Page 192 of Checkmate
He was hard inside her, so fucking thick. He stretched her perfectly and his fingers made magic against her clit. She came with a scream, his name echoing around the room as she fell apart, his grip on her hip the only thing keeping her upright.
Marcus followed her seconds later, his fingers tightening on her hip as he tensed beneath her. His groans sent chills racing across her body. Never in her life had she heard anything sexier than her man losing himself in her body. His thighs shook with the intensity of his climax, holding her close against him as he came down from it.
They breathed heavily together. She listened to his pounding heart as she laid against him, positive her own heart was doing the same race. Saying nothing, they basked in the aftermath of their pleasure. As their breathing evened out, and the cool air settled against their sweaty skin, Marcus pulled away.
“There are worse ways to celebrate an engagement,” he said. He pushed her hair out of her face.
“I can’t think of a better one, to be honest,” she replied, kissing his wrist. “You’re so good at turning me into a puddle.”
He chuckled, brushing his thumb over her lips. “Any time,” he promised. “Now, let’s get you to bed.”
“What about the answering machine message?” She asked. “He said he was waiting for us to call back.”
“He can wait a little longer,” Marcus said, holding onto her as he stood. “We still have more celebrating to do.”
Secure in his arms, Erica giggled as he carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.
Moonlight streamed through the window. It peaked through the curtains as he laid her down on the bed. His body sank against hers as their lips met in a gentle kiss.
“I love you, Marcus,” she whispered, her fingers trailing down his spine.
“I love you, too,” he murmured. “Thank you so much for agreeing to be my wife and promising me forever. I can’t wait to spend my life with you, Erica.”
“And what a life it’ll be,” she said, silencing the conversation with another kiss.
They could talk later. Now was the time to celebrate. It was the start of their happily ever after and a life neither knew they needed.
Chapter 58
Sophie
“... we hope to see you again next week for our last episode and some more Phantom Footsteps.”
Sophie grimaced as Erica smiled down the camera while the credits scrolled past her face. She hated that Marcus’ show was so successful. But secretly, Sophie had found every episode fascinating.
Tutting, she tossed the remote control away, shifting uncomfortably on the lumpy sofa.
“I don’t know why you keep watching it if it upsets you so much,” Alex said. He checked his appearance in the mirror, straightening his collar. Every week you rant at me for half an hour. You say Marcus never tried as hard at his business when you were together. And if he did, maybe you wouldn’t have left. Love hearing that, by the way.”
Sophie pulled a face, rolling her eyes.
She ignored him and glanced at the baby monitor. She sighed as Odette stared down the camera at her. Once again, the baby refused to sleep.
“Alex—”
“No. I can’t, Sophie.”
“But she’s just lying there. She’s never going to sleep.” Every night, the same routine. Sophie had tried everything to help her daughter sleep. But anything more than thirty minutes here and there was out of the question. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a decent night’s rest.
“So read to her. Sing to her. Cuddle her in the rocking chair.” Alex grabbed his jacket, shrugging it on. “I don’t know what you want me to do when I’m due at work in ten minutes.”
“You’re always at work!” She whined. “We never get to see you.”
“And that’s the biggest exaggeration of the century,” Alex said, giving her a swift kiss on the forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay? Try to get some sleep, Sophie.”
She tried to protest, but her words fell on deaf ears. Within seconds, the flat was silent. If she strained her ears, she could hear Alex’s footsteps as he rushed down the stairwell.
She pushed herself to her feet. Wearily, she padded down the hallway to the bedroom they shared with Odette.
