Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
I swallow hard, my throat tightening with emotion as I meet his gaze. I thought I couldn’t trust anyone, that I wasn’t capable of love anymore. But Pope… he changed that. “I thought I was broken,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “I thought I wasn’t capable of trusting anyone again. But you… you proved me wrong.”
The moment feels suspended, like time has slowed down just for us. The air is thick with emotion, the weight of everything we’ve been through pressing in. I take a deep breath, my fingers tightening around his. "I love you," I say, the words finally spilling out, raw and unfiltered. “I didn’t realize it at first, but I do. And I’m not afraid to say it anymore.”
Pope’s expression softens, his eyes darkening with that emotion he doesn’t often show. He pulls me into his arms, holding me close, the warmth of his body against mine making everything feel… right. "I love you too, Ruby," he murmurs into my hair. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Leaning into him, feeling his arms wrapped around me, I’ve never felt this kind of peace before—this kind of certainty. For the first time in a long time, I’m not running. I’m not afraid. I close my eyes, breathing him in, the familiar scent of sawdust and wood that clings to him like a second skin. It’s comforting, reassuring. Pope has always been steady, even when I was scared to trust him. And now? Now I know he’s where I belong.
As I pull back slightly, I glance at the library again, this time seeing it for what it really is—a symbol of everything we’ve built together. “This library… it’s more than just a project,” I say softly, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions swirling inside me. “It’s us. All the hard work, the struggles, the moments when I wasn’t sure if we’d make it… it’s all here. It’s a reminder that we can do anything.”
Pope follows my gaze, his hand still resting on the small of my back. “Yeah,” he says, his voice a low rumble, filled with that quiet confidence I’ve grown to love. “It’s solid. Just like us.”
The words hit me with a deep sense of comfort. Solid. That’s what I’ve been searching for all this time—something real, something that lasts. I turn to Pope, my heart swelling with love, with hope. “I don’t want to run anymore,” I say quietly, the words tumbling out like a confession. “I’m done running. I want this. I want us.”
His lips curve into a small smile, his eyes softening as he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You’re not running," he murmurs against my skin. “You’re home.”
Tilting my head up, I capture his lips in a kiss that’s slow and tender, filled with all the things we’ve been through. It’s not rushed or desperate—it’s a kiss that speaks of trust, of a connection that goes deeper than anything physical. Pope’s hands slide down to my waist, pulling me closer as if to remind me that I’m his, and he’s mine.
The warmth of his body against mine, the strength in his touch—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted but was too afraid to admit. Now, standing here in front of the library we built together, I know without a doubt that this is where I belong. This is home.
We step into the library, walking to the newly built circulation desk that’s built into the farthest corner. He presses me against the edge of the polished wood and our lips press together in a demanding kiss. My pussy aches with a deep, throbbing need, my nipples hard and sensitive under my dress. His icy blue eyes have darkened to navy, pupils dilated as they slowly take in every inch of me. Normally, I'd be offended by a look like that from any man—objectified—but with him, it only ignites something primal inside me. I’m desperate for him, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone.
My lips part, and I suck in a breath, my teeth sinking into my bottom lip as my eyes widen. The heat between us is unbearable, so I unbutton my dress and let it fall to the floor, watching his gaze drop to my breasts. The black lace of my bra barely covers my breasts, which are swollen with desire, flushed for him. I twist my arms behind my back and unhook the clasp, feeling his eyes burning into me the entire time. I don’t break eye contact as I let the straps fall and drop the bra to the floor.
Instinctively, I cover my breasts with my arm, standing there, exposed, vulnerable, but on fire for him.
“Move your arm. Let me see you.”
My gaze flickers down to where his hand is palming the massive erection straining against his jeans. The sight alone makes wetness flood between my thighs, and I reach for the strap of my panties to push them down my thighs. But before I can get them off, one of his rough hands molds around my breast, his fingers expertly tweaking my nipple. A gasp escapes me as he massages, presses, and teases, his hands everywhere at once, pushing my sensitive breasts together, creating a line of cleavage that he can’t seem to resist. His lips dive between them, trying to take in both nipples at once, his tongue swirling and teeth nipping just enough to make me gasp.