26. Ophelia

Chapter 26

Ophelia

I wake up in bed, a cover draped over me. I must have been so exhausted I didn't wake up when Javier carried me here from the sofa. It's a shame—I would have loved to remember the feeling. I turn on the bed and find my phone on the night table. I groan and check the time. It's three a.m., and my throat is dry.

I get out of bed and head to the kitchen; the apartment silent except for my bare feet padding across the cool floor. I open the fridge, grab a bottle of water, and take a long drink. The cold liquid soothes my throat, and I sigh in relief. As I close the fridge door, I notice a faint light under Javier's office door. My curiosity piqued, I quietly walk over and peek inside.

Javier is sitting at his desk, his shoulders hunched and his head bent over a stack of papers. The soft glow from the desk lamp casts shadows across his face, making him look even more tired. I hesitate for a moment before softly knocking on the doorframe.

"Javier?" I call out gently.

He looks up, surprise showing in his eyes before a tired smile spreads across his face. "Phee, what are you doing up?" His voice is a rough whisper, tinged with exhaustion.

"I could ask you the same thing," I reply, stepping into the room. "It's three a.m. Why are you still working?"

He leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. "Just trying to catch up on some things. Didn't realize it was so late."

I walk over to his desk, my fingers brushing against the smooth surface. "You need to rest. You look exhausted."

He chuckles softly, the sound lacking its usual warmth. "I'll be fine. Just a few more things to finish up."

I reach out and place a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension knotted in his muscles. "Please. Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait until morning."

He looks up at me, his eyes searching my face. For a moment, he seems to be considering my words. Then, with a sigh, he nods. "You're right. I do need some rest."

I smile, relief washing over me. "Good. Come on, let's go."

As he stands, Javier takes my hand in his, holding it tightly. "You have no idea how scared I was today, Phee. The thought of you being hurt or gone—it broke me."

His admission hits me hard, and I squeeze his hand reassuringly. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

"You're not?" His voice carries a double meaning.

"No, I'm not." I pull him out of the office and down the hall. He hesitates as we approach the bedrooms, looking at me with hope and uncertainty. "Come." I lead him toward my room.

"Are you sure? I mean, about sharing the bed. We've been sleeping in separate rooms since… you know."

I nod, my heart aching for the man who stands before me. "Yes, I'm sure. Come to bed with me."

His eyes widen slightly, surprise crossing his face before he nods. "Okay."

When we walk into the room, Javier's arm wraps around my shoulders, his touch warm and protective. As we settle into bed, he pulls me close, his arms encircling me. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Thank you," he murmurs into my hair.

"For what?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"For being here," he replies, his fingers gently stroking my back. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

His words make my heart swell, and I press a soft kiss to his chest.

We lie there in the quiet, the weight of the world slipping away as sleep begins to claim us. In his arms, I feel safe, cherished, and loved. I shift slightly so I can look at his face. His eyes are closed, but the lines of exhaustion still crease his forehead. I reach up and gently caress his hair, running my fingers through the dark strands. He sighs contentedly, nuzzling closer to me.

As I continue to stroke his hair, my thoughts wander to the stories Derek and Tiago have told me about his childhood. The hardships, the battles he fought as a young boy. How even being so young, he still fought for the people he cared about, no matter the sacrifice and what it actually cost him.

My heart aches for the little boy he once was, who had to grow up too fast and shoulder burdens no child should ever have to bear, but it also aches for the adult he is today. He hasn't changed, except in this case, he made mistakes. No one is perfect, but in the end, once he came to care for me, his goal was to save me—save me from his choices, save me from a life I never wanted, from the constriction of the iron fist.

I can be angry, I can feel betrayed, but I can't deny the fact that everything he planned was before he knew me. He wanted to avenge a person he cared for, and once he came to care for me, love me even, his whole focus shifted—except a moment too late.

I hold him tighter, hoping my embrace can shield him from his past pain. "You're safe now," I whisper, more to myself than to him. "And you're loved."

He stirs slightly, his arms tightening around me in response. I feel his breath warm against the crown of my hair, steady and calming. His presence, his warmth, his love—it's everything I need in this moment.

I kiss his throat gently, my lips lingering on his skin. "Sleep, Javier," I murmur. "I'm right here."

His breathing evens out, and I know he's finally drifting off. I close my eyes, my head resting against his chest, and let the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat lull me to sleep. For the first time in a very long time, I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

I wake up, a little sad to find the bed empty. The warmth of Javier's embrace from last night is now replaced by the coolness of the sheets. I sit up, listening for any sound that might indicate where he is. My ears perk up as I hear the faint sound of water running. I get out of bed and head toward his bedroom.

The door is ajar, and I can hear the shower going. A surge of nervous excitement courses through me. Feeling brazen, I pump myself up, discarding my clothes by the door. I take a deep breath as I look at his shadow through the frosted glass of the shower.

