by Monica James
“I want to consume you just as you’ve consumed every…single…part of me.” A bottomless black overcomes his irises. “Everything I am, I give to you. Mind. Body. Soul. You own every part of me. That’ll never change. Regardless of our circumstances, I’ll love you for eternity.”
It’s a pledge, an ode that whatever happens, we will fight until the end. It’s all I need to hear to cement my decision. I know which path I’ve chosen, but honestly, there was never a choice to be made.
But all vows are put on hold because the moment Jude slams his lips over mine, nothing else matters but becoming one. This kiss is fueled with desperation, longing, and need. We both know this may be the last night we share together, on whatever dimension we’re in. That certainty is no better incentive than to make this union eternal.
I paw at him, needing him imprinted onto every part of my body. We’re pressed together from chest to thigh, but the contact isn’t close enough. He lifts me as though I weigh nothing at all and slams my ass onto the hood. I open my legs, and he settles between them before latching onto my waist and sliding me down. We’re now the same height, and he devours my mouth like the strong man that he is, fisting the back of my hair, controlling the kiss, controlling me.
Our mouths move in a frenzied rhythm, unable to keep up with the need to consume the other whole. His tongue tangos with mine, stoking a small fire in my belly and below. His hands hungrily wrap around me, cocooning me into the warm cavern of his body. I’ve never felt safer.
His passion takes my breath away, our kisses getting hotter, and messier, and needier. My body spoons around his perfectly, shaping the angle of our union idyllically. I brazenly rub against him, whimpering when I feel an impressive bulge nudge at my entrance. Memories of how good he felt have me boldly and hastily unbuckling his belt and almost ripping his zipper clean off as I need to feel flesh.
I don’t wait for permission and thrust my hand inside his jeans. We both groan when I palm his hot erection, the contact sending us both wild. With our lips still locked, I begin stroking him, savoring every hard inch of him. His size is mouth-wateringly large, evoking a dampness to pool between my thighs.
He sucks my tongue before heatedly breaking our connection. I don’t have time to question him because, within seconds, he’s ripping at my sweater, my white cotton T-shirt following in quick succession as both garments are tossed to the ground.
I’m sitting on the hood in my black bra, blue jeans, and Chucks, the headlights our only lighting, but they set a dreamy, clandestine mood. Jude takes a step back, admiring me with a look of feral possession. He scans my body, and his gaze lingers on my breasts. As he ascends lower, he does a double take when he sees my tattoo.
“I like your ink.” His voice is heavy with emotion as he undoubtedly knows his tattoo was the inspiration behind mine.
“I like yours, too.” My gaze drops to his clothed flank. “Although I think you’re imperfectly perfect.”
“Well”—he licks his upper lip—“you’re just perfect.” He emphasizes his comment by growling when his stare lands at the junction between my thighs.
I can’t stand the separation any longer, so I reach forward and drag him toward me by the collar of his shirt. Our lips are like a moth to a flame, and we reconnect, kissing fervently, intent on ravaging the other whole.
Tiny goose bumps prick my skin when he skims his hand down the length of my neck, over my shoulder, and down my side. He rubs two fingers over my tattoo, before unsnapping the button on my jeans. My heart skips a beat when he goes in for the kill and rubs over my ripe center. I scream into his mouth, the sensation shooting a current all the way to my toes.
He continues his exploration, but we both want more, and more is what I get when he inserts two fingers inside me. I buck into him with eyes squeezed shut, groaning when he lowers his head and kisses the tops of my breasts while never missing a beat below. I bow backward, not afraid of toppling over as Jude has a firm hold around my waist. He’s in total control, and I love it.
