Epilogue

One Month Later

"Suck it. Take it down your throat."

I grunt, fisting her hair as she kneels before me, her mascara running down her face in streaks of black, her lips swollen as she gags on my cock. Hickeys mar her creamy tits—thank God she's wearing something with a high collar later for the graduation ceremony this afternoon.

She's beautiful and so fucking perfect. Brilliant and kind-hearted.

She fucking humbles me.

Millie sucks harder as the artificial daylight shines brightly upon us. I have her backed against a tree inside Noire, her clothes shredded in a pile a few feet away and she's servicing my cock like she's famished for it.

Gagging sounds reach my ears and I swell even more as her tight throat wraps around my head in an embrace that has me seeing stars.

"Fuuuuck, you're so good at this."

I piston my hips, tunneling myself deeper inside her as tears stream down her face. "You want my load, little lark, every single drop? Are you going to be a good student for your professor?"

Millie moans and her hand travels to her breast, her fingers kneading the hardened nipple as her thighs squeeze together.

"You're so hot for it, Millie. Damn, you look good on your knees—ah fuck!"

My hips spasm as the sharp pleasure shoots straight from my balls up my shaft and I try to hold back, but a telltale spurt of cum escaping tells me I'm close.

My mind turns hazy and I tear my cock out from her lips and haul her back up to pin her face forward against the tree.

"I'm going to come in this tight little rosebud today, Millie. I'm going to own it like I own every inch of you," I growl in her ear, my front flushed against her backside, my fingers teasing the forbidden entrance we haven't breached yet.

Millie whimpers and trembles but sticks out her butt more and gives it an enticing wiggle.

"Safe word, my little lark? Because once I start, I'm going to finish."

I fist my dick once…twice, dragging the sensitive swollen head between the crack of her smooth cheeks, my pre-cum dripping over the surface.

"Never." Her voice is a breathy whisper but strong…a fighter through and through. "I want you to stick that cock up my ass and fuck an orgasm out of me."

My mind blanks as a noise echoes in the quiet forest.

And I realize that animalistic growl is from me.

My fingers reach to her front to play with her slit and I drag her essence to the back, inserting one finger into her little hole.

"Aaaah," she screams, her ass shaking against me.

"Safe word?"

"More!" She rolls her backside against my fingers, her hand moving downward to play with her clit. Millie writhes and lets out a few frustrated moans.

"Can't get off, you filthy girl?" I bite the lobe of her ear and she melts against me, her body moving desperately against my finger. "Let me show you how it's done."

I insert my ring finger into her hole to join my middle finger and thrust my index finger into her tight pussy. My other hand reaches to her front and my fingers flick little circles around her clit.

"Ryland!" she screams when I hammer my digits inside her, listening to the slurping sounds of her body accepting my invasion.

"F-Fucking shit, o-oh my shit," she chants, her body thrashing in front of me.

"You're strangling my fingers like a good little slut. Are you ready for the main event?" I rasp, my cock moving up and down her backside, eager to join the party below.

"Y-Yes." Her legs tremble and I press my body tighter against her, holding her up.

My breathing is ragged as I take out my fingers and replace it with my cock. I press a kiss at the sensitive whorl of her ear and whisper, "Tell me if it's too much."

Slowly, I thrust home.

My pre-cum drips over my dick, which, combined with her wetness I spread to her rosebud earlier, act as lubricant, and her tight little asshole swallows me up eagerly, inch by inch.

She whimpers but pushes back, her hand grabbing my fingers and tugging it toward her clit.

"Shit, you're so tight. Yes, that's it. Relax. You're doing so well, such a fucking good girl."

I let out a guttural moan as I move against her. My fingers tease her clit, flicking and plucking the hardened nub the way she likes it, and she shakes violently against me.

"Yes, baby…you're mine. All of you," I groan, the pleasure clouding my senses and I move faster, strumming her clit to the rhythm of my cock in her ass. Then I slide two fingers into her wet pussy.

She shrieks, her screams echoing in the forest, and her head lolls back against my chest. I see her eyes glazed and unfocused, her lips parted. She looks delirious and fuck if that doesn't make me even harder.

My other hand wraps around the slender column of her neck and I squeeze, watching her pale skin, glistening with sweat, turn pink.

