27. amelia
27
AMELIA
I felt used—in the best possible way—because I was acutely aware of every muscle in my body and the incredible sensation of them reminding me, with each movement, how exciting my reality had been just a short while ago. I had only ever read about such scenarios, where the crazed stalker would chase his beloved across a field, catching her to claim what he desired.
Gray had played this role perfectly—minus the stalker scenario—without crossing any boundaries, seriously hurting me, or otherwise causing lasting harm. It was a scenario, a role we both enacted, triggering an unusual surge of emotions.
All the endorphins released during this experience made me feel slightly intoxicated. Even now, back at the cabin, after taking a second shower and with Gray having buried me under all available blankets to warm up and let my body adjust a bit.
I would never have agreed to this with any other man. That was a given without a second thought.
I was riding high on a cloud of satisfaction, content from head to toe, thinking there was nothing that could make this moment any better. Except, I was missing Gray by my side and found myself wondering why he was taking so long to join me.
"Gray?" I called out.
"Yes, sin?" The way those three letters rolled off his tongue not only warmed my stomach but also filled my chest. I was getting used to hearing that nickname from him, usually when I least expected it, which made it all the more significant to me.
My thoughts began to drift until I remembered why I had called for Gray in the first place.
"How much longer are you going to leave me hanging?"
Promptly, he appeared in the doorway. My eyes roamed over his tattooed chest, over every inch of exposed skin I could see. Yes, this man was unmistakably mine.
Grinning, I threw back the blanket and spread my arms so that he could climb into bed with me without hesitation. Gray landed on top of me, and I wrapped my arms and legs around him… until the moment he rolled over, pulling me with him so that now, I was lying on top of him.
Only then did I notice that he hadn't come to bed alone.
"Where did you get these from?" I asked, propping myself up on both hands and lifting myself slightly to get a better look at the little mountain of packages.
Snacks.
And not just any snacks but a damn selection of all my favorites.
"Preparation is everything."
Still, I could hardly believe that Gray had taken the time and effort to track down my favorite treats and bring them along on this little trip. He couldn't have known how it would turn out or what would happen.
"You look like it's rocket science," he noted. His huge hands rested on my thighs, which, by comparison, looked almost frail.
"Just the fact that you remembered that."
His snort made my statement seem ridiculous. "It's the same the other way around. You know what I like."
"Yes. But that's different."
"Not for us, Amelia," he reminded me. "So, what shall we start with?"
I couldn't help but stare at him for a few more seconds, shaking my head slightly. Gray was incredible. Not a single day went by without him showing that even for a man, it could be quite straightforward to show interest. And not just that. He made an effort… although we were still just somehow coexisting alongside each other, living day by day.
Finally, I grabbed the pack of sour apple rings and tore it open to fish one out. I fed him one before sticking one between my teeth and happily chewing it.
"So, what's your verdict?"
"So the snacks were just a trap?" I replied with a grin.
"Exactly. They were just there to lull you into a sense of security before I ask the tough questions."
I shrugged dramatically. "Well, they're not that tough, considering I like handing over control to you."
"Tell me more."
"I like it when you take control of me," I replied, fishing for more apple rings. I held them out to him in my flat hand. "Somehow, it makes me happy and makes the sex even better. Especially when I'm completely at your mercy."
Before I continued, I devoured another ring. "You bind me, make my decisions for me, and do with me what pleases us both without me having to explicitly ask for everything. By now, you know my body damn well, and it even turns me on to care for you. Yet I never quite know what your next move will be, and all these little details make it so thrilling. So arousing. Just knowing I'm completely at your mercy… that alone gets me wet."
He listened until I had nothing more to say. "And you think that means I'm a good match for you?"
I looked down at him, amused. "No. It means that we're a perfect match."
And before he could squash that statement, like a few before, with an argument, I simply fed him more apple rings to prevent it.
"And this night was perfect too. No debates about it, understood?" I finally said before snuggling into his chest, forgetting about the remaining snacks.
I stretched out my legs, cuddled up to his much larger body, and reveled in the closeness to him. In the warmth that seeped into every fiber of my being from him. His pleasant scent that enveloped me, which had nothing to do with his shower gel. The memories drifting through my mind, and how his fingers lazily drew circles on my bare back.
After this morning, I didn't think anything could lift my spirits. Yet, once again, Gray had proven me wrong.
And now, lying in this cozy bed in a cabin located in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a dark forest, while rain loudly pattered on the roof and all I could hear were Gray's heartbeat and his breathing—this was exactly the description I would have given anyone who asked me how I imagined spending the rest of my life.
I reluctantly admitted it all—that I needed this man. The intimacy with him. The freedom. The life he showed me. And moments like this, where the world stood still, and everything revolved around our existing together.
"But may I express my opinion?" he asked, a playful tone in his voice.
"I didn't mean to silence you. Just to keep you from possibly talking it down."
"On the contrary," he murmured. "Actually, I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you, and above all, I'm honored that you trust me so much. That's neither ordinary nor something I can just expect from you. How could I possibly speak ill of what happened earlier? I agree wholeheartedly that it was a perfect night."
"But you made that trust exist. Do you think I would give you this power over me if I were afraid of anything? Or even had reservations?"
"I just want to make it clear to you that it means something to me, little one. That's all. So no, I don't think so. Still, it's important for me to share my thoughts with you. You should know that nothing you do goes unnoticed by me."
I gave a soft snort, as if it were necessary for him to say that. Still, I agreed with him, if not verbally.