38. Ezra

Chapter thirty-eight

Ezra

The cool night air brushes against my skin as I stand nervously on the dark rooftop of the hotel. The moon reflects off the rose petals scattered around me, with the fake candles set up everywhere. I feel my heart racing and butterflies flutter in my tummy. Feelings I never had in the past God-knows-how-many-years before Raven stepped into my life.

I glance over at the big banner hiding in the darkness, barely making out the words that might change my life. Then, the door to the rooftop creaks open, and I hold my breath as Raven steps onto the rooftop, Harper trailing beside her. The door closes softly behind them.

Raven’s eyes scan the darkness, her voice breaking the silence. “Why’s it so dark up here?”

“Yeah, what’s with the lights?” Harper echoes. “This is probably how fancy hotels do things,” she quickly adds.

I grit my teeth, hoping Harper doesn’t mess this up. I’ve been planning this night for two weeks, every detail meticulously thought out. She’s supposed to be helping me.

“Of all your hotels, how’d you end up with a dinner in one with no lights?” Raven sounds slightly annoyed as they move forward.

Right on cue, the candles flicker to life, illuminating the rooftop. The romantic scene we’ve worked hours to set up comes into view: roses scattered between glowing candles, and at the center of it all, the massive banner behind me with those heartwarming words I spent time crafting.

Raven, standing as beautiful as ever in a sleek evening gown that gently reveals her growing baby bump, halts in her tracks. Her eyes widen in shock, her gaze locked on the banner.

I read the words aloud. “You’re the missing piece I didn’t know I needed. You came into my life and gave it meaning, Raven. With you, I feel like a brand new person, and with you, everything feels right. I love you more than words can say, Raven Nightshade.”

I take steps toward her and wrap my hand around her waist. Harper squeals beside her, but Raven stays frozen, her lips parted in disbelief.

Her hair cascades down her shoulders, gently flowing with the breeze as she glances between the banner and me. The red gown hugs her curves perfectly.

Fuck, she’s beautiful . My heart skips a beat at the sight… the sight of it all.

The distant hum of a helicopter reaches us, growing louder as it approaches. I glance at my watch and nod— right on time.

I pull back and turn slightly to catch Elio in the cockpit, smirking as he gives me a quick salute. The helicopter passes overhead, trailing a banner behind it that reads, ‘ Raven Nightshade, Will You Marry Me?’

Her gasp fills the air as she looks at me. Her hand flies to her mouth, her eyes glassy. “Ezra…”

I don’t waste any more time. Taking out the ring box from my pocket, I drop to one knee. She’s taking slow, tentative steps toward me when I ask, “Raven, will you do me the honor of being married to me now and for the rest of our lives?”

The world seems to stop as my question lingers in the air. Slowly, my heart picks up a harsh pace but there’s no time for fear to creep in when she dashes toward me, throwing her arms around my neck.

“Yes!” she cries, tears flowing down her beautiful face. “Yes, Ezra, I’ll marry you.”

Harper claps and cheers in the background while I focus on Raven. I hold her tight, my heart swelling with joy. Indeed, in this moment, I feel like I found my missing piece. We break apart, and our eyes lock as the world around us fades away.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment,” I whisper, placing my hand gently on her belly, feeling the warmth radiate from beneath her dress. “I can’t wait to meet our little ones.”

She grins widely, tears streaming down her cheeks. I can’t resist— I lean in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. The sound of Harper’s celebratory whoop becomes a distant noise. Time seems to stop, and in that moment, all that matters is her: my Raven, my soon-to-be wife and the mother of my kids.

When we finally pull away, I can’t stop smiling. “Let’s have the wedding as soon as possible,” I say, my excitement spilling over. “I don’t want to wait.”

Raven laughs loud, wiping her eyes. “Ezra, there’s so much to do! It’ll take months to plan a wedding.”

I shake my head. “ Assolutamente no (Absolutely not)! A month, tops. We’ll make it happen.”

Before she can respond, Harper jumps in, crossing her arms. “No one’s rushing any wedding! I’m organizing this, and two months is the minimum you’re getting.”