Her thrashes turn into kicks—my little lark gets off in the fight, but she knows a simple three taps anywhere on my body will stop everything. I hold on tighter, watching her breathing stutter. Scalding pleasure gathers in my loins, and my vision blackens at the corners.

"You have no idea what you do to me. How much I fucking love you…to the fucking ends of the earth," I growl. "Feel my fingers on your clit and pussy, baby? Your pussy is trembling and weeping for me. Do you know how tight your ass feels all wrapped up around my cock? God, you're spectacular."

My hips move faster, my body completely dominating hers. All rational thoughts leave my mind, and I'm only left with my core instincts, my need to conquer, to run, to be free. My cock thickens and swells, the squelching sounds a soundtrack that'll be imprinted in my mind forever.

Millie's thrashes turn erratic, and her gasps for breath become short drags, her skin flushing into dark pink.

"Now, be a good student and come for me. Squeeze out all my cum from my throbbing dick."

I give her clit one last swirl and release my hand around her neck.

She screams and liquid gushes out of her pussy, where my fingers are hammering inside her, curling against her G-spot, and my cock is tunneling in and out of her ass.

"Yes. Yes. Yes!" I roar, her orgasm triggering mine, and electrifying pleasure rushes down my body like water bursting through a dam. I hold her tightly and empty myself inside her, my lips peppering kisses wherever I can reach, my eyes seeing stars.

Slowly, I roll my hips and massage her pussy, dragging out our high as our breathing slows and cries turn into moans and mewls.

"You're an animal," she whispers minutes later, a dreamy smile on her face.

"Only for you." I tug my bottom lip between my teeth and bite back a grin. I swat her curvy bottom. "Come on, let's get ready for your graduation and the celebrations later. We don't want to be late."

Pomp and Circumstanceplays loudly on the speakers as I stand below the stage, waiting for my name to be called to receive my diploma. My fingers smooth over my black graduation gown before adjusting my cap.

Jitteriness flows through my veins as I look at the throngs of people sitting in the crowded auditorium, my eyes sweeping through the audience until they land on Adrian, Emily, and Dad. Next to them are my girls.

They're standing up. Adrian is cheering even though it's not my turn yet. Taylor flashes me a peace sign, Grace jumps up and down while clapping, and Belle hollers something sounding like my name. Joss is next to them, her visit coincidentally lining up with my graduation ceremony. She cups her hands over her mouth and lets out an excited screech.

"Millie Callahan," the MC announces, and the shrieks and cheers rise in volume.

My heart throws itself against my rib cage as I climb up the steps of the stage and walk toward Dean Emery, who is standing in front of the two rows of chairs occupied by the faculty.

"Go get them, little lark!"

My head swivels toward Ryland. He has risen from his seat in the first row of faculty seating on the stage, clearly not caring his colleagues are staring at him. He grins, his smile unleashing a new swarm of butterflies in my stomach, and he claps loudly, pride shining in his eyes.

It has been a month since he unveiled the greenhouse to me and, as expected, the press went crazy when the story broke about how he funded a greenhouse in perpetuity and named it after me.

But true to his word, this time, he didn't shy away. He bravely took my hand in his as we strolled the streets of Manhattan, ignored the paparazzi when they screamed questions at us before we walked into The Orchid for some peace and quiet. The official story was because of the alleged scandal earlier on, we spent even more time together and fell in love—he even thanked the reporters for getting us together.

I bite my lip and give him a wink before striding to Dean Emery, who briefly rolls his eyes heavenward, no doubt at Ryland's public display of affection.

"Congratulations, Ms. Callahan. Well deserved," he murmurs as he takes my hand in his, gives it a firm shake, and hands me my diploma.

I did it.The thought echoes in my mind as elation churns through my veins. I'm one step closer to my dream.

I can't believe such happiness exists.

After taking the obligatory photo, I walk off the stage, my smile permanently plastered on my face. I clutch the ceremonial diploma tightly in my hand as I make my way back to my seat. After all these years of working hard and studying nonstop, I'm now a college graduate.

It didn't really hit home until I crossed the stage moments ago, even though my official certificate is dated half a year ago.

I look toward the ceiling and whisper, Mom, if you're watching over me, I hope you're proud.

The rest of the ceremony passes by quickly, the excitement from the crowd palpable. Joss rushes up to me and envelops me in a hug.

"I'm so happy for you, Millie! You did what you told me you were going to do at ULA."

I grin. "Thank you, Joss."