While he’s working my body to a delirious pulp, I can feel my climax speeding closer and closer to the edge. But this time, I want the pleasure thrumming through both our bodies. He’s somehow managed to push one bra cup down, allowing him full access to my pebbled nipple. He’s suckling and lapping, his tongue a rod of pure pleasure. I’m moments away from exploding, but with what little sense I have left, I grip the lapels of his shirt and rip them open with a force so great, the buttons pop off and scatter along the ground. His chest feels divine under my hungry fingers, but I want the whole hog. He helps me tear off what’s left of the offending garment, so we’re now equally clothed.
With our lips still locked, I reach around and unhook my bra, not caring where it lands as I toss it over my shoulder. I slide down the hood, pressing our chests together, feeling our hearts beat as one. Needing more, so much more, I tug at the waistband of his pants, indicating I want them off—I want this last piece to be stripped away for good.
It’s a blur of hands, lips, tongues as we undress each other with a desperate need to be bare. When we’re unclothed, I attempt to dive for Jude’s well kissed lips, but he stops me. Not understanding what he’s doing, I’m about to protest, but go willingly when he picks me up and walks me to the back of the truck.
He begins kissing me, this time with a slow, sluggish speed. I cross my legs around his lower back, holding on tight because I never intend to let go. His length presses against me, sending my heartbeat into an unhealthy staccato because I know in minutes it’ll be buried deep inside me.
He climbs into the back of the truck and lays us down, using a blanket to cushion us. I settle back, his weight feeling impossibly perfect as he sinks into me. Our kiss is heavy with desire, both starved for one another, needing this final union to seal our fates forever.
With our lips still locked, he slips a hand between us, testing to see I’m ready for him. He hisses when he feels how eager I really am. He rubs his thumb over my budding center, teasing me this one last time. My eyes roll into the back of my head.
Opening my legs wider, he positions himself, groaning when we touch. I’m desperate to feel him inside me, so I arch my hips in a silent invitation, a plea. Just as he inches into me, he freezes, a tremor passing through his body. My eyes snap open because I don’t understand why he’s stopped.
“Jude?” I whisper, stroking my hand down his whiskered cheek and over his neck, toying with his pendant. “What’s the matter?”
The moonlight exposes his heaviness. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to let you go when the time comes.”
His confession is nothing short of heartbreaking. “Then don’t. I belong to you. Now and always.”
He clenches his eyes, a look of unadulterated happiness passing over him. “Now and always,” he repeats before closing the agonizing distance between us and making us one.
I cry out, unacquainted with such a delectable intrusion, and Jude stills, allowing my inexperienced muscles to bear his girth and size. It doesn’t take long, and I raise my hips, needing to feel more of him.
He complies and works his way inside me, each stroke sending my body into sensory overload. When I’m filled full, he pauses while I hold my breath, basking in this sensation of absolute pleasure. He bends down and lays a kiss over my racing pulse, before moving inside me with a measured, long stroke. It feels unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
He continues moving unhurriedly as if savoring this dreamlike connection between us. His length brings tears to my eyes, filling me to the brim each time he hits my core with exact precision. I can feel he’s holding back—most likely afraid he’ll hurt me—but I want all the shackles around us to be broken; I want to lose myself in him completely and perpetually.
With that thought in mind, I buck my hips and loop a leg around his waist, drawing him deeper. We both moan. He stares into my eyes as he drives into me fiercely, letting go of reservations and claiming me as his. The speed of his t
hrusts is almost punishing, but I like it. I take everything he gives and match his intensity as I meet him stroke for stroke.
“You feel incredible,” he groans, cupping my heavy breast as he thumbs over my nipple. “Am I hurting you?” I’m unable to vocalize anything but moans and grunts, so I shake my head. “Nothing has ever felt more real,” he hums, relishing in our connection.
His shaft is hot and swollen as he pushes into me, rocking with a speed that has me gasping for breath. I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders, his flesh sticky and warm; he’s never felt more alive. My orgasm is skimming so close to the surface, I have to rein it back in because I want to take pleasure in this feeling as long as I can. Jude lowers his lips and kisses me passionately, his tongue in sync with his movement below. He lowers his chin, growling when he sees our connection. The sight invokes an untamed passion. “I love you, Victoria.” He emphasizes each word with a prolonged stroke.
