’m going to fuck you everywhere, little bird. In every hole. Every room.”
“Yes. God, yes!” I arch into him, trying to get closer, chasing that feeling. This is good. Really good. My muscles flutter around him, the tingle of an orgasm building deep inside my belly.
“Shit.” His thrusts quicken. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I can’t… It’s been too long… I’m too close.”
For a blinding moment, he poises on the edge of something beyond comprehension. His eyes are glassy, almost black. His hand searches for mine, twining our fingers in a poignant gesture that’s oddly more intimate than our joined bodies.
“Wren.” My name is a guttural groan as he tenses above me.
He moves once, twice, three times, then his cock jumps in quick, jerky motions. Liquid heat gushes inside me. I hold him tight, wrapping my free arm and legs around him to reassure him I’m here. With him. Finally, he collapses on me with another groan.
I wince as he pulls out and looks down at me, his chest still heaving, his eyes tortured. “I’m sorry.”
I can’t stop shaking. My body thrums with unreleased tension. “It’s okay. I—” My words die on a choked moan as Gabriel snakes a hand down my stomach and presses my legs apart. “Gabe, no!” I protest, pushing his hand away. “It’s messy down there. ”
He bats my hand away. “I like my baby girl messy. Let me make it up to you.”
My protests die as he gently slides two fingers inside me. Although I’m sore, I’m wet with his cum, my juices, and possibly a little blood, which eases his passage. I arch into him, blissfully full again. I should be embarrassed. Mortified. But his fingers slide through my swollen folds, and all rational thought scatters.
His thumb draws rapid, wonderful circles around my clit that immediately have me splintering into a million pieces. My eyelids flutter closed as I come in long waves.
“Look at me.”
My eyes snap open, and I fall into Gabriel’s liquid gaze. His fingers give me something delicious to clench around as my orgasm wrings me out and leaves me in a boneless heap on the bed.
I’m barely aware of Gabriel withdrawing his fingers and leaving the bed, my brain muddled by the glow of pleasure. I dimly hear the tap run in the adjoining bathroom. He returns a minute later with a warm washcloth, gently cleaning his cum and my blood from my pussy and inner thighs. Disposing of the washcloth, he climbs back into bed and tucks me against his side. I’m in heaven. My nose is buried in his shoulder, his scent surrounding me. Musk. Male. A hint of sweat, but it’s not unpleasant.
“I lost control,” he confesses. “I’ve never come so damn hard in my life.”
My loopy smile fades. “We, um, didn’t discuss birth control.”
“You can’t get pregnant. You were a virgin.”
“Haha. I’m not that na?ve.”
He rolls onto his side so we’re facing each other, his hand resting possessively on my hip. “Do we need to discuss it?”
“Uh, yeah, unless you want to deal with an unwanted pregnancy.”
His big, warm hand moves to cup my stomach. “It would never be unwanted. I’m so fucking in love with you, I can’t see straight. The thought of you growing my baby is”—he shakes his head and exhales—“everything. You are everything. I want to marry you, spend my life with you, raise a family with you.”
My mouth drops open. “I… You love me?”
He kisses my forehead. “ Deeply.” My nose. “Passionately.” My lips. “Endlessly. And you love me. You just haven’t realized it yet.”
I gape at him. “Presumptuous, much?”
He shrugs. “A little. But I’m right.”
“I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you,” I say, cupping his face, my thumbs rubbing his beard. “But I’m scared, Gabe. It’s like I’m at the edge of a cliff, wanting to jump but afraid of the fall.”
He smooths my hair from my face. “There’s nothing to be afraid of because I’ll always catch you, Wren.”
I bite my lip, wary of a future I can’t quite grasp yet. I’ve been at the mercy of the people around me for most of my life, and the idea of being dependent on anyone or giving them power over me is terrifying. But I’ve been so alone. I can’t continue to cower from the world, from love. Risking my heart and claiming the life I want takes courage. And I’m not a coward.
Unlike Gregory and Jerry, Gabriel doesn’t want power over me. Surrendering to him in the bedroom doesn’t make me weak. It makes me strong because I can relinquish my fears and know he’ll always take care of me. That’s true empowerment. It’s about having the freedom to make my own choices, to fulfill my desires and life goals. And I know beyond doubt that this incredible man will support me in reaching my full potential because he’s given me the gift of shaping my own destiny.
