Chapter Twelve

Coco

I step inside the back door after Mariah's morning bathroom break and dust the light snow off my shoulders, only to find Vale with his face pressed against the window like an excited child. He turns, flashing me a grin that makes my heart do an embarrassing little flip. You'd think after living together for two months, I'd be immune to his movie star charm. Apparently not. I need to stop rewatching that damn trailer when he’s not around.

“Perfect timing!” he exclaims. “Come here, quick!”

Curious, I join him at the window. Judge Grimshaw is shuffling to his house in rainboots and a bathrobe, flipping through his mail. Grimshaw steps inside, unaware he’s being spied on. Before I can ask what's so fascinating about our landlord's morning routine, Vale's already bounding towards my bed.

“Vale,” I start, eyeing his feet, “what are you doing? You know how I feel about dirty socks on my bed.”

He tosses me a pair of clean socks. “Already thought of that. Put these on.”

I roll my eyes but comply, kicking off my shoes. “Okay, but what exactly are we—" My words trail off as Vale starts jumping on the bed like a five-year-old testing out his new trampoline.

For a moment, I just stare. Then, against my better judgment, I join him. What can I say? He’s a bad influence on me. He grabs my hands, and suddenly we're bouncing together, laughing like idiots. Mariah's indignant barks fade into the background of our giggles.

“Is this for Nymphstagram?” I ask between bounces. “One of those staged 'candid couple' moments?”

Vale doesn't answer. Instead, he lets go of my hands and starts pounding on the wall, making . . . moaning noises?! My laughter dies in my throat as realization dawns.

“Vale,” I hiss, freezing mid-bounce. “Stop. What are you doing? Grimshaw could hear you!”

“That’s the point!” He's barely containing his laughter. “I know this looks weird, but hear me out,” he says in a stage whisper. “How do we convince the judge we're actually married? Well—”

“Oh my god.” I scramble off the bed, my face burning hotter than a demon's firemark. “Vale, no.”

He finally stops, but he's still grinning like the cat who got the cream. “It's not technically lying. I just thought if he truly believed we were married, he'd give me permission to go to the premiere.”

I fix him with a hard stare, crossing my arms. “Do you ever think about anyone but yourself?”

“What? Of course I do. You see how the judge treats me.”

"It's not just about you and the judge," I say, my voice rising. "When this is over, you'll go back to your life scot-free, but I'll be stuck here dealing with the fallout. My reputation, my clinic, even my living situation—they could all suffer because of this,” I flounder, searching for a word, “charade!” I wave my hands, but my voice catches. It's fake. We both know it's fake. So why does it feel so real sometimes?

Vale steps closer, mirroring my crossed arms. “I'm not getting off scot-free. I have probation.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Probation that's also a publicity stunt to boost your career.” I sigh, deflating. “Look, I'm not asking you to make amends with the judge. Just think about how your actions might affect me, okay? After we fake divorce, you’ll be done with me and this town. But I’m staying. I’ll have to carry this one big lie, plus all the other little lies you’re heaping onto the pile. You only have to stick to our story for another few weeks. I’ll have to stick to it for as long as I live in Winter Bliss.”

His shoulders slump. “Coco, I–I didn't realize. I'm sorry.”

“I know you are. Just . . . please try to remember that every convincing performance you give makes things easier for you but harder for me.”

He pulls me into a hug, and after a moment of tension, I find myself melting into his embrace. Mariah whines at our feet, licking my ankle as if to remind me she's still here.

“I will. I promise,” Vale murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

I close my eyes, listening to the steady thump of his heart. I try not to think about the mess I'll have to clean up when he's gone, or the endless questions I’ll have to answer about why it didn’t work out. But that'll be nothing compared to the broken pieces of my heart I'll have to sweep up after he leaves.

Later that night, I'm still feeling down. The realization that our fake marriage is rapidly approaching its expiration date feels like an emotional gut punch that I just can’t shake. I’ve been distant with Vale all day, purposely avoiding him at work and as much as I can at home without him becoming suspicious. The therapist side of me knows I'm subconsciously distancing myself to soften the eventual blow of him leaving. It won't make a difference, but I can't seem to stop.

