Chapter Fourteen

T he new hires needed some training, but overall, they were solid workers. I really can't afford to let my work slide any more than it already has. With everything going on with Amir and all that, money is pretty much the only thing that brings me joy right now.

Even though I can't manage things directly for now, having a few more workers than the two I currently have wouldn't hurt. When I was actively working, my efficiency helped us finish up multiple clients quickly, but with me out of the picture, those two are great but shouldn't be overworked. I'm not in a financial bind, and my auto shop could definitely use some extra hands.

"Thanks for swinging by to help, Ace. The new hires will be a big help, so please pass on my thanks to your Prez." I said to the guy, who gave me a polite smile before hopping on his bike and riding off.

I'm really glad Darius had someone to recommend who could use the extra cash from this job, and he also sent Ace over to check if the new guys and gals were settling in well. That made me happy because, even though the Solo Lords MC might look like a tough crew, I know they're genuinely good people. Darius leading them gives me peace of mind about that.

"Where do you keep the spare parts?" Greg, one of the new guys, asked, and I realized I had to remind him for the fifth time to head to the third room on the left.

As great as they are at paying attention and picking up skills, I guess I’ll have to get used to a bit of a teacher-student dynamic at work.

"Nina, I'll be in my office. If you need me, just come to the first floor. I'll either be there or in the reception area," I called out clearly before stepping away from the little hustle that makes me feel a bit less lonely for now.

I am working to manage my anxiety regarding the various aspects of my life, and missing Ro intensely is one of those challenges. However, I need to maintain my focus, and nothing has been helping me achieve mental peace or control my emotions. The most sensible decision was to return to work. I opened the shop and attempted to stick to my usual routine with some minor adjustments. It’s proving to be beneficial. Not perfect, but certainly better than nothing.

As I opened the door to my office, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I entered.

I really hope I don’t end up in a mental institution. I’m too young for that thought, especially since I don’t even have kids to trigger such a notion yet. But why does it sound so appealing?

After exhaling deeply, I swallowed hard, and... froze.

I stood still as the light behind my closed eyes transformed into an unfamiliar darkness.

My hands instinctively went to my eyes, trembling as they felt the fabric wrapped around, obstructing my sight.

“Who’s there?” I called out loudly, prepared to shout, if necessary, while my hands moved to the back of my head to remove the obstruction, but calloused hands stopped me.

I froze again.

I recognized the hard contours of those cold hands without needing to see them.

My lips parted in a breathless whisper as emotions caught in my throat. A single tear escaped my eyes, and I fought back another breakdown, reminding myself that this wasn’t a dream. It couldn’t be.

It couldn’t be a dream when my hands were still in contact with his, feeling the roughness, the slight chill of his fingertips, and the gradual warmth enveloping them.

Ro. His name escaped my lips like a secret, a blessing, or perhaps a curse that I couldn't quite understand.

How was he here?

"Ro... Ro... Ro, it's really you, right? I can't be dreaming. Please tell me this isn't a dream." I could feel myself pleading, that desperate cry spilling out, a raw vulnerability that made me feel ugly. Just as ugly as the way my inner self was falling apart.

"Yes, Mrs. Rowan. It's me." He whispered gently, as if I were a fragile porcelain doll that might shatter with a single touch.

"I need to see you. Please, just let me see you. Just once." I sobbed, my lips trembling with each word that came out, mingling helplessly with my tears.

"I'm sorry, but not today. I don't look like the nice version you remember, Mrs. Rowan." His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, each breath brushing against my skin.

"I don't care what you look like, Ro. I love you no matter what. Just let me see you, or I won't be able to believe you're not just a figment of my imagination." I didn't want him to be another dream, like the countless ones I had conjured since the last time I saw him, which felt like an eternity ago.

"I promise I'll come to see you again, but not today... Just... Just hold me today. Let me feel you, let me love you, so I can hate myself a little less." His voice was heavy with defeat, and I despised it. Each desperate whisper made my knees weak and my heart ache.

