Chapter 37

Damian

"I created you to love you. You were never meant for pain, but this world is filled with so much of it. I gave you each other so that you might know how much I love you. Never forget how loved you are." ~ Helios

Emjay finds me in the kitchen with a plate of sandwiches. The aroma of freshly made food fills the room, mingling with the comfort of the moon streaming through the windows.

"Is Georgia hungry?" I ask, while rubbing my beard.

Emjay shakes her head, and a soft chuckle escapes her lips. "She said she couldn't eat anything. Not right now. Her stomach is too twisted with all the new toys she's found." The excitement and curiosity in Georgia's face had been clear as she explored the house, every new discovery like a small adventure.

"What about you? Are you hungry?" I ask, pushing the plate toward her.

She picks up a sandwich and takes a bite. The smile on her face while she chews reaches her eyes, a genuine expression of contentment that warms my heart.

I stroke my beard again. The familiar motion grounds me. If I could rub the hairs from my face, they'd have disappeared since finding Emjay. Her presence in my life has brought a sense of peace and belonging that I never thought possible.

"You can have your own room if you'd like…but I'd prefer you stayed with me." I say, my tone soft but earnest. We'd shared a sleeping bag for the last couple of nights, and I dreaded losing the warmth of her body next to mine. The thought of sleeping alone again felt like a step back into the cold, lonely nights I used to endure.

Emjay gulps, the sound loud in the quiet kitchen. "We can just sleep. Until you're ready for more." I add quickly, not wanting to pressure her. I want her to feel safe and comfortable, to know that she has a choice.

She gulps again; her gaze searching mine for reassurance. "I don't know if I'm ready, but I need to know if being with someone I love—intimately—is something worth experiencing." Her timbre trembles slightly with fear and optimism.

I hadn't missed the words: someone I love.

I drop my sandwich and take her in my arms, holding her close. The smell of her hair, the softness of her skin against mine. It's all I need to feel complete. "Do you remember what Helios told us?" I whisper, my lips brushing against her ear.

She nods, her breath warm against my neck.

"You were created to be loved. We both were. Let me love you, Emjay." My voice is steady, filled with the certainty that this is right, that we were created to love one another.

"Okay," she whispers, barely audible but filled with a quiet determination.

We stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside fading away. In this moment, nothing else matters but the love we share and the promise of a future together.

I take a chance and scoop Emjay up in my arms, bridal style. She squeals with delight, a bright and infectious sound that fills the room as I carry her into the master suite. The door swings closed behind us with a gentle push of my foot, leaving the outside world far behind.

Her arms tighten around my neck, a reflex of apprehension at the sight of the bed looming large in the dimly lit room. But I walk right past it, carrying her delicate frame into the bathroom instead. The soft glow from the sconces casts a warm, inviting light over the expansive space, highlighting the marble counters and the luxurious tub.

Gently, I set her on her feet, making sure she's steady before letting go. "Emjay," I begin, my words a soft murmur, "I won't proceed physically until you know how much you mean to me in every way. Let me explore and worship your body as you deserve."

She swallows hard and gives a slight nod. Her wide orbs reflecting a touch of curiosity and nervous anticipation.

I walk over to the centerpiece of the bathroom, a grand jacuzzi tub that promises relaxation and intimacy. Turning the water on, I let it run until the temperature is just right. Emjay's eyes never leave mine as I pour in a generous amount of soap. The liquid quickly turns into a frothy sea of bubbles.

Like ripping off a Band-Aid, I strip out of my clothes in one fluid motion, the cool air hitting my skin momentarily before I step into the warm, inviting water. The suds rise around me, creating a cocoon of comfort. "Join me, mate," I say, my hand outstretched toward her, offering both invitation and assurance.

She hesitates, her hands fidgeting slightly. "Will you close your eyes for a minute?"

I'll do anything she wants. My lids flutter closed, a gesture of trust and respect for her wishes. The room becomes a world of sound and sensation; the gentle slosh of the water, the subtle rustle of her clothing as she undresses.

Shortly after, she steps into the water. I feel the gentle ripple of her movement. My lids remain tightly shut, waiting for her permission to open them. Taking me by surprise, she rests her back against my chest, and the warmth of her skin merges with mine.

"May I open my eyes now?" I ask huskily.

She takes my hands and places them gently across her stomach. "You may," she whispers. The gesture is intimate, binding us closer together.

"What does this worshipping involve?" Her voice cracks slightly with nervousness—a delicate tremor that makes my heart swell with tenderness.

I move the hair away from her neck. The silky strands parting easily under my fingers. I place soft, lingering kisses along her nape, and she shivers. "It includes kissing every inch of you—all the way to your toes."

She gasps softly when I pull her body closer to mine. Her backside rests against my throbbing arousal. The sensation is electric, but I remain focused on her comfort and consent.

"If you say stop at any time, I'll stop," I assure her firmly, yet gently. A promise I'll always keep.