"Congratulations, Millie," a raspy voice murmurs and I turn, finding Charles grinning as he saunters up to us, his blond hair gleaming under the overhead lights. "Sorry, I had a work meeting I couldn't get out of, but I'm glad I caught the tail end of it. You look beautiful today."

"Seriously, dude, hold back on the charm, will you? She's taken," Taylor mutters while picking at her nails.

Charles glares at her.

I shake my head and laugh. "You two, seriously." I'm not sure if they'll ever get along.

The next half hour is filled with laughter as we take photos—so many, my smile seems permanently etched on my face—and catch up with friends and classmates.

Soon, everyone leaves the building. Charles has to run to a work dinner, and Joss is meeting up with other friends across the city. Ryland and I return to his apartment at The Orchid to get ready for the next event of the day, a celebratory graduation dinner with our families.

"Do I look presentable? I tried my best with the makeup, but someone was a savage this morning at Noire."

I eye my reflection in the mirror inside the master bathroom to check if any of his love marks are showing through. I fiddle with the lavender boat-neck dress I have on as nerves threaten to break free.

It'll be the first dinner between my family and his—officially, that is.

Ryland steps up behind me, looking like my wet dream come to life in his sharp gray suit, carefully arranged hair, and a sexy five o'clock shadow. A heat creeps up my skin as he stares at me in that sole unwavering attention of his, his gray eyes darkening to obsidian.

He murmurs, "You look perfect. You look like mine."

My heart skips several beats, and a heady warmth washes over me.

A few minutes later, we take the elevators down and walk to one of the private rooms at Carlisle's, one of the award-winning restaurants inside The Orchid. It's the love child of two married Michelin-starred chefs, each specializing in steak or seafood, thus making the restaurant a unique place where one can have the best surf and turf in the country.

Steven and the rest of the Anderson family, including Grace and Taylor, are sitting at the large circular table in the elegant room decorated in creams and whites. Adrian is smiling at Emily as she chats with Dad, who is sitting next to them. The men stand up automatically when we walk in and don't sit down until I take a seat next to Lana.

"The person of the hour!" Rex winks before striding over and pulling me into a bear hug. "The better half of my brother. Please keep putting up with him because he was a surly ass when you weren't by his side."

I laugh. Rex is the clown of the family, which already has too many serious men, and I kind of dig that.

Rex looks at Maxwell, who is sitting near the entrance with a satisfied smile on his face, a king clearly pleased with his subjects.

"It's your turn, Maxwell. Find yourself a woman. You aren't getting any younger, you know. Those swimmers of yours may be defective if you wait any longer." Rex doles out a shit-eating grin.

Maxwell arches his brow, clearly unfazed.

"Oh, for fuck's sake." Ethan's eyes roll heavenward.

"Rex Cassius Anderson!" Linus glares at his middle son, no doubt angry at his topic of choice in front of the ladies, if the aristocratic upbringing I've seen from their family is any indication.

"Your middle name is Cassius? Seriously? Like some dead Roman emperor? That's why you never want to tell us, huh?" Taylor grins gleefully and Rex shoots her a baleful look, which makes everyone laugh.

The group settles into their seats and Maxwell chats quietly with Ryland.

Taylor frowns and waves at me to get my attention. "Is Belle coming? I thought she couldn't go to the ceremony today because of her work trip, but she's coming to dinner. Did that change?"

I shake my head. "I think she's on her way. Things might get dicey with the traffic from the airport. Maybe she's—"

Something clatters to the ground with a clang.

Maxwell mouths, "excuse me," as he bends to the floor. I think he dropped his cell phone.

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Belle dashes in, her face flushed and very much out of breath, but she still looks every inch the fashion goddess dressed in her black couture tweed dress.

"Don't worry about it. New York traffic is no joke," I reply, turning back to Belle. I point to the empty seat by Maxwell. "We haven't started yet. Sit next to Maxwell."

She nods and gives everyone a sheepish smile before pulling out her chair.

Maxwell stands back up and straightens his suit. He holds up his phone and murmurs, "Apologies again." Then, he turns toward Belle. "Hi, I'm Maxwell, Ryland's older bro—"

He freezes as he takes in Belle for the first time. His nostrils flare and his jaw clenches.

Belle looks equally shocked as well. "I thought you weren't going to be here."

"You guys know each other?" Taylor asks. As far as I know, the two have never met before.