I had a faint sense of his presence, feeling him pressed against me. "Nothing more. Just one last chance... Without you, I'll break, Mrs. Rowan. Save me. Please, love me today, and keep me from falling apart." Another plea escaped him as he tightened his grip. His voice grew thick, as if he were struggling to breathe.

"Ro, listen to me for once." I reached out to him, knowing that if I didn't save this man from breaking today, I might lose him forever, and I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't lose him. Not to him or to them.

“I came rushing to you 'cause you’re my safe place, Amery Shen. I need to rest, please let me. I’m so tired. I’m hurting. I’m hating myself.” The way you said my name, not Mrs. Rowan, made me realize how serious this was.

What could have pushed him to come to me like this? I have no idea what he’s dealing with.

"End my pain. Just for today, take away my punishment." He turned me around, and even though I couldn’t see, I knew exactly what was there. A raw truth behind my blindfold.

He needs me, and he despises himself for it. I don’t know what to do, but his desperation, the ache, the silent plea made me surrender.

"I’m yours, Ro. Do what you want... Love me as much as you need. Find the comfort you seek. I’m here for you, right by your side, where you want me most."

The barrier between us fell apart, crumbling down until it shattered completely, taking the vulnerability and pain with it, swirling around us like debris soaked in the warm blood that hurt us both, burning in our veins.

I held his face, stood on my toes, and met his lips halfway, feeling them against mine.

My tongue brushed over the ridges that felt like a cut, and his hiss confirmed what I thought.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as he pulled me into his embrace, binding me to him.

Our kiss deepened, tongues dancing together.

Nothing about our touches was gentle or caring. This kiss, the way his body pressed against mine, felt raw, disturbed, ugly, yet it felt safe and peaceful. It felt like all my exhaustion was fading away.

Ro was right; just like he feels with me, in his arms, I finally am home.

This reality brought me joy.

I released myself, dropping into his embrace as he caught me, my hips meeting the cold glass of the table below, sending a shiver up my spine.

I let out a soft sound, his playful fingers gliding over my curves, each touch a sign of his devotion to my body.

"Ro... I-" My eyes shut tight behind the blinds, and his lips found mine again, moving together in perfect harmony. He kissed me with a fierce passion, pouring all his feelings into that moment.

I had never experienced such a fiery sensation, but it was the heat of him that consumed me.

As his tongue slipped into my mouth, I felt his warm breath, our tongues dancing together while I wrapped my arms around his neck, fingers weaving through his messy platinum blonde hair, still captivating to touch. He was my Ro, Adonis among men.

I gasped, tugging at his hair, pulling whenever he playfully nibbled or bit my lips or tongue.

The breathless connection of our mouths, the desire to merge into one, and the craving to consume each other was simply too much to handle.

"Ahhh..." I moaned into his mouth as his right hand slipped under my sweater, pushing aside my bra, cupping my breast that fir perfectly in his hand. His thumb gliding over my nipple, sending goosebumps racing as he teased me, drawing out sounds that felt foreign. Too eager. Too lewd. Just so unlike me, yet I craved him desperately, barely aware of the ache inside.

His fingers glided over the wires of my bra, teasingly hooking one into the strap, while I lost myself deeper into his mouth, sucking on his lips and tasting his tongue.

He let out a groan, pulling back just enough for us to become a tangle of limbs, stripping each other. The sound of clothes rustling filled the cramped office. We were both breathing heavily, our eyes clouded with desire, a confirmation I didn’t need to see.

A chill breeze brushed against my skin, and I felt his warm fingers exploring me again. With my eyes shut, every sensation intensified.

He traced my nipples, flicking as he moved down, circling my navel before stopping at my thighs, parting them to stand between them.

Perched on the cold table, with darkness enveloping my sight, I used him as my steadying force. I followed his lead as he placed my legs on the table, wide open. The cold air hit my most sensitive areas, and I bit my lip, stifling a scream that threatened to escape.