Harper was beginning to grow on me, especially with how supportive she was throughout the proposal planning stage, but now I can’t decide if I still feel the same.

I open my mouth to argue, but Raven steps between us, laughing. “We have forever together,” her lips curve up in a playful smile. “Two months is fine. It gives me time to prepare—and the baby bump will be showing more by then.”

I look down at her stomach, her hand resting on the small swell beneath her dress. “Fine,” I mutter, although I’m still not thrilled about waiting. But as I stare up at her glowing face, I know it’ll be worth it. She’s worth everything.

Suddenly, Harper’s phone rings. She glances at the screen and smirks. “Looks like my date’s calling. Gotta go!” She blows us a kiss and disappears, leaving us alone under the moonlight.

I turn to Raven, who’s shaking her head at her friend’s antics. “Come on,” I say, taking her hand.

“Where are we going?” she asks, a curious smile tugging at her lips as I lead her to the rooftop exit.

“Our home.” I flash her a boyish grin.

The ride home is quiet but comfortable. Raven sits beside me in the passenger seat, her hand resting on mine. I bring her hand to my lips, kissing it softly.

“You know,” I begin, “you can stay with me at our new place I mentioned and plan the wedding from there,” I offer. “Though it's much smaller than the mansion, it’s more... cozy and intimate.” I wiggle my brows suggestively at her.

She giggles while shaking her head. “I’ll move in after the wedding, Ezra. Besides, my place is closer to work.”

I pull into the driveway and help her out of the car. As we walk toward the house, Raven gazes around with a smile. “It’s really nice here. Feels like we’re in the countryside.”

We enter the two-story cabin, and she looks around in awe. Nestled at the edge of the city, the building is secluded, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes. I can already imagine our kids rolling in the grass.

‘Our kids rolling in the grass.’ Did I just think that?

Before this, all my thoughts were overshadowed by power, blood, and revenge. But now, this… this feels so natural and liberating…

As we pass through the living room, we head upstairs to what will soon be our shared bedroom. Her hand slips from mine as she explores the space, her eyes taking in the gray-and-white walls… the neatly made bed and the serene scenery of swaying grasses through the window.

“Okay, maybe I should reconsider not staying here.” She turns to me with a teasing look on her face as I shut the door. “I could help you redecorate.”

“Maybe you should consider that,” I chuckle.

I laugh, but her attention shifts to the door in the corner. She strides toward it, curiosity lighting up her face.

“What’s in here?” she asks, fingers curling around the handle.

I follow her, smirking. “You’re not quite ready for that room yet.”

Ignoring me, she swings the door open. The look on her face is priceless. Her eyes widen as she takes in the room’s dark walls, low red lighting, and the various items hanging on the walls— whips, ropes, cuffs. At the center is a large, inviting bed.

Raven gasps softly, biting her lip as she turns to face me. “You... made this?”

I lean against the doorframe as I nod. She takes a few more moments, studying the room before speaking again.

“You want us to… do all of this?” She steps further into the room, standing next to the bed.

I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “Only if you do,” I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear. “But nothing too intense. You’re three months pregnant, and I’d rather save the real fun for after our babies are born.”

Her fingers trail over some of the items. “I want to try,” she says softly, an underlying tone of excitement in her voice.

I smile, stepping back to give her space. “Pick what you want.”

She moves through the room, collecting items as she does. After a few minutes of consideration, she returns with soft cuffs, a sleek black blindfold, and a silk rope. She hands them to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“These,” she says.

I take them, never breaking eye contact. “Are you sure?” I ask, my voice almost a whisper, as I drop the items on the floor, and step closer to her.

My hands brush against her hips. She shivers at my touch as she nods, her body already responding to the tension building between us.

I step behind her, slowly unzipping her gown, my fingers tracing down her back, feeling her shiver again under my touch. I peel the gown from her shoulders, revealing the curve of her breasts. Once I push the gown all the way past her butt, it falls freely. I give her a playful spank, and her soft squeal makes me smile.

“Step out of it,” I murmur, my voice low yet commanding.

She obeys, turning to face me fully.

"Good girl,” I mumble, pressing my lips to the curve of her neck as I kick the gown to the side with my foot.