I pant and whimper beneath him. “I love you, too.” A look of victory passes over him.
He rocks into me, stroking every part of me, but when he suddenly breaks our connection, every fiber in my body screams in protest. However, when he flips me over and draws me back, hinting he wants me on all fours, my body screams for an entirely different reason.
He sinks into me, the angle hitting me in the just the right way, sealing our intimacy so not a whisper of air can pass between us. He propels into me faster and harder, ensuring I don’t fall forward as he wraps both his big hands around my waist. I buck backward, taking every hot inch of him, shattering when he circles his hips and stabs at my core with a direct hit. He continues this for minutes, his primeval growls alerting me that he’s close.
Arching my neck back, I look into the star-filled sky and appreciate that what Jude and I have knows no boundaries. This shouldn’t be happening, but it is. This incredible man crossed my path for a reason, and I’ll be damned if that reason will be in vain.
Everything aligns, and things have never looked clearer. As he thrusts into me over and over again, I absorb his essence, drawing him into my body as I clench my muscles, never planning on letting him go. He shouts and grunts before slipping a hand between us and flicking over my inflamed core. We groan in harmony, and I explode with an ear-splitting howl. “I love you. I love you,” I chant, every part of my being surrendering to him.
Jude hums in complete satisfaction before he drives into me with two vigorous pumps. He growls and explodes inside me, the speed of his rhythm drawing out every last ounce of my orgasm. Tears spill from my eyes because I can’t remember a time when I felt happier, more fulfilled. I’m completely spent, and my body is well-sated.
Still rooted deep inside me, he bites over my thundering pulse, the heat from his body sending my body lax. At the precise moment, we are drawn to the skies, and a shooting star flashes before our eyes, leaving a shadow of enchantment in its wake.
Jude kisses the shell of my ear before whispering, “Make a wish.”
But what he doesn’t realize is that all my wishes have just come true.
I’m numb—comfortably numb.
I’m surrounded by the only smell which reminds me of home. Not wanting this moment to ever end, I snuggle into Jude’s chest, intent on staying this way forever. A deep rumble makes me remember the profound sounds Jude made as he buried himself so deeply inside me, I never thought he’d be found.
Kissing over my eyelids, he chuckles. “Good morning.”
I groan. “No, it’s not morning yet.” I don’t want to open my eyes because I know what today holds. Once I face the harsh light of day, I know that today is the day that changes everything.
“No, you’re right, it’s not,” Jude whispers.
Before I can question him, I feel the silk sheets being wrapped around us, shielding us from the sunlight streaming in from the curtains. He kisses me just as he did last night and stirs the same longing as he did hours ago.
We made love countless times, each time sanctioning my decision. The desperation to stay together could be felt each time he touched me; each time he told me I was his forever.
Opening my eyes, I feel a blush tint my cheeks when I see Jude watching me with ferocity. He remembers every kiss, every promise we made, and his fervor takes my breath away. “Hi,” I manage to say.
The sheets are over our heads, blanketing us from reality. “Hi,” he replies, kissing the slope of my nose. “You feeling okay?” His warm breath floats across my cheeks.
“Never better. Although…” I leave the sentence hanging deliberately.
His lips press together as he scrunches up his face. “Although what? Last night was…”
I can’t help but smile since I know what he’s thinking. “Last night was amazing. Although you still owe me a date.”
He exhales in relief. “Every day I spend with you is a date.”
“Cheapskate,” I mumble under my breath, grinning.
His mouth falls open before he tickles my side while I squirm, giggling. “Okay, fine. I suppose you’re right.” His fingers pass over my tattoo, stroking tenderly. When he turns serious, I know what he’s thinking. It’s a reality we both have to face. “There’s one thing we have to do beforehand.”