"You can do it," I whisper to myself as I open the shower door and step in, joining him under the hot water.

Javier turns, surprise flashing in his eyes before it melts into a warm, welcoming smile. The water cascades over us, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Good morning," I say, my voice soft but steady.

"Good morning," he replies, his voice a low rumble. "This is a pleasant surprise."

I want to joke about saving water, but my words die when I see the tattoo on his chest. Right over his heart is a delicate bee, its wings outstretched and lifelike with golden stripes. Surrounding the bee are blooming flowers, reminiscent of the ones I arrange in my shop. Each petal is crafted with vibrant colors and expert shading, evoking perpetual springtime.

Above the bee, in elegant script, are the words "Bee Happy," a playful nod to the apron I wore in the greenhouse. The phrase is encased in a flowing banner with tiny stars and delicate swirls, adding a touch of whimsy and magic.

My hand reaches out to touch his chest, tracing the lines of the tattoo.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me against him, the warmth and hardness of his body making me feel so many things.

"You did this for me. When?" I am mesmerized by the beauty and message that this tattoo conveys.

"In London. That night when I was sitting at that bar without you. It was a dark day for me, but then I smiled, thinking of you that day in the greenhouse with that apron and…" He grabs my hand and kisses my palm. "The dove is my past. All the pain, revenge, lies, and drama. You are my future, my sunshine, and this tattoo will remind me to always be happy because I have you."

"I love you," I finally admit out loud. "I love you so much."

He details my face for a few seconds as if he can't believe what I said… as if I was a dream.

"God, you're my heaven on earth." He leans down and kisses my face.

His lips trail soft, warm kisses from my forehead to my cheeks, then capture my lips in a deep, passionate kiss. I melt into him as the water cascades over us, amplifying the heat between our bodies. His hands roam my back, pulling me closer as if he can't get enough.

I respond in kind, my fingers threading through his wet hair, holding him to me. The kiss deepens, growing more intense, filled with all the emotions we've kept bottled up for so long. I can feel the desperation, the longing, and the love in every movement.

Javier's hands slide down to my waist, lifting me slightly as he presses me against the cool tiles of the shower. The contrast of the hot water and the cold tiles creates goose bumps, heightening my senses. His mouth moves to my neck, planting slow, sensual kisses that leave me breathless.

"Javier," I whisper, my voice trembling with desire. "I need you."

He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze filled with love and raw intensity. "I need you too, Phee. More than anything." His hard cock against my stomach makes my insides twist at the memory of the fullness of him being inside me.

With a gentleness that contrasts with the urgency of our desire, he lifts me into his arms, carrying me out of the shower. We barely make it to the bedroom, dripping water along the way, before he lays me down on the bed.

His hands continue their exploration, mapping out every inch of my body as if committing it to memory. Each touch is electric, sending waves of pleasure through me. I arch into him, my body aching for more.

His lips find my core, his tongue exploring my clit. I feel like I'm falling and flying all at once.

"Please," I breathe, my fingers digging into his hair. As he starts sucking my clit, I come, screaming his name.

He doesn't make me wait. He comes back up and lowers himself on top of me, his hard cock against my awaiting heat. His lips find mine once more, and I can taste myself on his tongue as we lose ourselves in each other. The world outside ceases to exist, leaving only the two of us tangled together in a dance of love and passion.

Javier's lips travel down my neck, his kisses turning more intense. His hands, strong and sure, slide over my hips, pulling me closer to him, running himself up and down my slit, coating himself with my wetness. Our bodies press together, the heat between us intensifying with every passing second. I gasp as he trails his mouth lower, sucking a nipple into his mouth.

He whispers my name, his voice thick with need, and it sends a shiver down my spine. I respond by pulling him even closer, my nails grazing his back as I surrender to the sensation of his touch.

"Javi, I want you, please."

He looks at me, his face full of awe, making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"I love you," he says, his voice husky as he nudges my entrance.

"I love you too," I reply breathlessly as he pushes into me slowly. The initial discomfort fades quickly, replaced by an incredible fullness. He kisses every part of me he can reach, each touch sending pleasure through my body.

I lift my right leg and rest it on his lower back, my hands gripping his broad shoulders.

"You're my heaven, sunshine," he whispers against my ear before thrusting forward, seating himself fully inside me. He pauses, looking up with concern. "Are you okay?"

I smile, cupping his cheek. "I'm wonderful."

"Yes, you are," he murmurs, brushing his lips against my brow. He begins to move slowly. In and out. Each movement is deliberate, savoring every sensation. I love his gentleness, but I can feel the tension in his muscles, his restraint, and I crave more. I want all of him.

I close my eyes and hold on to him with all my strength. "Don't restrain yourself," I beg. "Give me all of you."

