Chapter 10

Lily

I stare out at the shimmering lake, wrapped in the emerald embrace of towering pines. Our initials are still etched into the weathered bark of our tree, faded but indelible like the bond we share. Memories flood back, sparking a revelation that rocks me to my core.

It makes sense now, why I could never truly give myself to anyone else. Why I always found something wrong with every guy I ever dated.

They weren't him .

I've always loved Jake. Not just as my best friend, but with a deep, aching desire I never dared name. Fear held me captive, terrified that by reaching for more, I'd lose the one person who knows me better than I know myself.

My pulse races as I hear the crunch of footsteps behind me. I turn to see Jake emerging from the shadowed forest path, his chiseled face a mask of anguish.

"Lily..." My name is a tormented whisper on his lips. "I had to find you. To see you, even if it's the last time."

His pain pierces me like shards of glass. I take a step towards him, my voice trembling. "Jake, I could never shut you out. You're a part of me."

Emotions war across his handsome features—desperation, longing, regret. "I've been such a fool, Lily. Hiding what's in my heart, convinced I'd ruin everything between us."

Tears sting my eyes as understanding dawns. He loves me too. Has always loved me, just as I've loved him.

I close the distance between us, gently cupping his face in my hands. "You could never ruin us, Jake. We've been through too much, are too deeply connected."

His eyes search mine, a crackling intensity in their green depths. I see the moment he realizes the truth. That I'm his, heart and soul, just as he is mine.

Jake pulls me flush against his hard body, strong arms banding around me like steel. "I love you, Lily," he rasps against my hair. "I've loved you my entire life. I just never dreamed you might feel the same."

My fingers curl into his shirt, anchoring me as a wave of pure joy crashes over me. "I do feel the same, Jake. I just didn't realize it until now, and I'm sorry for running. It was just…so overwhelming and kinda scary."

He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze, his expression fierce with possessiveness. "You never need to be afraid of this, of us. I'm yours, baby. Always have been."

I nod, my lips trembling on a shaky exhale. "And I'm yours. I don't want to waste another second pretending this connection between us isn't everything."

His mouth claims mine in a searing kiss, telling me without words that he intends to spend the rest of his life showing me exactly what everything means.

I surrender to the heated slide of his lips, the intoxicating taste of him, as my heart soars with the knowledge that this is just the beginning for us.

When he finally releases me, we're both breathing hard, the air around us electric. "No more holding back," he vows gruffly.

"No more hiding," I agree breathlessly.

Under the branches of our tree, we make a new promise. One based not on fear or doubt, but on the bone-deep certainty of a love that has always been the core of who we are. Together.

Slowly, Jake unties the ribbon that's been holding my dress together, his movements deliberate and reverent. The fabric pools around my ankles, leaving me naked before him in more ways than one. But I've never felt more exposed or more safe than in this moment.

He doesn't say a word as he takes in the sight of my body, but his eyes speak volumes. Desire, hunger, and most of all, tenderness. It's enough to make my knees buckle if it weren't for the support of the tree I'm leaning against.

"You're so fucking beautiful, Lily." His voice is rough with emotion, his hands shaking as he gently caresses my curves. "I've dreamed of this for as long as I can remember."

A blush creeps up my chest, but I don't look away. I want him to see me—all of me.

He growls low in his throat, animalistic and primal. "You have no idea how much I want you," he whispers, his hands sliding higher, cupping my breasts. "I'm going to spend every day of the rest of our lives claiming every inch of this gorgeous body and making you mine."

"Then do it, Jake," I beg, arching my back and inviting his touch. "I'm yours. I've always been yours."

With a groan of pleasure and frustration, he undresses himself, revealing his hard length. My mouth waters as I take in the sight of him, so strong and virile, and aching for me.

"God, Lily. I need you." He steps closer, his hips aligning with my wet folds. "Tell me you're mine. I need to hear your say it again."

"I'm yours, Jake. Always and forever." I wrap my legs around his waist, drawing him closer.

He doesn't hesitate any longer. With a primal growl, he pushes into me, claiming me as his own. I gasp, arching my back as I take him in—all of him. It's a perfect fit, like we were made for each other.

"You feel so good, Lily," he moans, his eyes wild with desire. "So fucking tight and wet for me."

"Jake," I moan back, nails digging into his back as he thrusts in and out of me, his movements building a blinding pleasure within me. "Oh God, I love you, Jake."

"I love you too, Lily," he pants, his thrusts becoming more urgent. "I've always loved you."

As our bodies move together in harmony, the world around us fades away. There's no war, no danger, no secrets—only us, two people who have finally found their way back to each other.

"I'm close, Lily. I'm gonna—" Jake throws his head back with a groan, and I feel him explode inside of me, flooding me with his warmth.

"Jake!" I cry out, my own climax overtaking me, my body shuddering around his.

In the afterglow, we hold each other tightly, our bodies still joined, our rapid breaths mingling in the cool night air.

"I love you, Lily. So much" Jake whispers, his voice husky with emotion.

"I love you too, Jake. So much," I smile, my heart full to the brim.

Jake is my everything. My best friend and the love of my life.