“I know,” I reply, fingering over his lips. Silence surrounds us. We both know we have to help Henry.
This quite possibly may be my last day wherever I am, and I can’t let go without trying one last time. The thought makes me incredibly sad, and I can’t help it showing. Jude brushes the hair from my brow, sliding his thumb down my cheek. “Is there anything, in particular, you’d like to do?”
I shake my head, thankful for the change of pace. “You choose. Anywhere with you is perfect.”
He lowers his forehead to rest against mine, rubbing my nose with his. “You smell unbelievable,” he hums. “I can smell myself all over you.” His possessive words are avowed when I feel something hard and incredibly brilliant stir below.
I bite my lip, and a soft moan escapes me. I want him again. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. Jude reads my thoughts, and a playful grin tugs at his lips.
When a small knock sounds on the door, we both know who it is, and smile. “Just a minute, buddy,” Jude calls out to Angus, who is standing outside the bedroom door.
Jude kisses me quickly before tugging the sheets off us and jumping up to find our clothes.
We dress in seconds, and when I’m completely clothed and collected enough, Jude opens the door. The mood instantly changes when I see Angus. When he sees me, he smiles with a sigh. It’s a look of relief. Does he also know what’s lurking around the corner?
I pat the bed, and Angus runs over to me, throwing himself in my arms. I look at Jude, who appears teary-eyed to see us connect so closely. “Did you sleep okay?” I ask Angus when he lets me go. He’s still in his red, fire truck pajamas.
He nods, but I can see the distress in his big blue eyes. “What’s the matter?”
He shrugs and looks over at Jude and signs. “I had a dream you and Daddy left me.”
His fears are my own, but I try to stay strong. “Victoria and I will always be with you,” Jude says, walking over and crouching down in front of him. He takes his small hand into his large one. “Even if you can’t see us, know that we’re watching over you. Always. Okay?”
I discreetly wipe at the tears in my eyes.
“Okay, Dad.” Jude squeezes Angus’s shoulder before kissing him on the cheek.
“Who you talking to, little monkey?” Grace peers around the doorjamb, almost appearing afraid to step into Jude’s room.
Angus looks at Jude, who nods. “Daddy,” he signs.
Grace’s lower lip trembles. It’s the first sign of weakness she’s shown. But I suppose I see her in a different light now. All those times when Angus mentioned Jude, she thought he was talking to an imaginary friend to deal with his grief. “What did Daddy say?”
“He said that even though I can’t see him, he’ll be watching over
me.”
Tears well in Grace’s eyes, just as they do in mine. “That sounds like something Daddy would say.”
With a deep breath, she enters slowly, peering around as if absorbing the sight for the first time. Her response has me guessing she hasn’t been in here since Jude’s accident. I rub over my scar, feeling an ache deep within.
As she gazes around, tears spilling down her cheeks, I understand her resentment is because she misses Jude. He mentioned it was only him and her, so I can appreciate how lonely and lost she must feel without him. She buries her pain under her tough skin. I suddenly feel that Grace and I would have been great friends.
Jude looks at her, frowning when she runs her finger along his dresser, admiring a silver frame that holds a picture of them hugging Angus. They were a happy family once, but now, all Grace has is memories. She wipes at her tears with the long sleeves covering her hands. “Why did you leave us, Jude?” she whispers.
Jude swallows, his pain breaking my heart. “Buddy, can you do something for me?” he asks, his eyes glued to Grace as she wanders around the room. Angus nods. “Tell your Auntie Grace that I’m really proud of her.”
Grace stops by Jude’s closet, suddenly opening the doors and moving the garments from side to side. The hangers scrape along the bar, revealing her anger and pain, but most of all, her sadness. When she passes over a navy sweater, she rips it down and fists the material in both hands. Angus walks over to her slowly and signs.
She sniffs, hugging the sweater to her chest. “Thanks, little monkey.” Both Jude and I can read her disbelief, but Jude perseveres.