“Do you see kids in your future?” Gabriel asks, trailing his fingers down my arm.
Everything in me softens. “I see kids in our future,” I answer without hesitation. “Getting my degree and doing something useful with it is important to me. But creating a loving home and nurturing a family are things I’ve always wanted because I’ve never had them.” I sigh. “Maybe wanting those things isn’t progressive in today’s society, but I think they’re just as significant as any professional achievement.”
“Who gives a fuck what society deems progressive? There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success. It’s about living authentically and pursuing what genuinely makes you happy.”
I playfully pinch his bicep. “Such a wise man.”
“I’m a damned lucky man.” Gabriel rolls me beneath him. “Marry me.”
“What?” My eyes widen in shock. “But… it’s too quick? Isn’t it? ”
His deep brown eyes capture mine. “Trust me.”
Two words that hold so much meaning.
I take a deep breath and jump off the cliff, knowing he’ll catch me. “I do.”
Two days later, I stand in front of the registry office, excitement and nerves twisting in my stomach. Of course, Gabriel being Gabriel, got a special license for today, as if worried I might change my mind if he waited any longer.
The sky is a clear blue, the air crisp with a hint of winter, and everything seems surreal. It’s like I’m floating in a dream, unable to grasp how I’ve ended up here, on the cusp of a new life with Gabriel.
I smooth down the front of my dress—nothing fancy, just a simple white shift that I picked out on a whim. It’s understated, but it feels right, like it’s me. I glance at Gabriel, standing beside me, looking impossibly handsome in his dark suit. He catches me staring and flashes a grin that melts some of my tension.
“You look beautiful. You ready?” he asks, his voice low .
I nod, though my heart is pounding in my chest. “As I’ll ever be.”
Ed stands off to the side, a broad smile on his face. He gives me a wink, and I can’t help but smile back. He’s been so supportive, so genuinely happy for us, and it means the world to me. In some ways, he’s become the brother I never had but always wanted, and having him here makes everything feel more grounded, more real.
We step inside the registry office, and the world narrows to this moment, this decision. The room is small, intimate, with a few simple decorations—a vase of fresh flowers on a table, a few chairs lined up along the wall. It’s not grand or extravagant, but it’s perfect for us.
The registrar stands at the front with a warm, welcoming expression. She asks us to take our places, and as I stand beside Gabriel, the strength of his presence and his calm confidence seep into my bones. It steadies me, reassures me that this is right, that this is where I’m meant to be.
“Are you nervous?” Gabriel whispers, leaning closer, his breath warm against my ear.
“A little,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly.
His hand finds mine, lacing our fingers. “Me too.”
His admission, so honest and unguarded, makes my heart swell. It’s a reminder that we’re in this together, choosing each other, flaws and all.
“This all feels like a dream.”
He lifts my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “If it is, I don’t want to wake up.”
The registrar begins to speak, her words a soft murmur in the background of my thoughts. I can barely focus on what she’s saying; all I can think about is Gabriel, his hand in mine, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand, grounding me, anchoring me in this moment.
When it’s time to exchange vows, I look into Gabriel’s eyes, and everything else falls away. It’s him and me, two people who’ve found something rare and precious in each other.
“Wren,” he says, his voice steady, full of emotion, “I promise to love you, to stand by you, to catch you when you fall, and to always, always remind you of how incredible you are. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. I take a deep breath, my heart so full I’m afraid it might burst .
“Gabriel,” I begin, my voice shaking but sure, “My heart has been tied to yours since that night in the alley. I can’t wait to build a life with you full of laughter and, yes, even challenges because I know we’ll face them together. You’ve given me so much, including the strength to believe in myself. I love and trust you with everything I have.”
He smiles at me, that crooked smile I’ve come to adore, and for a moment, I forget anyone else is in the room. It’s just the two of us in this little bubble of love and commitment we’ve created.
The rings are simple but carry so much meaning as we exchange them. When Gabriel slides the gold band onto my finger, it’s like a lock clicking into place, a promise made tangible. I do the same for him, my hands trembling slightly but my heart steady.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the registrar says with a smile.