“Beautiful night out there,” Vale says, lacing up his running shoes. "Fancy a moonlight jog?"

I know what he's doing. He hates running, especially after the brutal workouts his trainer puts him through each morning. He can sense my mood, and this is his way of trying to cheer me up.

I burrow deeper into my blanket cocoon. Mariah lets out a little disgruntled snort as I shift. “Thanks, but I'm beat. Thinking of calling it an early night.”

“How about a walk then?” His eyes flick to Mariah, who responds by snuggling even further into my lap.

There's something in Vale's expression I can't quite read—a tightness around his eyes, a slight furrow in his brow. Is he disappointed? Frustrated? I look away, guilt gnawing at me as he stands up.

“Alright, solo it is. See you later.”

As soon as the door clicks shut behind him, I exhale heavily. Finally, alone. I grab the remote and queue up Quantum Renegade. It's the only show that lets me truly switch off my brain. I've managed to sneak in episodes here and there, but it's nice to indulge without feeling self-conscious.

The door suddenly opens again. “Forgot my—" Vale stops mid-sentence as I frantically hit the power button. "What were you watching?" I can hear the smile in his voice.

"Nothing! Just . . . nothing," I stammer, flustered.

He crosses to the couch and plucks the remote from my hand. With a click, the screen flickers back to life. Vale arches an eyebrow at me. “Quantum Renegade? This is what you're embarrassed about?”

“Look, I know it's cheesy, but it means a lot to me. I don 't need you making fun of it.” I make a grab for the remote, but he holds it just out of reach.

Vale settles next to me on the couch. I eye him warily, ready to unleash couch pillow warfare at the first sign of mockery. To my surprise, his expression is one of genuine interest.

“I wouldn't dream of it. Mind if I join?”

I hesitate. “Fine, but one snarky comment and you're out. Got it?”

“Demon's honor,” he says, raising his hand. “So, catch me up—what's the premise?”

I study him suspiciously. There's something in his eyes—not amusement, but . . . excitement? Nervousness? It's hard to pin down.

“It's about this diverse crew on the starship Quantum Frontier. They travel through time and space, trying to keep the universe in balance. It's way better than I'm making it sound.”

As I explain, Vale nods along, but there's a strange tension in his posture. He seems hyper-focused on the screen, almost like he's bracing himself for something.

When I point out Nylara and start gushing about my favorite character and the show’s lead, Vale makes an almost imperceptible grimace. If I hadn't been watching him so closely, I would have missed it entirely.

“What about this guy?” he asks, gesturing to Thraxxius. “He seems just as interesting as Nylara. What's his deal?”

I roll my eyes. Of course Vale would ask about Thraxxius—he’s always a fan favorite. I like his full body armor and the fact we’ve never seen his face, but beyond that, his character has no substance. “That's Thraxxius. He's a Chronovian, basically an ageless time-controlling being. He looks cool, but . . .”

“What?”

I shrug. “He's just too powerful sometimes. Like right now, they’re trying to get the Queen of Vabulous to let the crew into her secret archive. She’s going to say no, and Thraxxius is going to freeze time and steal the key off one of her guards. It can get a bit much.”

Vale's reaction to my critique of Thraxxius is odd. He winces slightly, his jaw tightening for just a moment. Is the show too nerdy for him after all? But then why does he look almost disappointed?

After a moment of studying the screen, he turns to me with a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "You know, you light up when you talk about this show."

His comment catches me off guard, and I feel myself softening. I lean into his side without even realizing what I’m doing. “Yeah, well, it means a lot to me. This is actually the newer series. They canceled it too soon, right on a cliffhanger.”

“That's rough. No chance of a revival? ”

“Doubtful,” I sigh. “Most fans prefer the original series anyway.”

“But not you?”

“I love both, actually. Oh, fun fact, Thraxxius is the only character in both versions of the series. Different actors, same character.”

“You know what? Let's start from the beginning. I want to see what makes this so special.”