Maxwell turns toward us, his face grim. The frigid king doesn't look cold at the moment, with his hands gripping his tumbler tightly, his forearm trembling with tension. His jaw locks as he stares at Belle with something akin to fury in his eyes.

"Yes. She's my fiancée."

"What?" This time I think it's Rex, but I can't be too sure because I'm reeling with this surprise. She's engaged?

"Did you know about this?" Ryland interlaces his fingers with mine and squeezes. I shake my head. What on earth is going on?

I whip my head toward Grace and Taylor, seeing their equally astonished expressions on their faces.

Grace scrunches her brows. Did you know about this?

I shake my head vehemently. Did you?

"No," she mouths.

Taylor sits frozen in her seat in apparent shock, her mouth dropped open, and Grace gently nudges her.

"What the fuck? Belle?" Tay whisper-shouts, all too unsubtly.

Belle's gaze swivels toward us, her brows furrowed, her eyes shining with guilt.

"It's very new," she mumbles.

I give her a soft smile, letting her know I'm here for her and we will talk later.

Maxwell clenches his jaw as he stands there rigidly, his hands fisted and white-knuckled on top of the table, and waits until Belle takes a seat before he follows suit.

Linus clears his throat. "Well, this is unexpected, but I guess the news will come out soon enough. Our Maxwell will be marrying Annabelle in an arrangement beneficial to all parties involved. We can discuss this later, but tonight, we are here to celebrate our dear Millie for her accomplishments."

Chairs squeak as folks shift in their seats and silverware clatter against the plates. A strange tension hangs in the air from Maxwell's exceptionally hostile reception, much icier than his usual demeanor. Someone coughs and another person clears his throat.

"If I may." Ryland raises his glass, his gaze shrewd as he surveys the room, no doubt taking in the discomfort.

He turns to me, his eyes warming and his lips tilting into a smile. My pulse flutters in my ears as butterflies swarm in my stomach. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the way he looks at me, like I'm all that he needs in the world.

His eyes dip to my lips before returning to my gaze. "I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate with us. Congratulations to Millie for graduating at NYUC and embarking on her journey to become one of the finest educators the world will ever see."

"Yes! Millie, I'm so happy for you!" Belle cheers, her lips splitting into the dazzling smile I know so well—a genuine smile this time.

"You got lucky, Ryland. God knows why she picked your sorry ass," Rex comments, earning another smattering of chuckles.

"Trust me, I know," Ryland murmurs wryly before leaning down and pressing a brief kiss on my lips.

The tension in the room melts as cheers and laughter fill the space. My skin feels warm, and I throw him a saucy wink. "As long as you remember that."

He barks out a laugh and pulls me flush against him, clearly not caring about the audience in the room. He dips me back into a more thorough kiss and suddenly, all questions, rational thought, and embarrassment disappear as I'm swept up in his embrace.

I'm disoriented and breathless by the time he pulls away and turns toward the others.

"I also want to announce I'll be stepping down from my position as COO at Fleur in the fall," Ryland says.

My hand flies to my mouth in surprise. I know he's been contemplating leaving his job to pursue academia full-time, but he has been waiting for the family trust to be dissolved before making the change.

He turns to look at me. "The lawyers called this morning. They found a way to dissolve the trust."

Tears spring into my eyes, and I throw myself into his arms. "Ryland! I'm so happy for you."

The room breaks into more cheers and applause, everyone clearly happy for him to pursue his dreams.

"Who's going to do your job, then?" Taylor asks.

Ryland grins and cocks his head toward Steven. "The King of Wall Street over there."

Steven rolls his eyes and mutters, "Oh shut up. If you don't let up, I'll be calling you Your Highness along with the rest of the folks here." He smirks and tugs Grace to his side.

Lighthearted laughter and quiet conversations carry on around us when he tilts my face toward him, his eyes heating, his breath quickening. A pulse flutters his jaw, and I feel the same racing beats in my chest. Perhaps he's turned me into an insatiable beast as well.

"I think this calls for some more celebration, Ms. Callahan." His deep voice sends shivers down my spine.

"Noire tonight again, Professor?" I whisper under my breath so no one can hear. I watch his eyes darken and flare and he leans in, his mouth inches away from my ear.

"Run. I'll catch you…always.

Thank you for reading WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE. Hope you've enjoyed Ryland and Millie"s story as much as I did writing it.