"You’re stunning. The most beautiful woman in the whole universe." There was truth in his words, but they stung emotionally.

Amir was never one to stay silent during our intimate moments. He loved to whisper dirty things, to make every inch of my skin flush under his gaze, and his silence spoke volumes, bringing tears to my eyes.

"I love you." I wasn’t sure if he needed to hear it, but I wanted him to know my love matched his obsession for me.

"I know, sweetheart... But I’m not a man deserving of such pure love." He pressed his words against my skin, marking me like I was his forbidden fruit.

My heart shattered.

That wasn't right. Sure, he might've messed up, but he definitely wasn't short on feelings. He deserves everything, even if the word itself can't show it.

"That's not—"

"Shhh... Not today, Mrs. Rowan. Not today." He hushed me, and I felt so weak.

His lips traveled down my jaw to my neck, sucking softly, making my back arch. The skin of my body brushed against his stubble, the friction warming me up. My eyes rolled back as I gasped for air, each touch of his draining me.

His lips curved into a sly smile over my breasts, making me moan without meaning to. I opened my legs wider, feeling the hot liquid trickling down the curve of my ass over the table as he took one of my breasts in his mouth, sucking while kneading the other. "Rohhh..." I pulled at his hair, breathing hard, trying to stifle my sounds.

Each tease, each touch stretched on, burning me up but never quenching the need in my belly.

I wanted to touch myself, but I pushed that thought away. Today was for him to forget everything, to find comfort however he needed. Today, it wasn't about my pleasure first like it usually was.

"You taste divine." He grinned, licking my clit, making me moan loudly, jolting with pleasure, but then he stopped, and I whined, realizing how lost I was in what he was doing, forgetting who might hear me.

Another quick kiss, and he whispered against my lips. "Answer, Mrs. Rowan. Ask who’s there?"

I steadied my breath and repeated his whisper loud enough for the person outside to hear.

“W-Who is it?” I really hope they didn’t catch that. The loud sounds still crashing through the building from the garage gave me a bit of hope.

“It’s me, Greg. Just checking if you want anything since we’re ordering lunch?”

I shut my eyes, took a deep breath. But then I tensed up again when Ro started nibbling on my nipple. Damn.

I felt my face heat up, aware of every spot he was touching as he popped off my breast and kissed my areola, making me stifle a moan so Greg wouldn’t hear. I can’t mess up my work environment just to moan freely.

“No... No... I’m good. Just tell everyone I’m in a virtual meeting, don’t bother me for an hour or two.” My voice was tight, my chest rising and falling quickly.

A gasp escaped me when I noticed Ro between my legs, showering kisses and teasing my warm, dripping core with his tongue.

“Roger that, boss.” Greg yelled over the noise, and I heard him walk away, giving me a moment to breathe.

Ro’s light chuckle made me smile too. I felt like I was giving back some of his dimmed light, if not all of it. He’s the sun, and I’m the moon. He shines the brightest, lighting me up in his warmth. He gives me purpose.

“I love you, Mr. Husband.” I whispered again, my heart feeling like it might burst from my chest, wanting to show him how much those words mean.

But my thoughts faded when I felt his warm tongue inside me, gripping his shoulder tightly, arching my back.

“Oh, sweet god... Ro... Fuck...” I screamed, and that got a pleasurable grunt from him. That little sound excited me.

I wanted more of this.

I want him to let go and enjoy it fully.

I want to give him as much as he’s given to me.

My love, please... hurry...

Another laugh escaped him, and I nearly had a heart attack.

"Fuck," he groaned, breathless. "You really know how to fuck me up good, Mrs. Rowan. So damn good." His voice had that familiar tone I knew so well.

He blew warm air, teasing my sensitive spot with his teeth while his tongue worked in and out of me quickly. My body trembled as my nipples hardened, and soon, arching my back, I fell against the glass with a thud.

