Page 40 of Until Ace

I wonder what she has gone through in her life, what the people who were supposed to be closest to her did, when a few simple words, a safe place to stay, a T-shirt, and a bed are the kindest things she’s ever gotten from someone.

I don’t say anything to that. I simply gather her close.

At that moment, I vow I will never let anything bad happen to her ever again.

The moment I saw her, she became mine. And I take care of what’s mine.

She just needs to learn that.

Her hand touches my face in the dark, and she whispers another heartfelt, “Thank you,” before she scoots up and touches my lips with hers.

I want to deepen the kiss. I want to claim what is already mine.

I don’t though.

I give Mandy only what she asked for and close my eyes.

She falls asleep before I do. And just before I follow, I bury my face in her hair, and there, I whisper, “You’re mine. You’re safe. And nothing will touch you again.”

I know it sounds mental, given the circumstances, but it’s the best night of my life. And for the first time in a long time, I look forward to waking up.

Only, when I do, I’m alone, and there's no sign of Mandy.

Looking around, I see nothing but the bare walls of the spare bedroom.

I don’t even know what time it is, so I get out of bed and go in search of my woman. As soon as I exit the bedroom, the delicious smell of fresh coffee and bacon hits me. Following it down the stairs to the kitchen, I come to a halt, and I see Mandy from the landing.

She hasn’t spotted me yet, and I watch her move around the room as if she belongs there.

Which she does.

She’s still wearing the T-shirt I gave her last night.

Fuck.

She’s gorgeous.

The need for her burns in me.

I walk slowly toward her, drinking in the sight of her, fighting my cock getting hard.

I’m going to spend the rest of my life with this woman.

The thought I had last night echoes through my brain, and in the morning sun, it doesn’t lose its allure; it only gets stronger.

I want her to have everything. I want to take all her worries away. My skin yearns for her touch. My lips are thirsty for hers. But above all, I want—no, need—her to be safe.

I want to give her the world, and I’ll start doing that by giving her me.

It’s absurd. We just met, but I know she’s the one for me.

I love her already.

Given the life I lead, it doesn’t come as a surprise that I fell in love with her so soon.

Everything comes at high speed, every decision monumental, and every feeling deep. But nothing goes deeper than the love I already feel for Mandy.

And I know she feels the same.