Before I can even process the words, Gabriel pulls me close, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that’s both tender and full of passion. It’s a kiss that seals our vows and says everything words can’t.
When we pull apart, the room erupts in soft applause, and I turn to see Ed grinning like a fool, his eyes a little misty .
“Congrats, you two,” he says, stepping forward to give Gabriel a bear hug and me a gentler but no less heartfelt embrace.
As we step outside, the late-autumn sun warm on our faces, I feel lighter than I have in years. I glance over at Gabriel, who’s looking at me like I’m the only person he sees, and I know, without a doubt, that I made the right choice.
“I have a surprise for you,” Gabriel says as Ed drives us home. He pulls out his phone, dials a number, and hands it to me. “Someone wants to congratulate you on your wedding day.”
I give him a curious look as I raise the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Wren?”
My breath hitches, and I freeze in shock. “Mom?”
“Yes, sweetheart. It’s me,” she replies, an audible tremor in her voice. “I’m… I’m so sorry I haven’t called sooner. I wanted to, but… I needed to get my head straight.”
“I can’t believe it. How are you? Are you okay?” I ask, my emotions swirling. “Gabriel told me you’re in rehab. I was going to call you a few weeks ago, but I didn’t know if you’d want to talk to me after the way I left. I couldn’t stay, Mom. Gregory… he made it impossible.” I don’t go into more detail because Gabe warned me that Mom didn’t know everything that happened. I want it to stay that way. I don’t want to jeopardize her recovery. She has enough guilt without adding more to the pile.
“Oh, Wren, of course I wanted to talk to you. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve missed my little girl… I’ve missed everything. And you didn’t leave me, honey. I left you a long time ago. Maybe not physically, but in every way that mattered. And that’s not all down to Gregory. Losing your dad destroyed me. I wasn’t there for you the way a mother should be, and I’m so sorry for that. I promise I’m doing everything I can to get better. For both of us.”
Tears of relief and sadness sting my eyes. “I’ve missed you, too, Mom. I was so worried about you, wondering if you were okay.”
“I know, my love. I’m trying, Wren. I’m trying to get better. I have a long way to go, but I’m still here, thanks to Cassio and his team. And Gabriel.”
I glance at my husband, reaching for his hand. “He’s amazing, Mom. He’s done so much for me. I can never repay him. ”
He squeezes my hand and shakes his head, silently telling me that no repayment is necessary.
“You already have, Wren. You’ve found someone who loves you, who wants to take care of you, and that’s all I could ever want for you. He’s a good man, and I’m so grateful to him for giving me this chance.”
My throat threatens to close on the ball of emotion lodged there, and I struggle to find the right words. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Mom.”
“I’m here, Wren,” Mom says tenderly. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to get through this for you, for me… for us. You’re my daughter, and I want to be the mother you deserve.”
My tears finally spill over. “You’ve always been my mom, no matter what. I just want you to be happy, to be safe. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“I know, honey,” Mom says softly. “And I’m working on it every day. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting closer. And knowing that you’re happy, that you’ve found someone like Gabriel… it gives me the strength to keep going.”
I smile through my tears. “I am happy, Mom. I never thought I could be this happy, but Gabe… being with him feels so right. And knowing that yo u’re getting better, it’s like a weight has lifted off my chest.”
“You deserve all the happiness in the world, Wren. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve someone who loves you the way Gabe does. I’m so proud of you, honey.”
“I’m proud of you too, Mom. I know how hard this must be for you, and I’m so grateful you’re fighting to get better.”
“I’m not giving up, Wren. I’ll keep fighting, and I’m going to come out of this stronger. I want to be there for you. I want to be there for my grandchildren.”
“You will, Mom. I believe in you.”
“Thank you, Wren. I’m so sorry for… everything.”
“Everything will be okay now,” I say with renewed hope.
“Yes, it will. Congratulations on your wedding, Wren. I’m so happy for you.”
My heart swells with love. “Take care of yourself, okay? We’ll talk again soon.”
“I love you, honey. ”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
I end the call and turn to Gabriel, watching me carefully. Without a word, I wrap my arms around him, holding him close, grateful for the man who’s given me so much more than I ever thought possible.