Everything he kept from me?

I nodded, not saying a word in case he changed his mind.

Slowly, he exhaled. “If we were in a city, I would’ve tried too hard and probably turned you off by being a jerk. First date conversation would’ve included talk about the weather, travel, my architectural background, and anything I could pry from you. But that would be where my willingness to open up would end. I wouldn’t tell you how bloody gorgeous you are by firelight, moonlight, sunlight—hell, by any light. I wouldn’t tell you how much I wanted to talk to you even when we first met. And I definitely wouldn’t tell you that there’s something in my past that I’m not proud of, that I hate myself for, and that I’ll pay for the rest of my days. I’m not ready to tell you what that is, but I am ready to show you that it has shaped who I am. And who I am now is a lot different to the man you first saw on that plane.”

He never looked away as his voice slipped into a murmur. “I’m a different man because of you, Estelle. You taught me how to forgive myself for things I can’t control. How to step up and stop wallowing in self-pity, guilt, and hate. Those things will forever be a part of me, but with you in my life, I can have other things, too. Things like love and happiness and a family I never thought I’d deserve.”

His lips found mine in an urgent, viscous kiss. “I guess what I’m trying to say is I love you. I bloody love you. I’ve loved you for months and to finally be able to tell you. Hell, it’s the biggest weight off my heart.”

I couldn’t breathe. Tears shot to my eyes.

I didn’t know what he’d done but none of that mattered here. It didn’t matter because his actions had redeemed his past mistakes. He cared for us, protected us, and if that didn’t make him worthy of my trust and affection...then nothing did.

I wanted to speak but he wouldn’t let me interrupt. Pressing his finger over my mouth, he shook his head. “That isn’t some ploy to get you to repeat the words or a pity party to make you fall in love with me. I just had to tell the truth after living in lies for so long.”

I am.

I am in love with you.

Lying flat on his back, he sighed. “There, I said it. I hadn’t planned on dumping it all in one go, but so far, tonight isn’t going how I’d planned, so I don’t care anymore. I love you. I needed you to know that.” He gave me a shy smile. “And now, you do.”

“Galloway, I—”

Nerves shot him upright and he hovered over me. His eyes searched mine and then he was gone, sliding down my body to settle between my legs.

I stopped breathing as a half-smile decorated his face.

His hands slowly pushed my negligée up my hips. “Can I?” His fingers undid my bikini bows, releasing the swimwear protecting my modesty.

I never wore underwear anymore. There was no point. A bikini was much more practical, even in times like this.

“Don’t you want to hear what I have to say?” I whispered as his fingers tickled my hipbone, ducking to the soft, private flesh of my sex.

“Do you want to tell me?”

I nodded, biting my lip as the tip of his finger entered me.

His face darkened as he found how wet I was. His touch pushed upward, curling to press against the sensitive spot inside me. “Tell me after.”

“After?”

He smiled harshly, his face hovering over my core. “After.”

I cried out as his tongue slicked over my clit. My back arched, completely unsuspecting such hot, wet bliss.

His eyes pinned me down, licking me again. “I’ve been wanting to do this forever.”

I moaned.

Words.

What were words when his tongue adored me?

His mouth cupped me, warming, burning; his tongue drawing tantalizing circles on my clit.

“Oh, God—”

His voice was muffled, but his commanding growl arrowed my heart. “Touch me.”

His order bypassed my brain; my body obeyed instantly.

My hands dove into his thick dark strands, looping them tight. Even with months of seawater and sunshine, the texture was soft and smooth. Different colours shone in the fire around us: sable and chocolate and bronze.

My hands petted hungrily as his tongue worked faster, harder, stronger.

My mind shot to white noise. He became the most important person in my universe.

Him.

His tongue.

The tornadoeing pleasure conjured by his touch.

My spine tickled with euphoria, warning a release could explode within seconds.

I was lost in the shocking sensation from his devilish tongue lapping with determination and skill.

His one finger became two, turning to masters of ecstasy.

He wanted one thing from me.

He’d given me his truth, and now, he wanted mine.

He wouldn’t let me speak. But he would let me show him.

And I would show him.

I’d show him again and again and again...

And...

Oh!

I came.

My shoulders flew off the ground as my hands yanked on his hair. My body quaked, his fingers thrust, and his control over me never ceased.

His tongue soothed me as my tremors became spasms and spasms turned to aftershocks and aftershocks diminished to tormenting ripples.

I hadn’t come in so long (unless I counted my own ministrations), and I doubted I’d be coherent for anything but lolling on the blanket and fading into heavenly obscurity.

His chin glistened as he prowled up my body. My pleasure marked him, and for the first time, I noticed he didn’t have a beard anymore.