27. Chloe

CHAPTER 27

Chloe

" Y ou don't think we're moving too fast, right?" The words tumble out of my mouth inadvertently. This always happens after a few sips of red wine. All of my inner thoughts quickly find their way out.

We sit together on the couch, the TV plays softly in the background. The girls are asleep, and it's just the two of us. Exhausted, content, and wrapped up in each other's arms.

Rendal's eyes soften as he looks at me, his hand gently squeezing mine. "Not at all, Chloe. If anything, I think we've taken our sweet ass time to get here."

His words wash over me, soothing the anxiety that had been bubbling up. I lean into him, feeling the solid warmth of his body against mine.

"We've been through so much already," he continues, his voice low and reassuring. "We're not rushing into anything. We're building something strong, something real."

I nod, letting his words sink in. He's right, of course. We've navigated so many obstacles to get to this point. It hasn't been a whirlwind romance, but a carefully constructed foundation.

"And the girls," Rendal adds, a smile in his voice. "They're so happy together. Did you see how excited they were about tomorrow's pancake breakfast?"

I can't help but chuckle, remembering Penelope and Zola's enthusiastic planning of their breakfast creations. "They're going to have so much fun when they wake up," I agree.

Rendal's arm tightens around me. "That's what this is all about, Chloe. Building a family, creating joy together. We're not moving too fast. We're moving at exactly the right pace for us."

His words settle something inside me, and I feel the last of my doubts melt away. I look up at him, seeing the love and certainty in his eyes. "You're right," I whisper.

Taking another sip of wine, I feel all of my inhibitions ebbing away. I mean, what the fuck was I even worried about? Valeria? Seriously?

Rendal wants to be with me. He's here with me. He chose me . Every now and then, my fears try to creep up and take me by surprise. The irritable voice in the back of my head wants to convince me that this is all a ruse, that Rendal is planning his escape any day now.

But now I know that it's all bullshit. None of that is true, and my proof is the fact that Rendal is here with me, saying these sweet things into my ear while I rest on top of him.

I feel a warm flush spread across my cheeks, and I'm not sure if it's from the wine or Rendal's intense gaze. His fingers trail along my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

"You're so beautiful, Chloe," he murmurs, his voice raspy. "I can't believe how lucky I am."

I giggle, feeling light and carefree. "You're not so bad yourself, you know," I tease, poking his chest playfully.

Rendal's hand moves to my hair, gently running his fingers through the strands. "I mean it," he says, his eyes never leaving mine. "You're beautiful inside and out. The way you care for Penelope, how you've welcomed Zola into your life... It amazes me every day. Back then, I was afraid that I wouldn't find someone like you."

His words make my heart swell, and I lean into his touch. "Rendal," I whisper, not quite sure what to say.

He continues, his fingers now tracing the curve of my cheek. "Your smile lights up the room, did you know that? And when you laugh, it's like music."

I feel myself melting under his praise and gentle caresses. The wine has loosened my tongue, and I find myself speaking without a filter. "You make me feel so special," I admit, nuzzling into his hand.

Rendal's thumb brushes over my bottom lip, sending a shiver down my spine. "That's because you are special, Chloe. You're everything to me."

I close my eyes, savoring the moment. Rendal's touch, his words, the warmth of the wine in my system – it all combines to create a perfect bubble of contentment.

"I love you," I murmur, the words slipping out effortlessly. "I love you so much."

"I think I fell in love with you the first moment I saw you," Rendal says, smirking at the memory. His blue eyes sparkle with mischief, and I feel my heart skip a beat. "Remember that? At the park. Zola ran up to Penelope and the sparks started flying right there."

"Mhm." I lean my cheek into his hand, relishing the warmth of his touch against my skin. The roughness of his calloused palm sends a shiver down my spine. "You were too sexy that day. All muscular and green and... perfect."

"Oh?" Rendal's eyebrow quirks up, his smirk widening into a full-blown grin.

I nod, feeling a flush creep up my neck. "I said what I said. You were like this... this orc Adonis, standing there in the sunlight. I couldn't look away."

"The wine is making you so... open," Rendal remarks, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my cheek. "Not that I'm complaining. I love hearing how irresistible I am."

I shrug, feeling a delightful warmth spread through my body as I snuggle even closer to Rendal. His solid frame is like a fortress, making me feel safe and protected. "I've been keeping these thoughts to myself for a very long time," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "And now that we're alone, I feel like I can finally let them out. It's like... opening a floodgate of emotions I've held back for so long."

Rendal's deep chuckle reverberates through his chest, and I can feel it against my cheek. "Damn," he says, full of amusement and something darker, more primal. "I should get you some good wine more often. Who knew it would make you so candid?" His large hand slides down my back, leaving a trail of tingles in its wake. "I'm definitely enjoying this side of you, Chloe."

Rendal shifts closer, the air between us charged with anticipation. My heart pounds in my chest, echoing the tension that wraps around us like a tangible force. His blue eyes, intense and unwavering, lock onto mine, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. This moment, suspended in time, feels like the calm before a storm.

"I've missed this," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "The way you look at me, the way you make me feel..."

Rendal's eyes darken, a flicker of desire igniting within them. He leans in, his face inches from mine. "You have no idea how much I've missed you, Chloe," he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

I reach out, my hand trembling slightly as I touch his cheek. His skin is warm under my fingertips, a stark contrast to the coolness of the room. "I do," I reply softly. "I've missed you just as much."

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. He leans into my touch, his eyes never leaving mine. "Then show me," he says, his voice a low growl that sends a jolt of electricity through me.

I gasp softly, eyes narrowing at the underlying desire carried with those few words. Heat flows through me, down between my legs. God, how long has it been since I last felt this way?

Rendal cups my cheek, his thumb gently tracing the line of my jaw. His eyes, a piercing blue, lock onto mine, filled with a tenderness that sends a shiver down my spine. He leans in, his breath warm against my lips, and then he kisses me. It's tender at first, a soft, gentle pressure that feels like a whispered secret. But as I melt into him, the kiss intensifies, filled with longing and unspoken promises.

His hand slides down to the small of my back, pressing me closer, and I can feel the pounding of his heart against my chest. I wrap my arms around his neck, my fingers tangling in his short, dark hair. Our breaths mingle, and the world around us fades away, leaving only the sensation of his lips on mine, the taste of him, the feel of his strong body against mine.

When we finally pull back, we're both breathless. Rendal rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "Chloe," he whispers. "You're sure you want this right now?"

"I want it all with you, Rendal. Absolutely everything."

He lets out a small noise before pulling me into another kiss, one that makes me moan into his mouth. He's everything I ever wanted. He's everything I didn't know I needed.

And now that I have him, I can't get enough.