I blink at him, surprised. “Really? Fair warning—the effects are pretty dated. You can literally see the strings sometimes.”

Vale nods, settling into the couch cushions. “Absolutely. Let me into your nerdy world, Coco.” He drapes his arm around me, and I snuggle into his warmth.

A week later, I'm leaning against the hood of my car as I wait for Vale outside the courthouse. Snowflakes drift lazily onto my cheeks, and a chill wind whispers down from the mountains. But I barely notice the cold, my body feels like it's glowing from within, warmed by an inner sun of happiness. I'm so content that I barely register it's Vale's sixty-day check-in. How many more does he have left? The end is approaching quickly. But we're not thinking about that. Not today.

As soon as Vale spots me, his brow furrows in confusion. "Coco? What are you doing here?" he calls as he jogs over. "Aren't you supposed to be seeing patients? It's the middle of the day—"

I silence him with a quick kiss. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise at this public display of affection.

"Surprise!" I say, grinning. "I've got something planned for us."

"What? Why?" His eyes search mine, torn between concern and intrigue.

I unlock the passenger door and open it with a flourish. "I rescheduled all my patients for today and tomorrow. Look at me, being spontaneous!" I gesture to the bags in the back seat. "I booked us a surprise cabin getaway for the night. I was thinking, I really haven't explored the mountains yet. And a cabin getaway would be the perfect place to take pictures for your social media."

He eyes the open door warily. "This is nice, but can you afford to take days off? What about your patients? The clinic?"

"Don't worry, everything's taken care of. And I have some news about the clinic." I bite my lip, barely containing my excitement.

"News? Good or bad?" His forehead creases. "Coco, seriously. What's going on?"

I tug on his sleeve, gently urging him into the car. "Let's get on the road, and I'll tell you everything. Trust me, Vale. Please?"

"Alright, you win," he concedes, sliding into the seat. "Let's hit the road, Mrs. Embergrave. Wait. What about the rat?" The affection in his voice is so obvious, he’s beginning to love Mariah Scary as much as I do.

His playful use of my ‘married’ name catches me off guard. I fumble with the keys before they reach the ignition, nearly dropping them. "R-right. Let's go. Oh, and don't worry about Mariah. Judge Grimshaw is watching her tonight. When I left, she was already curled up in front of his fireplace while he hand-fed her treats." If Grimshaw truly did hear us making ‘bedroom noises’, he didn't act like it. He was gruff as usual, until Mariah started barking at him, demanding more food.

As I start the car, Vale turns to me. "You still haven't told me about this news.”

I take a deep breath, unable to contain it any longer. "I was going to wait to tell you at the cabin, but I guess I'll just spoil it now. I just got word that the clinic is staying open. We did it!"

"What!" He leans across the console and envelops me in a bear hug, his elbow accidentally hitting the horn. Ignoring the blare, he squeezes tighter. "You did it, Coco. I hope you're proud because I am so proud of you," he murmurs into my ear, his lips brushing against my skin.

His words send a warm flutter through my chest. He pulls back, cupping my face in his hands, and kisses me softly. His horns scrape against the car's low ceiling, but neither of us minds.

When we part, I'm blushing and a little breathless. "We, uh, better get on the road. It takes a couple of hours to get to the cabin, and I don't want to be driving in the dark," I say, pulling away from the curb.

"I can't wait to hear all about it," he says, settling back into his seat with a grin.

" S ay cheese!" I press my cheek against Vale's as we pose for the camera. The crisp mountain air nips at my exposed skin, carrying the sharp scent of pine. As I snap a few selfies of us, I'm acutely aware of Vale's hand lingering on my waist, his warmth seeping through my coat.

Checking the results, I can't help but notice how flushed my face is in the photos, almost matching Vale's crimson skin. Despite the chill, I'm surprisingly toasty—Vale's fire-powered hands make for an excellent personal heater. It's moments like these that remind me how not-human he is.

