Chapter 20

Tory

I sit on the couch, my book open in my lap, but the words blur together, meaningless. My phone rests beside me, mocking me with its silence. I’ve tried calling my dad at least a dozen times today, and each time it’s gone straight to voicemail. I know he’s probably busy, that these Summits are hectic and demanding, but knowing doesn’t stop the worry twisting in my stomach.

I just need to hear his voice, to know he’s okay.

The sound of pots clinking in the kitchen pulls me out of my thoughts, and I glance toward the open doorway. Ranger’s there, moving with an ease and focus that seems second nature to him. He’s chopping vegetables now, the rhythmic sound of the knife on the cutting board oddly soothing.

He’s been so steady through all of this, always knowing the right thing to say, the right thing to do. I don’t know how he manages to stay so calm when everything feels so uncertain.

“Smells good,” I call softly, trying to distract myself from the ache in my chest.

Ranger glances over his shoulder, his lips curving into a small smile. “It’ll taste even better.”

I can’t help but smile back, though it feels faint. His presence is a comfort, even when my thoughts threaten to spiral.

“Come on,” he says, motioning me over. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

I set my book aside and make my way into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as he tosses a handful of diced vegetables into a sizzling pan. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, and for the first time today, I feel a hint of my appetite returning.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I say softly.

He shrugs, his focus on the stove. “Figured you could use something to take your mind off things.”

“Thanks,” I murmur, my voice barely audible.

He turns to face me then, his dark eyes steady and reassuring. “I talked to Dean,” he says, and my breath catches. “He assured me everything is running smoothly at the Summit. Your dad’s fine, Tory. He’s surrounded by top-level security, and Dean’s got his team keeping a close eye on everything.”

The tension in my chest eases slightly at his words, though not completely. “Are you sure?”

Ranger nods, his voice firm. “I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t. Dean’s on top of it, and your dad is one of the most important people there. No one’s taking any chances.”

I take a deep breath, letting his words sink in. He wouldn’t lie to me. I know that much.

“Okay,” I whisper, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. “Thank you.”

He smiles faintly, turning back to the stove to finish plating the food. A few minutes later, we’re sitting at the small kitchen table, a steaming plate of chicken and vegetable stir-fry in front of me.

“It looks amazing,” I say, and I mean it. The colors are vibrant, and the aroma is enough to make my stomach growl.

“Dig in,” Ranger says, nodding toward my plate.

I take a bite, and the flavors burst in my mouth—savory and perfectly seasoned. “This is really good,” I say, looking up at him.

He smirks, a hint of pride in his expression. “Glad you think so. I wasn’t sure if it’d measure up to your fancy science meals.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “Science meals? You mean takeout and microwavable pasta?”

“Exactly,” he says, his smirk widening.

We fall into an easy rhythm as we eat, the earlier tension slowly fading. The conversation shifts to lighter topics—our favorite movies, favorite foods, even a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (He’s firmly against it; I’m a staunch defender.)

By the time we finish dinner, I feel lighter, calmer. The worry is still there, but it’s not as suffocating.

“Thanks for this,” I say as I set my fork down.

Ranger leans back in his chair, his dark eyes watching me carefully. “Anytime.”

I help clear the table.

“You don’t have to help. I can take care of this,” Ranger says, taking the plate from my hands.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind helping.”

He deposits the plates into the sink and takes hold of my hands. “Tory, I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I don’t want this to end.”

I smile wide. “Me either.”

He pushes me against the kitchen counter and kisses me. My eyes drift shut as he trails kisses down my neck. I’m completely in the moment with him.

He leans back, staring at me. “You’re so beautiful.”

I blush. I feel like telling him he’s the epitome of male beauty, but I lean up, claiming his lips with my own. Because that’s what I want to do right now. Claim him. I want this man to be mine, and only mine.

I want him inside me, so once I finish kissing him, I lower my night pants. He watches as I lift my t-shirt over my head and fling it to the floor.

“So fucking needy,” he says right before kissing me once more, removing my clothing as he does.

It’s so crazy. We’re right here in the middle of the kitchen, but I no longer care when his body comes in contact with mine.

He repositions me, so my chest is against the cool granite countertop. He slaps my ass as he spreads my legs. “I hope you know I’m never letting you go.”

And I hope he means every word. Because I don’t think I can ever let this man go, either.

“You’re mine. From now until forever. You are mine .” He sinks his dick inside me, pushing slowly as I take him all the way in.

It feels better than the times before, mainly because I know what to expect now, but more so because of the words he’s said to me. I am his.

And I want to prove it to him.

I lean my head back, wanting his lips on my own. But he doesn’t give me what I want. Instead, he teases me, kissing down my neck and to the back of my ear.

“Tell me what you want, sweetheart,” he says as he thrusts deeper into me.

“A kiss,” I moan out.

He murmurs against the shell of my ear, “Is that it? Just a simple kiss?”

I nod, and he wraps his fingers into my hair until he closes his hands into a fist and tugs gently. “Please.”

He leans, breathing me in. “You’re being such a good girl, making me want to come all over your ass. I guess I can reward you.” He kisses me, his tongue going nearly all the way down my throat. I moan out as soon as he breaks the kiss.

He ramps up his speed, rocking his body into me harder. He controls my movements and leans my head down, and I place my cheek on the cool counter.

The sounds of our love-making echo throughout the kitchen, and my body takes flight. I’m no longer thinking about tomorrow or the future. I’m only thinking about my body’s fire right now. How there’s a current pulsing through my veins and I want to reach that pinnacle moment where everything comes crashing back down to earth. And I want to reach it with Ranger. I want him to be the man who drives me higher and higher. My heartbeat races so fast I may keel over and die, but I no longer care, because I feel like I’m flying.

My body builds and my core tightens. “Yes, oh god, yes,” I scream out.

Ranger goes faster, groaning out strings of curses that would make a sailor blush.

I have to say it turns me on in the most wicked of ways. I love the filth that possesses him when he’s turned on. I love the control he loses when he scans my naked body.

It’s like he’s seen nothing so sexy, and it makes me want to do anything for him.

“Come all over me, sweetheart,” he groans out.

He reaches around with one hand and rubs my clit, and it makes me go temporarily insane. My body bucks beneath him and I reach my orgasm just before he reaches his. He pulls out, releasing all over me once more. I’m beginning to love it.

“What are you doing to me?” he mutters, and I’m not sure if he meant for me to hear that. It was low, like it escaped him before he could stuff it back in.

“The same thing you’re doing to me,” I breathe out.