"I still can't believe you're here, that I can hold you like this again."
I lower my head, capturing her mouth in a hungry kiss.
Alina moans into the kiss, the fire we'd both missed so much igniting within us.
The tension between us is palpable, as if our time apart has only stoked the flames.
"Mmmm, Morello," she purrs, tangling her fingers in my hair, "I've missed you so much."
I growl in response, deepening the kiss, my hands roaming every inch of her body, reacquainting myself with her delicious curves.
Alina arches into me, as if reveling in the familiarity of my touch.
Breaking apart, both breathless, I study her.
"I want this, Alina. I want you, and Yara. I want us to be a family, if you'll have me."
"I've never wanted anything more," she whispers, clinging to me. "But it won't be easy. There'll be... complications."
"I know," I say, chuckling softly, "But I'm an FBI agent, I thrive on complications."
I sweep her up in my arms, carrying her to the bedroom.
"Now, let's pick up where we left off."
Our clothes fall to the floor in a frenzy, revealing the bodies that have ached for one another for so long.
We move together as if no time has passed, as if we've never been apart.
"Vincent," Alina gasps, arching her back, her sharp nails digging into my shoulders.
"I've got you, Alina," I growl, my voice strained with desire. "I've got you, and I'm never letting go."
Climaxing together, our bodies intertwined, I know this was what we've both been missing.
It's as if she's finally allowing herself to fall into the depths of the ocean that is our love, submitting to the waves of pleasure crashing over her.
As my words sink in, Alina's eyes fill with unshed tears.
"I love you," she gasps, clinging to me as if I'm her lifeline, which I'm always happy to be for her. "I'll always love you."
I smile against her neck, a single-handed wave of relief washing over me. "I love you too, Alina. More than you'll ever know."
Breathless, Alina collapses against my chest, our heartbeats pounding in unison. My strong arms encircle her, as if I fear she might slip away at any moment.
"Morello," she sighs, nuzzling into my neck, "I don't know if I can do this again. Lose you... I-I don't think I'm strong enough."
I tighten my hold. "I know, baby girl, me neither. But one thing is for certain. I could spend my whole life searching, but I know it'd be futile. I'll never meet someone remotely like you ever again. You're it for me, Alina. You're my universe. Nothing matters without your smile, your laugh, your touch. I thought I had it all, but you've made me realize my life was nothing without you."
Alina blinks back more tears as she gazes me, running her finger down one side of my jaw. "You do yourself a disservice speaking that way."
"No, I honor you by speaking this way. And I promise to treat you exactly the way you deserve—like the queen that you are—for the rest of your days. And beyond, if I have my way. The same goes for Yara. She's the princess in this castle, and I would lay my life on the line for her many times over."
The mention of her daughter brings tears to Alina's eyes. I know from what she's shared that so many men have said similar words, but they'd been empty, used as pawns to play with her emotions.
But my words are real. I am here for them.
And it just feels so perfect, I don't know if any of us can handle it.