"These look great," I say, even though Vale can see the screen over my shoulder. "Let's try a few more poses before moving to the next spot." I wish we could capture more of the stunning backdrop. The majestic pines, dusted with snow, would make a perfect Nymphstagram backdrop. Note to self: Invest in a tripod. This social media business is trickier than it looks.

As I turn and adjust Vale's Santa hat, he pouts. "Another location? Coco, I'm beat. Haven't we taken enough pictures?"

I gesture at the overcast sky, my inner stage mom slipping out. "We only have about an hour of decent light left. We need to make it count! I want your page to look good."

Vale snorts, crossing his arms. "I thought you were anti-social media."

“I am . . .” I trail off. "I want your page to do well because I want everyone to see your movie.”

His devilish grin appears, looking particularly handsome against the winter scenery. My heart does a stupid little flip. "You watched the trailer, didn't you?"

Heat creeps up my neck, I adjust my scarf, hiding my blush. I avoid his gaze, suddenly fascinated by a nearby pine cone. "I was curious. My fake husband is in a movie, I had to check it out.”

He leans in close, his breath tickling my ear. "Looks like you're a fan. Can't resist the country bumpkin, huh?" His drawl slips out, and I press my lips together, hiding my smile. I can’t believe I’m fangirling over him—how embarrassing .

I roll my eyes, gently pushing his chest. My hand lingers a moment too long. "Let's not get carried away. I liked the trailer and plan to see the movie. That's all."

Vale catches my hand, bringing it to his lips. His dark eyes hold mine as he speaks. "Or I could take you to the premiere. As a date." His tone shifts from playful to serious. He rubs his lips against my knuckles as he waits for my answer.

My breath catches, stomach fluttering with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I quickly squash the feeling, unwilling to set myself up for disappointment. It’s a lovely thought, but it’s just a way of delaying the inevitable. Pulling my hand away, I turn to fuss with a pine branch, hiding my face. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We'll see if you can make your own premiere first."

Suddenly, I'm airborne. I yelp as Vale hoists me into a fireman's carry. "Vale! What are you doing? We're wasting time—"

His deep laugh fills the air as he trudges through the snow, each step crunching loudly. "We've got enough photos. I'm tired. I want to show you something."

"Where are we going? The cabin's that way." I point towards the distant row of buildings, trying to ignore how secure I feel in his arms.

He winks. "You'll see.”

The steady rhythm of Vale's movements and his warmth as he treks through the snow lull me into a doze. When I come to, we're in a hidden grove, far from the main path. How long was I out? The sun has already started to set, painting the sky in breathtaking hues of pink and orange.

Despite the fading daylight, the air feels thick and almost muggy. Steam rises from somewhere nearby, curling through the air like ghostly fingers.

Vale sets me down gently, and I stifle a yawn. He offers his hand as we carefully descend an alcove of rocks. When the hot springs come into view, I gasp. The pool is a mirror of liquid silver, reflecting the twilight sky. "This is amazing. How did you know about this place?"

"This mountain is full of hot springs," Vale explains, steadying me as we near the water. The earthy scent of mineral-rich water fills my nostrils. "I grew up here, remember? I know a few hidden spots."

I frown at the steaming pool, a mix of excitement and trepidation bubbling in my chest. "But I didn't bring a swimsuit.”

I turn to find Vale already shedding his shirt. My face turns hot as I admire his sculpted physique. He kicks off his pants until he's down to his briefs. "No bathing suits allowed, Coco! Didn't you read the rules?"

My mind races. Rules? I definitely read the cabin guidelines on the website, but mountain rules? I should have googled before—Oh. He's teasing me. I force myself to look away as he sheds his briefs, my cheeks burning. Despite our previous intimate moments together, this feels different. Nothing's happened since the office, and I know he's waiting for me to make a move. But I worry that the further we go, the harder it'll be when this ends. My heart thuds against my ribcage, a war between desire and self-preservation.

Then again, isn't that just silly? It's going to be difficult no matter what. I glance up in time to catch a glimpse of Vale's red, muscular buttock before he submerges himself in the water with a contented sigh. He motions for me to join him, looking every bit like a demon tempting me into sin.

