Pressing a kiss to my hair, he whispers, “Thank you.” Even though I’m pressed right against him, I still try to snuggle closer. “Thank you for coming into my life.”
I’m not someone who cries easily but now that I’ve learned how lonely it must be at the top for Falcon, I can’t help but cry for him.
And Mason. I now understand why he lashes out so often.
I press my lips together to keep from making a sound as a tear rolls down the side of my face.
And Lake. Sweet, gentle Lake.
My body begins to tremble from all the effort it’s taking to not break down and sob.
Falcon tightens his hold on me and presses another kiss to my hair. “It’s okay.”
I nod, wiping my tears on his shirt in the process.
“I was just overwhelmed. I’m back to normal now. You have nothing to worry about.”
I nod again and quickly turn my face into his chest, muffling the sob.
I never knew my heart could hurt so much.
Falcon pulls back and bringing his hand to my face, he wipes a tear away. “Why are you crying?”
“Because it’s so unfair,” I whisper.
“What?”
“That money robs you of your humanity.” Another sob drifts over my lips. “I’m going to be damn mother hen to the three of you now.”
“Don’t spoil Lake too much and be careful, Mason might bite.”
I laugh through my tears and rest my chin on his chest as I look up at him. “And you?”
He keeps brushing his hand over the side of my face, and the affectionate look from earlier is back.
“I’m going to be needy and require a lot of hugs and kisses.”
A wide smile spreads over my face. “Promise?”
“Oh, I definitely promise,” he jokes, and pushing me onto my back, he presses a quick kiss to my mouth. He moves a little down, laying his head on my chest.
“Close your eyes,” I whisper and bringing a hand to his hair, I softly pull my fingers through the strands. It doesn’t take long until his breaths grow deeper.
“I’m going to save you, Falcon,” I whisper. “I’m going to save all three of you.”Chapter 16FalconI’ve spent most of the day catching up on the work I missed yesterday. Closing my laptop, I check my watch to make sure I have enough time.
After showering and putting on a fresh set of clothes, I leave the suite. I take the stairs up to the roof and check that everything is in place for Layla’s surprise. Luckily, it’s a nice evening, and there isn’t a breeze even though it’s overcast. I light all the candles and make sure the snacks I wanted have been brought up.
I quickly go down and knock on Layla’s door.
I’m used to having full control over my life, but with Layla – it’s both exciting and scary at the same time. I’m experiencing things and feelings I never knew existed, but knowing I can lose it just as quickly, fuck, it’s terrifying.
I need to stop thinking about what can happen and focus on what I have right now, but it’s easier said than done.
Layla opens the door, and the instant my eyes land on her face a wildfire of emotion spreads through me, color explodes behind my eyes, and my heart beats easier. I step right up to her and engulf her in my arms, pressing her hard to my chest.
“Uhhhh,” she makes a cute face as she strains in my hold while trying to stand on her toes. “Unfair, you’re taller,” she pouts and not being able to deny her anything, I press a kiss to her puckered lips. A wide smile spreads across her face, lighting her up brighter than the sun. “Again.” I grin and comply, but keep the kiss short. “Again,” she whispers, pushing her body a little higher.
Loosening my hold on her, I lift my hands to her face and tilting my head, I softly lower my mouth to hers, then keep still.
Empty and lonely. That was every day before her.
But yesterday, every hour felt different, bursting with everything I thought I’d never have.
Moving my lips, my heart pushes up to my throat, and I latch onto her with an overwhelmingly, fierce need.
And I gain another moment.
A heartbeat filled with seasons of color. An instant filled with eternities of touching and tasting the priceless substance of this woman.
Slowing down with the full intention of continuing this up on the roof, I take Layla’s hand and pull her door shut behind us.
“My shoes,” Layla laughs as I drag her toward the elevator.
“You’re not going to need them.” My voice is low and thick, and when the doors slide open, I tug her inside.
I push Layla against the wall and crowd her with my body. As I begin to lower my head and the doors start to close, Serena’s high-pitched voice slams into my back.