My lips drift lower, brushing just above her breasts, and then I pull away slightly, watching her chest rise and fall with every breath she takes. Her skin, soft and warm beneath my hands, seems to pulse as I trail my fingertips slowly down her arms. A shiver runs through her when I place a soft kiss on her nipple, and I can’t help but smile at her body’s response.

I continue down, lips grazing over her baby bump, then her thigh. Reaching for the items on the floor, I straighten, a teasing grin curling at the corners of my mouth.

“Put your hands together,” I instruct gently. She complies, her wrists coming together in front of her.

Carefully, I fasten the cuffs around them, ensuring they’re snug. “Let me know if they’re too tight,” I murmur, against her ear. “Okay?”

Her breath hitches, but she nods.

“Good girl, now turn around for me,” I command. She moves obediently.

I take the blindfold next and hold it in front of her. Covering her eyes, I tie it securely behind her head. My hands glide down her sides, resting at her hips before I hook my fingers into the waistband of her panties.

I tug them down teasingly, letting them drop to the floor. Her soft intake of breath intensifies the surge of blood flow to my dick. All I want to do is take her like a beast.

I guide her to the bed, and gently ease her down.

“Lie back,” I tell her, my tone calm but commanding.

She stretches out, her body sinking into the center of the soft mattress. I prop a few pillows under her lower back, making sure she’s comfortable.

“You okay?” I ask, my gaze softening as I look down at her.

“Yes,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I pull her arms above her head and secure them to the headboard of the bed, the cuffs loose enough for her to adjust if needed.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, I pick up the silk rope next and run it lightly over her skin, watching the goosebumps rise. Her legs shift, already reacting to my touch. I continue the motion with the silk rope over her thighs, barely touching her pussy, until I see her shivering breathlessly in anticipation. But instead of using the rope, I drop it to the floor. I want her legs free for what I have planned.

My hands trace her thighs before brushing against her slick heat, and she spreads her legs instinctively. A smile tugs on my lips when my eyes lock onto her dripping sex.

“How does this feel?” I ask, teasing her with a featherlike touch, fingers skimming the lips of her pussy.

She gulps, and her lips part as she breathes, “Good! It feels... good.”

Her hips shift slightly, an attempt to get me to touch her wetness. But I pull away just before my fingers touch her. I lean in closer and let my breath warm her inner thigh.

“Patience,” I murmur. “We’re taking our time.”

Her moan is a blend of frustration and desire. The sound sends a rush of heat through me. I kiss her leg, then move up, my lips trailing over her quivering skin. She squirms, her hands tugging against the cuffs, testing the restraint, but she doesn’t resist.

I step away briefly to undress, my clothes falling away in a heap before I return to the bed. Kneeling between her legs, I press soft kisses along the insides of her thighs, feeling the warmth of her skin. I bite down gently, just enough to make her gasp.

“Ezra…” she breathes out, her voice quaking with need.

Ignoring her plea, I kiss her pussy, letting the sensation linger. I hover above her and spread her thighs apart, the warmth of the vulva flush against my face. Another soft kiss, then another, just enough to drive her wild.

Her body trembles, wanting more, but I don’t rush.

“Stop teasing,” she snaps.

I chuckle softly, lifting my head to take in the sight of her— bound, blindfolded, and breathless. Her skin heats up with arousal, her body straining beneath me.

“So eager,” I say, my voice laced with satisfaction. “Do you want me to touch you?”

“Yes,” she gasps, her back arching slightly, “Please.”

I don’t make her wait any longer. My fingers find her entrance easily, slipping inside her warmth as her soft moans fill the room. I start slow, enjoying every reaction that flickers across her face, each breath that catches in her throat as I thrust deeper.

But just as her moans deepen, I pull my hand away.

“What the hell…”

I silence her with a flick of my tongue, parting her folds gently. Her sharp intake of breath sends a thrill through me as I explore her slowly, savoring her taste. Her hips buck, but I hold her thighs firmly, keeping her in place. My tongue moves faster, teasing, tasting, and she trembles beneath me, her hands pulling at the cuffs.

“Fuck!” Her voice is ragged, desperate.