"What if someone sees us?" I ask, grasping at straws.

"I'll scare them away," Vale chuckles. "Seriously, Coco, when are you going to have another opportunity to go skinny dipping with a famous movie star?"

I shake my head, laughing despite myself. "Oh, is that what you are? I thought you were just some guy who destroyed public property."

Vale wades towards me, a determined look on his face. "If you don't get into this pool in the next five seconds, I'm throwing you in, clothes and all."

I shake my head in mock disappointment, hiding the nerves buzzing underneath my skin. My mind races, replaying all the reasons why this is a bad idea—number one being the inevitable heartbreak. But my heart, and let’s be honest, my body, are screaming for me to take the plunge.

The end will hurt regardless. Why waste our precious time together dreading something that hasn't happened yet?

I’ve spent so much of my life overthinking and analyzing every decision from every angle. It’s served me well as a therapist, but maybe it’s time to give Dr. Sullivan a break and enjoy what little time I have left with this demon. As much as I want to protect my heart, I crave Vale even more. Not just for his body, though that’s certainly part of it, but all of him—his laughter, his vulnerabilities, the real person hiding behind the perfectly curated facade.

With a deep breath that feels like I’m exhaling years of hesitation, I start to unzip my coat. "Fine, but if we get caught, I'm blaming you entirely. And we get out when I say. Understood?”

Vale's grin widens. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Boss Lady." His voice purrs over the term boss lady, and my nipples harden. As I continue to peel off layers, the cool air hits my skin like a wake-up call, sending a shiver down my spine. Or maybe that’s anticipation mixed with a little fear?

My eyes lock with Vale’s through the steam, his amber eyes aglow with unmistakable hunger. Beneath his smoldering desire, there’s a softness that makes my heart skip a beat. For a split second, that cocky movie star mask slips, and I catch a glimpse of the real demon underneath, someone who is just as scared and hopeful as I am. I shiver again, but not because of the cold this time. My trembling fingers fumble as I unbutton my blouse and slip it off .

I kick off the last piece of clothing—my panties with a noticeable wet spot on the front—and stand there naked on the edge of the pool, allowing Vale time to drink me in.

His form is a dark silhouette against the dark sky, his small, curved horns catching the faint starlight. My fast breath comes out in little clouds, mingling with the cold, and my heart pounds in my chest as I feel his eyes wander down my body. My breasts grow heavy as he lets out a low, satisfied growl. All my nerves seem to wash away as he starts to touch himself.

I dip my foot into the water, letting my body adjust to the temperature before fully submerging. The hot spring’s warmth envelopes me, the perfect contrast with the crisp winter air clinging to the edge of the water. The scent of sulfur mixed with crisp evergreen forest creates an intoxicating aroma that makes my head swim.

I wade through the water, careful not to slip on any rocks, making my way towards Vale in the middle of the pool. His cock, already erect, juts proudly above the water. I swallow hard at the glistening red tip, my mind and heart racing as I start to imagine the logistics of how this is going to work. Then I remember the promise I made to stop overthinking and just let go. No matter what, he will take care of me.

“Are you sure about this, Coco?” His voice is low, almost a growl, but there’s a concern to it that makes my skin prickle with warmth .

I reach for his cock but stop myself, hesitating. “Yes,” I finally breathe out, my voice barely a whisper. “I’m sure.” I grasp his length under the water and stroke him slowly, admiring how soft and velvety his skin feels. It takes a few tries before I find my rhythm, my hand bumping awkwardly over his ridges.

Vale doesn’t seem to mind, though. His head tips back on a groan, his cock thickening underneath my palm. My eyes widen as I stare down at his glistening red tip. There’s a very fine line between overthinking and being practical. Can I really do this?

Despite the adrenaline spiking in my veins, as my hand glides over each bump, my core tightens in response until I’m as taut as a bowstring. Vivid images of his cock sliding into me, each ridge stretching me wider and wider, flashes across my mind. My knees go weak at just the thought.

