Ducking inside, I drop her on the mattress. Then, I climb onto the bed after her, and she scoots backward, still brandishing the carrot like a weapon.
“Don’t come any closer,” she says, though her tone holds no real warning.
“Or what? You’ll feed me vegetables?”
Humor dances in her eyes. “I might.”
“Terrifying.” I crawl forward as she keeps backing away.
She bumps against the headboard, trapped now. “I mean it, Jasce.”
“No, you don’t.” I grab her thighs before she can escape, holding her in place. “You’re enjoying this.”
“I am not,” she says, but her laughter betrays her words as she tries to wiggle free.
The sound hits me right in the chest. I’ve missed her laugh.
“Admit it,” I say, tightening my grip as she squirms. “You’re having fun.”
“Never.” She attempts to look stern as she lowers the carrot and knife to the nearby table, but her lips keep twitching.
“No?” I raise an eyebrow. “Then, why are you smiling?”
“I’m not smiling.” She presses her lips together, fighting it.
“Really?” I lean closer. “Because I definitely see a smile.”
She shakes her head, but her resolve crumbles. “Fine. Yes, I’m smiling. Are you happy now?”
“Extremely,” I say as I run my fingertips up her thighs.
“Jasce,” she whispers, and my name on her lips undoes every careful thread of control I’ve maintained the last few days.
Fuck! I’ve missed this.
Missed her.
Missed fucking her.
I trace my thumb across her lower lip. “I’ve missed you.”
Her fingers tangle in my hair as she pulls me closer. “I’m here now.”
Those three words hold so much meaning. She’s choosing to be here, choosing to let down her walls again. Choosing me.
Her lips find mine, and the last few days fade away as I deepen the kiss.
I’ve missed this—missed her trembling beneath my fingers, missed the way she melts into me.
She tugs at my clothes, impatient little movements that make me smile against her mouth. I pull back just enough to help her, and the sight of her—cheeks flushed, eyes dark with desire—nearly brings me to my knees.
She’s my wife. My salvation. The woman who brought light back into my world when I thought I’d forever walk in shadow.
She knows exactly how to drive me mad, how to make me burn hotter than any flame.
I capture her hands, pinning them above her head as I trail kisses down her throat.
This is more than desire, more than mere passion. This is coming home. This is finding peace in the midst of war. This is everything I never knew I needed until she crashed into my life.