Sensing she’s close, I pull back, leaving her teetering on the edge. She groans when I slip two fingers deep inside her again, curling them just right. She lets out a strangled moan, her head falling back against the pillow.

“Fuck, Ezra, please…”

“You’re so close, aren’t you?” I ask, my voice low, teasing as I relish in the feeling of her begging.

I quicken the pace, my fingers pumping in and out of her while my thumb brushes lightly against her clit.

“Ezra, I…” Her words are cut off by a sharp inhale, her body tensing as her breath comes in shallow, quick gasps.

I pull out, watching her body tremble, her breath shaky as she tries to gather herself. She groans in frustration, causing me to chuckle.

“You seem to forget,” I murmur, my voice rough with my own lust as I punch my fingers repeatedly into her. “You can only cum when I say so.”

She nods frantically, her hips moving against my hand as I up my pace and apply more pressure.

“Ezra, please!” she cries out, her body trembling.

“Cum for me, baby,” I whisper. The words are barely out of my mouth when she shatters beneath my touch.

Her body arches, waves of pleasure crashing over her as she moans my name, her release drawn out by the steady rhythm of my fingers. I keep thrusting, slower now, savoring the way her body shakes beneath me until, finally, she’s limp, her breath shaky, spent.

My gaze sweeps over her trembling form, breathless and flushed, her body still humming with the aftershocks of her orgasm. Her wrists remain bound above her, and the sight of her vulnerable and under my control stokes a fire deep inside me.

I grip her thighs, positioning myself between her legs as her hips lift instinctively toward me. My cock, rock hard, teases her entrance, brushing along her wet folds without entering. Raven moans softly, her need palpable.

“Ezra, I need you inside me,” she breathes, her voice still raw from her cries.

My restraint snaps. I push just the tip of my throbbing hardness inside her, her sharp gasp meeting my ears as I stretch her inch by inch. A tight groan tears through my throat, her tightness pulling a surge of pleasure from me, but I stop halfway, teasing her, sliding out just a little before thrusting back in.

“Do you want me, Raven?” I ask, my voice low, taunting.

Her lips part as she pants for breath. “Yes... yes, Ezra, please... I need you.”

With deliberate slowness, I pull back until my dick’s nearly out of her, making her body buck with need. I grin at her impatience, but the fire in me burns hotter.

“Tell me,” I demand, my tone sharp.

Her voice trembles. “I want all of you. Please.”

Groaning at her words, I thrust hard and wild, burying myself fully inside her. Her cry is a perfect mix of pleasure and pain as I fill her completely. I don’t stop, my thrusts deep and punishing and my grip on her hips firm as I pull her closer, angling her just right to hit deeper inside her.

Raven’s moans rise into incoherent cries, her body at my mercy. The bed creaks beneath us, her legs shaking over my shoulders as I drive into her again and again. I feel her tightening, her breath quickening, her body quaking.

“I’m… I’m so close,” she manages to breathe out.

“Cum for me,” I command, in a possessive tone. “Cum while I’m inside you.”

Her body obeys, unraveling beneath me as her orgasm, her second one, rips through her. Her back arches and her fingers curl into fists above her head, pulling me over the edge with her. With one final thrust, I let go. My release crashes over me as I cum deep inside her, my body trembling, and pleasure overtaking me.

Panting, I gently lower her legs and collapse beside her, breathless. I free her wrists, massaging them tenderly before removing the blindfold.

Raven blinks against the light, then melts into my embrace, her head resting on my chest, our bodies entwined as we catch our breath.

“That was...” she whispers, her voice soft, as she looks up at me through heavy-lidded eyes, “...amazing.”

I chuckle and kiss her forehead gently. Her fingers lazily trace circles up my sides while I rub her stomach. Suddenly, she looks up, her eyebrows riding up in surprise. “Wait… I didn’t see those before.”

I follow her gaze, spotting the straps hanging from the ceiling. I smirk, pulling her closer. “Those?” I say, with a wink. “We’ll save them for after the babies are born.”

Her eyes sparkle with a mix of excitement and curiosity. “I’ll remember that,” she says, with a playful smile.

I chuckle, kissing her forehead. “Trust me, I won’t let you forget.”