Page 68 of Witchy Woman

“While I would love to paint those pretty lips in cum,” he says, rising over me like a predator. “What I need tonight is us.”

He holds my hands above my head, positioning himself right at my entrance.

“What I need—” he slides home in one smooth, perfect thrust “—is this.”

I love you, Ash Cedar. The thought comes unbidden to my mind as it expands, as it encompasses both of us and our passion and love.

Tears spring to my eyes, but I don’t want him to stop. I don’t want him to ever stop.

I wrap my legs around him and encourage him to show me just how much my love is returned. Even though I’m not ready to say it aloud.

Even though I may never be ready to say it.

Chapter 31

Christmas Day

Ash and I blink awake at sunrise on Christmas morning wrapped around each other. We did eventually put our clothes back on—considering it’s winter and we’re in the middle of the woods—despite not wanting to. The fire has reduced to simple embers, but it stayed awake as we slept. Almost as if to keep us safe.

“I could wake up like this for the rest of my life,” he whispers into the soft morning glow, breath clouding in the cold. Into the golds, yellows, and pinks that cover the treetops and the pillow of snow beneath us.

“Considering you said you want us to be married within the next ten years, I would hope.” The joke falls slightly flat given his sincerity, but he chuckles anyway.

That’s just like Ash, though, to make sure I don’t feel uncomfortable being myself.

“Within the nexttwoyears actually, Goldilocks.” He kisses the top of my head.

My heart pitter-patters a stuttered beat. “I guess you are old as fuck, aren’t you?”

“I’ve never heard you complain. Hey.” He nudges my shoulder with his. “How would you feel about Dad and I comingover for a little after presents this morning? It would really mean a lot for us to spend part of the holiday together, and for you to meet him.”

The ‘because I don’t know if this is his last Christmas’ goes unsaid, but not unfelt. And it’s that fact that has me nodding. As much as Ash always knows what I need, I like to think I sometimes know what he needs, too. And the way he’s looking at me—with hope and a little trepidation—tells me he needs this.

This isn’t terrifying in the least. I’ve never met a romantic partner’s family before—most likely because I don’t stick around long enough for that to be a consideration—but I’m not envisioning me being a big hit with parents.

“You’ll drop me off to my car and we’ll meet at the house?” Thank God I’m going to meet his father in a scenario where I can easily hide behind my charming grandmother. Who will probably be unable to say no to extra visitors because I’m springing it on her last minute.

I’m a coward, but at least I’m self-aware enough to admit it.

He hums in agreement, burrowing further into my neck. Soft kisses press against every mark he made last night until I’m breathing heavily and forgetting we’re supposed to be anywhere other than right here. “The fucking sounds you make.”

Ash is incredibly vocal. Always complimenting, sharing, just talking, and as much as I thought it would be annoying...it works.

He rolls on top of me, and I meet the gentle thrust of his clothed hips. “Aren’t we supposed to be leaving right now?”

“When you’re beneath me, nothing else exists.”

“But you bought me Christmas presents and I want to open them.” I nibble on his bottom lip but dodge his kiss, giggling to myself.

He chuckles, blowing a raspberry into my neck that makes me squeal. “Presents first. Family second. Then you in my bed tonight. Fair?”

I nod, pulling him into a hug.

I love you.

The house isall creaky and happy as I step inside. It’s always liked Christmas morning, as I think it was probably the most normal day of the year growing up. Mom actually showed up emotionally.

Well. No. She showed up emotionally as much as was possible for her. Which still wasn’t enough, but was a lot more than usual.