"That's it, baby, let go," Morello growls, his grip on my hips tightening as he hammers into me one final time. "God, Alina, you feel so fucking good. I can tell you're getting close. Now, I want you come apart for me. Come all over my cock, baby."
With those words, my world explodes into a shattered kaleidoscope of colors.
Cries of pleasure spill from my lips, my body shuddering around him as I come apart in his arms.
Morello isn't far behind, his own climax shaking his entire body as he growls out my name like a prayer on his lips.
As our breathing slows, we collapse onto the bed, tangled up in the sheets, our hearts pounding in unison.
I can feel the weight of Morello's muscular form pressing me down into the mattress, but I don't care.
In this precious, stolen moment, only we exist.
"I...I should go," I whisper, the reality of our situation seeping back in.
Without hesitation, Morello wraps his arms around my waist, pulling my body closer to his. "Stay, just till sunrise," he mutters, his voice gruff with emotion. "Don't go now, please."
And, for once in my life, I don't argue or run. I close my eyes, inhaling the scent of him as sleep slowly starts to claim me.
Tomorrow, the world could well come crashing down around us, but for now, we have this.
We lie tangled in each other's arms, our bodies spent, our hearts pounding. I nestle into his strong embrace, my fingers running idle patterns on his chiseled chest.
"What now?" I whisper, dreading the answer.
His grip tightens around me, as if he could keep the world at bay forever.
"I don't know," he admits, his voice gruff with emotion. "I just know I can't imagine my life without you in it anymore."
As my breathing slows, Morello pulls me back into his embrace, spooning my naked body against his.
"Shh," he soothes, running his fingers through my damp hair.
"It's just us now, Alina. Forget the world outside."
Chapter 41
Alina
The stillness of the forest is shattered by the crack of gunfire. I jolt upright, adrenaline flooding my veins even before my brain registers the danger. Morello is already in motion, his hand on his holster, his eyes scanning for the threat.
"To the cellar, now!" His voice is tight, urgent.
I don't hesitate, grabbing Yara's hand and pulling her from the table. My only thought is getting her to safety.
We race for the cellar door as another shot splits the quiet morning air, closer this time.
Yara, startled, lets out a small cry, her fingers digging into mine.
"It's okay, I've got you," I say, my voice amazingly steady despite the jackhammering of my heart.
We reach the cellar and I usher Yara inside.
I take her face in my hands, looking into her wide, frightened eyes. "Stay here, no matter what you hear. I'll come back for you, I promise."
I secure the door, shutting out the light.
In the distance, I hear Morello's shouted commands mingling with the rap of gunfire.