It’s going to hurt, yes, but the momentary pain is going to be worth every inch of pleasure Vale is going to draw out of me.

“Coco,” he murmurs, his gravelly voice pulling me back to reality, “I have something for you.”

I lift my head slightly, but I keep my movements steady, the water splashing between us as I stroke him. “What is it?” I ask, my curiosity piqued. I packed our bags for the trip, and as far as I know, the only thing he brought was the clothes on his back .

“Let me show you.” He lays his hands over mine, stilling my movements. “Follow me.”

I follow him across the pool, unable to drag my attention away from his cock bobbing in and out of the water with each step, until we reach his clothes. The muscles in his back and shoulders flex as he bends forward, digging in his jean’s pocket until he retrieves a small glass bottle. He holds it in front of my face with a proud smile.

“What is it?” I ask, squinting at the contents. It’s too dark to tell what’s inside.

“A special medicinal oil,” he explains, uncorking the bottle. “It’ll help you take me more easily.”

“Where did you get it?”

His eyes dart away for a moment. “I know a guy.” He clears his throat. “There’s a big, burly demon in town who’s dating an itty-bitty human. One day, I happened to overhear that he makes an oil that, um, eases any size difference issues he and his girlfriend may have. So, I asked him to make me some of his special oil. It took a little bargaining, but eventually he agreed to the deal.”

My face heats, torn between embarrassment for a townie learning about my sex life, and gratitude over Vale’s careful planning of my needs.

“So, you’ve just been carrying this around the entire time just in case?”

Vale nods, nonplussed. “Yeah. Obviously.”

I let out a shaky laugh. “What did you bargain for it? ”

“His girlfriend is a huge Aria Starling fan. I promised to get a signed autograph next time I see her.”

“Vale, that’s so thoughtful.” My throat tightens, the sudden rush of emotions catching me by surprise.

He cups my face with his free hand, his thumb brushing gently over my cheek. He leans forward and kisses me, his touch slow and deliberate. I immediately melt into him, until I’m flush against his body, feeling every ridge and contour of his chest. All worries begin to fade away as his tongue slides against mine.

I pull away, unable to stop the next question. “I know I’m going to regret asking this, but I know this couple, don’t I?” Why am I asking? Of course I do. Vale and I spend every minute together. The only time he leaves my side is when he takes Mariah on a walk or when he has a virtual session with his trainer.

He nods sheepishly and I gasp, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks. Big and burly? Itty-bitty human? Oh. My. God. I know exactly who he’s talking about. I bury my face in my hands with a groan.

It’s the flannel-wearing demon patient I see every month for maintenance. I know his girlfriend too. I’ve bumped into her a couple times around town. I’m going to have to drop him as a patient, aren’t I? Because there’s no way I can treat him, knowing he’s privy to such an intimate detail of my personal life —

“Hey.” Vale softly pries my hands away, but I refuse to meet his gaze. On the bright side, I don’t have to worry about the logistics of sex with Vale. I’m going to die of embarrassment before we ever reach that point.

“Look at me,” he says gently. He dips his chin, forcing eye contact. “Don’t worry about it, okay? As you know, your client is a very private person. And just to be safe, I made him agree to a vow of secrecy in our bargain. He’s not going to tell anyone, not even his girlfriend.”

That helps a little. I close my eyes, forcing myself to take a deep breath, focusing on the warm water surrounding me.

“Better?” Vale asks when I open my eyes. I nod. “Good, now climb up here and take a seat.” He pats a step in the ledge, wide enough for me to sit down.

I pause. There's a twang in his voice. It catches me off guard, but I obey, taking his hand as he guides me to the spot. Once I’m seated, he lifts my legs, positioning my ankles until I’m seated in an exposed lotus position in front of him.

“Lean back,” he murmurs, his voice hoarse with need. I follow his command, my back resting against the rocky ledge, surprised how roomy and smooth the step is.

“Flames and ashes,” he groans as he stares directly at my exposed flesh, his brows pushed together in an almost pained expression.