"God, you were made for me," he moans, his voice deep and rough, as he starts thrusting harder and faster. The intensity builds, an explosion brewing within me. I clutch his hair, pulling him closer, our breaths mingling. His hands find my breasts, his touch electrifying as he pushes deeper, faster.

"Javier," I gasp, my body trembling. He responds with a need that matches my own, his movements powerful and precise.

Finally, I scream his name, my body contracting around him as waves of pleasure crash over me. His hands find mine, our fingers intertwining. His thrusts become erratic, his breath catching in his throat. He stills, body shuddering as he calls my name, and we both find release together.

He falls on top of me, and despite the weight, I wrap myself around him, loving the closeness, the connection. I kiss his throat and rub his back as we both catch our breath.

He finally rolls over but keeps me in his arms, and I end up with my cheek resting on the center of his chest. I wrap my arm around his middle, and when my eyes land on his alarm clock, I sigh.

"I wish we could stay like this all day."

His fingers trace patterns at the bottom of my spine. "Why don't we?"

I smile and kiss his bee tattoo. "Because I have a shop to run, and you have an empire to rule over."

"We need to look into getting staff for the shop so I can keep you in bed for days."

I chuckle. "What about your empire?"

"Who cares about an empire when they are holding their whole world in their arms? "

I lift my head to look at him, my heart swelling at his words. "You always know the right thing to say," I whisper, leaning in to kiss him softly.

His arms tighten around me, his eyes filled with love. "Because it's the truth. You are my world."

We lie there in comfortable silence, savoring the moment. The world outside can wait just a little longer.

He sighs and releases his hold on my waist, and I roll onto my back.

"We should probably take separate showers," I say, turning toward him.

He chuckles, one arm over his head, the other resting on his hard stomach. I love this carefree version of him. "It's a shame, but yes, if we need to go out, I need to limit my time with your nakedness. Just give me a minute." He stands, and I follow him with my eyes, admiring his naked form.

I still can't believe this man is all mine.

He reaches his dresser and opens the first drawer. He slips into boxers and comes back to the bed, sitting down. When he opens his hands, I see a small black velvety box.

"Ophelia, sunshine, I love you, and I know the circumstances were not optimal, but?—"

"No." I rest my hand on his before he has a chance to open the box. "If it's what I think it is…"

Pain flashes in his eyes, but he nods. "I understand. It's?—"

I rest my fingers on his lips. "No, you don't. I don't want to wear this ring just because of the situation we're in. I want the real deal—the proposal we can tell our grandchildren about one day. "

His face softens, and he kisses my fingers on his lips.

"I don't want to cancel what Lucchese has done, but I will pretend it doesn't exist, and I hope we'll have that proposal and wedding."

He smiles, taking my hand in his. "We will. I promise you, we will have the proposal and wedding you deserve."

"The one we both deserve," I echo, kissing his lips before getting out of bed and retrieving my nightshirt from the floor. "Okay, I'll go shower?—"

"What changed your mind?" he interrupts.

I frown. "What do you mean?"

He looks down at the box in his hand, brushing his finger on the velvety top. "I'm not sure I want to know. I'm grateful as hell you're with me, but it will drive me crazy. When I left, you all but hated me, and when I came back—" He shrugs, looking lost.

"Ah," I say, slipping into the shirt and coming to stand between his open thighs. "Derek and Tiago told me about the life you all had growing up."

He looks up, and the explanation in his eyes is pained again. "So it's pity? Because if it is, don't. I just can't bear?—"

I grip his face in my hands and kiss him hard. "There's no pity," I say after breaking the kiss. "You got dealt shitty cards, and you managed. No, I never hated you, not really. I think it was because I loved you so much that I was hurt. The boys explained your need to defend and protect, and I understood things so much better. The way you gave me all my dreams back without asking for anything showed me that you aren't trying to dominate or control me—you want me to shine. Being away from you helped me understand that. I was grieving, Javier, and it was so much easier to blame you for everything than to face my own pain."

I run my hand through his hair before letting it trail down his face to his sharp jawline. "But I had no reason to blame myself, just like I had no reason to blame you. You were wronged so badly so many years ago, and I'm humbled, truly, that you wanted to let go of your revenge for me."

He rests his hands on my hips. "Loving you, being loved by you, was worth all the revenge in the world. I just realized it too late."

I lean in, resting my forehead against his. "No, you realized it just in time. We have a future ahead of us, and we'll make it beautiful together."

He looks into my eyes, the heaviness of his love and regret palpable. "I'll spend every day making it up to you."

"You already are," I whisper, kissing him softly. "Now, let's start today right—together."

He kisses me slowly, lovingly, and I'm about to fall back into bed with him when he finally pulls away, allowing me to go back to my room on shaky legs.

I love this man, and I know he loves me just as deeply. We both made mistakes, some more costly than others, but I'm certain we'll make it. We will always fight for what we believe is right, and we will always love each other unconditionally.