20. Valen

CHAPTER 20

VALEN

A riana steps into my bedroom, her eyes wide and pleading for something. What it is, she won't say. I can see a mix of emotions in her eyes: fear, need, love. All I want is to give her everything she craves.

I approach Ariana, my gaze locked onto hers, the intensity of our connection palpable. Her breath hitches as I step closer, my fingers tracing the curve of her jaw, down her neck, and along her collarbone. She shivers at the touch, her eyes never leaving mine.

"You're so beautiful," I murmur, my voice low and husky. I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, lingering for a moment before trailing kisses down her neck. She tilts her head back, giving me better access, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

I take my time, exploring every inch of her skin as if it were a sacred ground. My hands roam over her body, feeling the soft curves and contours. I can sense her anticipation, her desire matching mine. I slip her dress off her shoulders, letting it pool at her feet. She stands before me, vulnerable yet trusting, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

I kneel before her, my hands gripping her thighs, my lips pressing kisses against her soft skin. She gasps, her fingers tangling in my hair, guiding me as I explore her further. I work my way up, my tongue tracing patterns on her skin, teasing her incessantly.

Her breath comes in ragged gasps, her body trembling with need. I take her breasts in my hands, my thumbs circling her nipples, drawing out a moan from deep within her. She arches her back, pressing herself closer to me, seeking more of my touch.

"Valen," she whispers, her voice laced with desperation. I smile against her skin, loving the sound of my name on her lips. I continue my exploration, my hands and mouth working in tandem, driving her to the brink of madness.

"Now, please!" she cries. "I want you in me, now!"

How could I say no to her?

I scoop her up in my arms, carrying her to my bed. I lay her down gently, my eyes never leaving hers. I undress quickly, my body aching with need. I crawl on top of her, my weight supported by my arms, my body hovering over hers.

When I enter her, it's met with a sound of deep satisfaction rumbling in her throat. Filling her leaves me breathless as her eyes flutter closed, her cheeks pink with desire.

I make love to her slowly, taking my time to savor every moment. Her body responds to mine, her hips moving in sync with my rhythm. I can feel her heartbeat, her breath, her very essence merging with mine. It's more than just physical; it's a connection that transcends the boundaries of our bodies.

Suddenly, I pull out, a new desire gripping me. She looks at me with a questioning gaze. I return it with a smile.

I roll her over, my hands gripping her hips. "I want you like this," I say softly. She shivers in my grip, bending over, completely ready.

As I take her from behind, she gasps, her body arching as she adjusts to the new angle. I can feel her pleasure, her body responding to mine in ways that leave no doubt about our connection. She loves the angle, her moans and gasps filling the room, driving me to the edge of my own control.

Our bodies move in perfect harmony, our breaths mingling, our hearts beating as one. In this moment, there's no past, no future, only the present. Only us. Only this indescribable connection that binds us together, making us one.

I lean over her back, my chest pressed against her warm skin. My hand cups her breast, feeling the rapid beat of her heart, while my other hand grips her waist, holding her close.

"Valen!" Ariana cries out in passion, her body wracked with her orgasm. "Oh, God, yes Valen!" I feel her tighten around me, and it sends me over the edge.

"Ariana," I groan, my voice low and husky. I bury my face in her hair, inhaling her sweet scent as I spill myself inside her. My body shudders with the force of my release, and I hold her tighter, never wanting to let go.

As our breathing slows, I pull out of her gently, my arms still wrapped around her waist. I roll onto my back, pulling her with me so she's lying on top of me. She rests her head on my chest, her hair tickling my skin.

"That was...amazing," she whispers, her voice barely audible. I smile, running my fingers through her hair.

"It was," I agree, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. I can feel her heartbeat slowing, matching mine.

We lie there in silence for a few moments, our bodies entwined. I can feel the tension draining from my muscles, replaced by a sense of contentment I haven't felt in a long time.

I hold Ariana close, her warm body pressed against mine in the afterglow of our lovemaking. My fingers trace lazy patterns on her skin as we bask in the comfortable silence. But I can sense a tension in her, a worry that lingers despite our intimacy.

"What's on your mind?" I ask softly, my lips brushing against her forehead.

Ariana shifts slightly, her hand resting on my chest. "I... I don't feel safe, Valen," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tighten my grip on her instinctively. "You're safe here, with me. I won't let anything happen to you."

She shakes her head, her hair tickling my chin. "It's not just that. It's... Kevin."

The name sends a surge of anger through me, but I keep my voice calm. "Your ex? What about him?"

Ariana takes a shaky breath. "He sent me a letter this morning. A threatening one."

I feel her tremble against me, and I pull her even closer. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I didn't want to worry you," she says, her voice small. "But I don't know what to do, Valen. As long as he's out there..."

I cup her face gently, making her look at me. "Listen to me, Ariana. I will not let him hurt you. Do you understand? You're safe here."

She nods, but I can see the fear lingering in her eyes. I press a soft kiss to her lips, trying to convey all the protection and love I feel for her.

"Tell me about the letter," I say, my voice low and steady. "What exactly did it say?"

Ariana hesitates, then begins to recount the contents of the letter. As she speaks, I feel a cold rage building inside me. This bastard thinks he can threaten what's mine? He has no idea who he's dealing with.

But I keep my anger in check, focusing on comforting Ariana. I run my fingers through her hair, murmuring soft reassurances as she speaks. When she finishes, I can feel her relax slightly, as if sharing the burden has lifted some of the weight from her shoulders.

"We need to decide what to do about this," I say, my voice low and controlled.

Ariana shifts in my arms, her eyes meeting mine with a determination that takes me by surprise. "I want to confront him," she says firmly.

I raise an eyebrow. "You sure that's wise?"

She nods, her jaw set. "I need to do this myself, Valen. I want to face him in a secure environment and tell him it's over. He needs to move on."

I can't help but admire her courage, even as concern gnaws at me. "I'd rather have him quietly dispatched," I mutter, only half-joking.

Ariana laughs, the sound lightening the tension in the room. "Oh, Valen, you're terrible," she says, playfully swatting my chest.

If only she knew how serious I am. But I push that thought aside, focusing on her needs. "Alright," I concede. "If this is what you want, I'll support you. But I'm going to be nearby, just in case."

Relief floods her features. "Thank you," she whispers, leaning in to press a soft, sweet kiss to my lips.

As I return the kiss, I silently vow to myself that if that piece of shit so much as looks at her wrong, I'll make him regret the day he was born. But for now, I'll let Ariana have this. She needs to face her fears, and I'll be damned if I don't give her that chance.

I watch Ariana's face as she lays out her plan, my jaw clenching involuntarily. The idea of her facing that bastard alone sets my teeth on edge, but I force myself to listen.

"I'll send him a note," she says, her voice steady despite the fear lingering in her eyes. "Tell him to meet me somewhere secluded at a specific time."

I raise an eyebrow. "And if he doesn't show?"

A small, fierce smile plays on her lips. "Then you can handle things your way."

I can't help but smirk at that. "Careful, sweetheart. You might like my way too much."

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "I want to do this alone, Valen. Unless it gets violent."

I lean in, my voice low and intense. "And how am I supposed to just stand by while you're in danger?"

"You're not," she says, her hand coming to rest on my cheek. "You'll be nearby. But I need to face him myself."

"Alright," I concede, opening my eyes to meet her gaze.

She pulls back, studying my face. Whatever she sees there must satisfy her, because she nods. "Okay."

As we hammer out the details, I can't shake the anxiety gnawing at my gut. But I push it down, focusing on keeping Ariana safe. No matter what happens, I'll be ready.