In any other circumstance, I’d feel embarrassed, or at the very least, concerned that any stranger walking by could stumble upon us. But for some reason, I don’t feel any of those things. Not with Vale. I only feel safe with my demon.

I bite my lip as Vale pours a generous amount of oil into his palm and rubs it into his hands, the spicy scent burning my nose. The oil is warm, radiating against my cold, exposed skin before he even touches me. His other hand cups my hip, his thumb stroking circles into my flesh as he begins to massage the oil into my pussy.

As his thick fingers glide through my folds, tingling is the first thing I notice. The warmth of the oil spreads and deepens the sensation until my skin feels as electric as an exposed wire. His touch is firm but gentle, each stroke deliberate and calculated to bring me closer to the edge. My legs start to tremble as heat begins to build between my thighs, the moisture increasing as Vale’s fingers and the oil begin to work their magic.

My shoulders slump forward as I resist the building pressure. I’ve climaxed with Vale before, so why do I feel hesitant now?

“Relax, Coco,” he whispers, his hooded eyes meeting mine through the steam. “Let go.”

I lock onto the obnoxiously charming demon perched between my legs, focusing on the sinfully delicious strokes he’s orchestrating. As I stare into his smoldering ember eyes, I will myself to let go of the last shred of my control. Whatever happens next, whatever consequences we face, I don’t give a damn. All that matters is sharing this moment with him.

His thumb finds my clit, circling it slowly at first, then increasing its dizzying pressure. I close my eyes as his fingers slide inside of me, my inner muscles tightening around him. The combination of his fingers inside me and his thumb on my clit sends electric currents down my spine. I gasp, my breaths coming in short, uneven bursts.

“Vale,” I moan, my voice trembling with need. “Please.”

He doesn’t speak, but his touch becomes more urgent. His fingers curl inside me, hitting a spot that makes my hips lift off the ledge. The water ripples around us as his hands move faster, the sound of it lapping against the rocks mixing with my soft moans. Small waves of water hit me, splashing against my hard, aching nipples. The warm temperature is almost too much for my hot, sensitive skin and white dots begin to appear in the corner of my vision.

I focus on his rough touch, how good his fingers feel as he spreads my pink flesh wide for the entire mountain to see, as if showing off to the world that my body belongs only to him.

As my pleasure builds, I cling to reality even harder. But whatever control I have slips through my fingers as my body starts to float away.

He presses harder against my clit, forcing me back to Earth. His fingers move faster inside me. I can feel the heat building, a tight coil in my lower belly about to snap. Every muscle in my body tenses, my body tight with anticipation.

“Let go, Coco,” he urges again, his voice rough. “Come for me.”

With a sharp intake of breath, I nosedive off the edge. Despite being braced, the orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave, taking me completely by surprise. I cry out, the rocky ledge biting into my back as my body arches. Vale steadies me as I buck against his hand as the pleasure rips through me, every nerve awake and alive.

One last throb of pure pleasure cuts through the haze, leaving me breathless and weak. When it all finally begins to subside, I collapse against the ledge, my body trembling violently from the aftershocks.

He presses a kiss against my forehead, my skin slick with sweat. “Let’s get you back to the cabin—”

“No.” It takes considerable effort to open my eyes, but determination surges through me, giving me renewed strength. I grab his arm, pulling him towards me.

Vale doesn’t hesitate. He shifts forward, his erect cock pressing against my thigh as he positions himself between my legs. His amber eyes shine with devilish need, smoke billowing out the edges reflecting his desire. His chest quickly rises and falls as his breath comes out in heavy pants. He pours the rest of the oil between my legs, and I bite down on a moan as tingles dance across my too-sensitive skin .

“Are you ready, little wife?” he asks.

I nod, too drained to speak, too desperate to wait a moment longer. With shaky arms, I push myself up, just in time to watch the thick head of his cock breach my entrance. My body braces involuntarily, waiting for the pain, but it never comes.

That is until I reach his first ridge.

As my body stretches around the first bump on his shaft, I cry out as pain flares inside me, sharp and intense, but spiked throughout with the promise of pleasure that makes me hungry for more.

