Epilogue

Lori

The morning sunfilters through the sheer curtains, casting a honey glow over our little slice of heaven, a world away from the cacophony of New York City. Our cozy home is hugged by the kind of serene landscapes that city billboards can only dream of selling. Here, in this nook outside the urban jungle, Doug and I have made a life thats as comforting as the worn-in leather of his favorite armchair.

Morning, beautiful, Doug murmurs against my neck, his stubble grazing my skin in a way that sends shivers down to my toes.

Hey, handsome. I lean into his embrace, feeling the solid wall of his chest pressed against my back. This man, with his short brown hair thats always just a tad too long, and a build that makes me feel like Im cuddling with a living, breathing fortress, is my everything.

Sleep okay? he asks, voice still thick with sleep, an undercurrent of concern laced within the question. He knows me too well. Nightmares often have a fondness for my subconscious.

Like a log, I lie, not wanting to add to his worries. Its a tiny sin, one I sometimes allow myself because the truth is, I did sleep peacefully, eventually. His arms were my sanctuary after all.

Good. Dougs lips press gently against my temple, his kiss a promise of safety, a silent vow that echoes the dedication I see in him every day. I tilt my head up, angling for his mouth, and find it with an eagerness that speaks volumes of our hunger for each other.

Very good, I tease, our lips barely touching, electricity crackling between us in the scant space.

Tease. He grins before claiming my lips with his own, and just like that, the world narrows down to the sensation of his mouth moving over mine, deliberate and deep. I thread my fingers through his hair, tugging lightly, eliciting a low groan from him that vibrates against my chest.

Only for you, I whisper against his lips, and he responds with another kiss thats hotter, more insistent. His hand trails down the small of my back, settling on my hip, pulling me closer until theres no air left between us, only heat.

God, Lori, he breathes out, voice strained with desire, I could get lost in you.

Then get lost, I challenge, pushing back against him, feeling the contours of his body aligning perfectly with mine. In this quiet morning, in our haven away from the citys madness, I am his, and he is unequivocally mine.

Careful what you wish for, Doug teases.

He releases me and we both get ready for our day.

The clink of his badge against the fabric signals a new era for us. Doug is the embodiment of authority in his crisp uniform. His short brown hair is neatly combed, the strong lines of his jaw set in determination, and theres this unwavering glint in his deep-set eyes—a look that screams protector.

Looking sharp, Officer McLean, I tease, leaning against the doorframe with my arms crossed, unable to suppress the smirk dancing on my lips.

He turns, flashing me that boyish grin that suggests trouble but promises safety. You think so? he asks, doing a slow turn that showcases the solid form beneath the uniform, a sight that sends a flutter through my chest.

Definitely. The whole ready to serve and protect vibe? Its working for you. My voice drops an octave, playful yet filled with genuine admiration. After all, his commitment isnt just about the job—its personal. Its about us.

Particularly you, Lori, he replies, closing the distance between us in two purposeful strides. His hands find my waist, pulling me into the sanctuary of his embrace. Keeping you safe is my top priority.

Good to know I have my very own security detail, I quip, standing on tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. But the moment is fleeting. Reality waits for no one, and we both have places to be. With one last squeeze, he releases me and heads out the door.

Im left with the echo of his presence and the knowledge that while hes out there guarding the world, I’m safe.

* * *

The shop door chimes as another client steps in, their gaze sweeping over the array of sleek, high-tech devices lining the walls. Im already moving forward, smile locked and loaded, confidence surging through me like a live wire.

Welcome to SecureTech, I greet, extending a hand. Im Lori. How can I assist you today?

Weaving between displays, I showcase our latest gadgets—the kind that make burglars think twice and give homeowners peace of mind. My pitch is smooth, honed by countless hours of practice, and its not long before the clients skepticism gives way to interest, then to outright enthusiasm.

See, this system here can be synced with your phone, I explain, tapping on the glass screen of a tablet that controls a demo model of a home security setup. Real-time alerts, live video feed, you name it. If someone so much as sneezes near your front door, youll know.

Sounds impressive, the client acknowledges, and I can tell Ive got them hooked.

Trust me, its more than just impressive. Its a game-changer. My voice carries the conviction of someone who believes in what theyre selling, because I do. Every device here represents safety, a concept thats become more precious to me than ever before.

Alright, lets do it, they decide, and the thrill of closing another sale never gets old.

Fantastic choice, I beam, escorting them to the register. The transaction is smooth, the pleasantries genuine, and as they leave with a wave and a promise to recommend us to friends, I cant help but feel a surge of pride.

Doug is the one who suggested I’d be a good salesman, what with my smart mouth. I smile as I remember our conversation.

Later, I sigh as the stores door chimes as it swings shut behind the last customer. Closing time, I announce to the empty space, the thrill of todays success making my skin tingle.

But theres another kind of anticipation building up within me, one thats been simmering since this morning when Doug left for his shift, his new uniform hugging his body in all the right places.

See you soon, Officer McLean, I had teased, my fingers lingering on the badge pinned over his heart. The way he looked at me then, dark eyes smoldering with a promise, has me aching for him all day.

I lock up and start heading home, the fading sunlight stretching long shadows across the path. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out, smiling at the text from Doug:

All clear on my end. How about you, Mrs. McLean?

Closed the deal. And the shop. Now Ive got some handcuffs begging to be used.

His response comes quick, firing up that delicious tension thats become our secret dance.

Is that so? You might need to book me for misconduct then.

Only if you resist arrest.

I feel the flush creep up my neck as I imagine his strong hands cuffed, at my mercy.

Never.

I can almost hear the low rumble of his voice, sending a shiver down my spine.

I surrender to you completely.

My heels click faster on the pavement now, my breaths shallow with the thought of what awaits. As I round the corner to our street, the cozy glow from our windows beckons, promising warmth and the kind of wild release only Doug can give me.

I push open the door, and there he is, standing in the dimly lit hallway. Hes changed out of his uniform, but the authority it represents still clings to him like a second skin. Without a word, he steps toward me, his gaze locked onto mine. The air between us crackles with unspoken desire.

Welcome home, Lori, Doug says, his voice thick with that edge I love, the one that makes my insides twist. Did you miss me?

Like crazy, I admit, dropping my bag and closing the gap between us. Our lips meet in a hungry kiss, full of pent-up need and raw hunger. His hands roam over my body, each touch stoking the fire thats been burning all day.

Lets take this to the bedroom, I whisper against his mouth, pulling away just enough to see the heat in his eyes flare even hotter.

Lead the way, he growls, and I grab his hand, leading him to where we can finally unleash the passion thats been simmering under the surface.

The door clicks shut behind us, sealing us in our private world where titles and roles blur into something darker, more primal. Doug pins me against the wall, his body pressing into mine, leaving no doubt about his intentions.

Tell me what you want, little girl, Doug murmurs, his breath hot on my neck.

Please, Daddy... I breathe out, the words fanning the flames as I look up at him through my lashes. I want you to take control.

And he does. What follows is a whirlwind of sensation, Dougs hands and mouth worshiping every inch of me, drawing out cries of pleasure that bounce off the walls. Were lost in each other, the connection between us as tangible as the sweat that coats our bodies.

Mine, he groans, his movements relentless, pushing us both toward a precipice were all too eager to tumble over.

Yours, I gasp, clinging to him as his cock hammers into me over and over again.

Its raw, its messy, its perfect—just like us.

When we finally collapse, spent and wrapped in each others arms, I cant help but think how lucky we are. Out here, away from the chaos, its just Doug and me, thriving in the serenity of our own making.