Good thing my head's tough, and the glass is solid.

I chuckled, feeling at ease. My eyes were shut, but I could sense and hear his tongue lapping up every bit of me, the wet sounds echoing as he gave my throbbing clit one last suck before moving up to tease my neglected nipple. It stirred something deep inside, filling me with a confidence I had been craving for days.

"I love you, Ro. I really do."

"I know, sweetheart. I know." He whispered against my nipple, placing a soft kiss after the playful torment of his teeth and tongue.

I let out a soft moan, feeling the waves of his touch, and the desire to please him surged within me. Slowly, my hands traveled over his firm chest down to his abs. He would groan occasionally, a mix of hisses and growls that hinted at pain he tried to hide. I had a good idea of what was causing it, but Ro would never admit it, even if I asked.

He was wounded. Both physically and emotionally, it was up to me to show him I'll always be his safe place despite our differences.

Slipping my fingers over his throbbing dick, holding his painful erection in my hand, I stroked a little, smearing the pre-cum gathered at the tip up to the crown.

He let out a sound, feeling the pleasure as I smiled lazily and tilted my hips up, my eyes longing to see him. Free me from this dark place that made him feel like just a dream, a shadow I created.

"Touch me, sweetheart..." He groaned, biting and nibbling at my collarbone.

"Let me see you, Ro. I won’t ask questions or pry. I won’t look at anything you don’t want me to. Just let me look into your eyes. That’ll be enough for now."

I didn’t really believe my words would sway him, but when his fingers pulled the blinds down, I sniffed, tears blurring my sight as I slowly opened my eyes to meet his stunning baby blue eyes that promised so much. With a faint smile and a blank mind, I kept my word.

"I missed you." I smiled through my tears, gently stroking him and feeling his tense body relax as he moaned relentlessly.

"I missed you too, my love. I really missed you so damn much." He admitted, rising up, capturing my lips, and sealing it with a deep kiss.

Feeling his erection growing in my hand, I rubbed more of the precum leaking from his tip over his shaft while he left my lips and threw his head back, moaning loudly.

I know with his voice anyone could come here, but with loud sounds from machines in the garage, it hid his voice.

Another stroke. And another, I moved fast, but stopped when he got closer, and shifting closer to the edge of the table, I aligned him to my entrance.

He kept staring into my eyes as I nodded, giving him the confirmation.

“I love you. Don’t be afraid, Ro. I’m your wife, and no matter what the truth is, nothing is more important to me than our marriage. I’ll always be by your side. I forgive you. Just stop being afraid. Let’s just both stop being afraid.”

A tear fell from his eye onto my cheek. He bit his lips hard, and winced as the pain from the bruise surfaced, yet nodded, his shoulders trembling.

Then another tear came, and another, before he buried his face in the crook of my neck and thrust into me.

He was crying, but I finally understood what was holding me back. We were both scared, and it had nothing to do with our love or loyalty or marriage, but everything to do with us as people who loved so intensely that it scared us. The fear of not being accepted or not being enough because we wanted the best for each other.

"I love you, Amery Shen. I fucking love you." He cried, moving slowly inside me.

I held him tight, moving my hips with him. This connection was so raw, tying us together in ways we never knew we needed but now realized was crucial.

"I love you." He whispered in my ear as he thrust again. Each thrust matched his words, until he lost control, filling me up and then pulling out, tiredly flopping beside me, his chest rising and falling heavily after his release.

His eyes were puffy, lips bruised but still that beautiful pink I adored.

Maybe there wasn’t anything about him I hated, and whatever I did, I knew I’d come to terms with it, just like he accepted me.

We lay naked next to each other, him pulling me onto his chest and kissing my head. I wanted to ask him so much, but my resolve faded in the warmth of what we just shared.

With sleepiness taking over, I closed my eyes, forgetting to tell him not to go anywhere now that he was here. After four nights awake, I couldn’t say a word.