“Are you okay?” Vale murmurs, his stomach flexing as he freezes. “We can stop if it’s too much.”

I shake my head, slowly pushing myself up to ease the discomfort of the overwhelming fullness. It only helps a little. I focus on my breathing, trying to let go of the tension in my body. The ache is still there, but it quickly begins to fade, giving way for a new deep pleasure I’ve never felt before.

“More. Please,” I plead; my voice whiny with need as warmth spreads through my lower abdomen.

Carefully, almost reluctantly, he sinks deeper. I feel the heat of his gaze as he intently studies my face, searching for the slightest sign of discomfort. But the pain I felt is now a distant memory—those ridges drag along my inner walls, igniting wicked sparks that make my toes curl .

We both sigh with relief once he’s fully inside me, his cock stretching my body in ways I didn’t think physically possible. I’ve never felt this full before. We stay like this for a moment, his weight pressing me into the ledge, his breath ghosting my neck.

“Fuck me, Vale,” I whisper into his skin. I desperately paw at his chest, crazy with need. I feel myself hovering near the edge, unable to push myself further. “Please.”

He hesitates, as if unsure he should continue. But then he pulls back, slowly, so fucking slow, those ridges dragging against my sensitive flesh.

When he thrusts back in, it’s with more force. The ache sparks briefly, but it fades quickly as a wave of pleasure pulls me under. Each thrust is deliberate, controlled, the ridges on his cock brushing against my inner walls in a way that has me whimpering like a wounded animal.

“Feels so good,” I moan, my hips lifting off the ledge to meet his thrusts. “Oh god, Vale, it feels so good. Why does it feel so good?”

His growl rumbles through his chest, vibrating against my skin. “Look down, Coco. Look how wet you are for me,” he grits out, his jaw tight.

I bend forward, my eyes widening as his glistening length slowly draws out of me, my pink flesh stretching obscenely around him. Just as he reaches the tip, he thrusts back into me, his movements becoming more urgent .

The water splashes around us, the sound of it mixing with our panting breaths and soft moans. I feel another orgasm building, this one even stronger than the last. My body writhes beneath him, my hips canting to take him deep with each thrust. The pleasure is overwhelming, a relentless wave that’s about to crash over me once again.

“Vale . . . I’m–I’m going to come again.” My voice breaks.

“Come for me, little wife,” he grits, his thrusts speeding up. “I want to feel your tight pussy around me as you lose control.”

With a strangled cry, I give in. The orgasm hits me hard, my body convulsing helplessly around his cock as blinding pleasure cuts through me. My vision swims, stars bursting behind my closed eyelids.

Just as I’m coming down from my high, Vale picks up his pace, his thrusts becoming more frantic. His cock twitches inside me, the ridges pressing harder into my inner walls, sending more shocks through me.

“Fuck, Coco.” His voice is pained. “I’m so close.”

“Yes,” I pant, my body still trembling. My nails dig into the hard wall of his back as I hold him close. “Come inside me, Vale. Please.”

With a final, powerful thrust that steals my breath, he fulfills my request. His release is explosive, his cock throbbing inside me as he spills deep into my core.

We remained entwined, Vale’s weight a comforting pressure pinning me to Earth so I don’t float away. The sound of his ragged breathing fills the air; a primal melody that resonates deep within my chest. I close my eyes, savoring every sensation: the warmth of his skin, the slight tremors in his muscles, the way his heart thunders against mine. As my muscles start to unwind, melting into the water like I'm made of jelly, sleep tugs gently at the corners of my mind. In our hazy, post-sex bliss, a strange thought pops into my mind—there’s no way this is fake. I mean, come on. None of my past relationships have ever felt this real. Not even close. Not for me.

The realization is raw and terrifying. The therapist in me wants to analyze it, break it down into neat little psychological boxes. But the rest of me? The rest of me wants to stay right here, wrapped up in Vale, pretending the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

As I start to drift off, Vale’s warmth seeping into my bones, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re in way over our heads. This is far more than either of us bargained for.