Page 87 of Downfall

She lets out a humorless laugh, throwing her hands up in the air. “What a mess. After all that, we didn’t even need to stay married.”

“Skylar.” My heart squeezes painfully, choosing my next words carefully. I don’t want to say them, but I made a promise. When she was dying and I was pleading with any higher power that might be listening, I made a promise that I would give her the choice I took from her six years ago, and I fully intend on keeping that promise.

“We can get a divorce,” I say softly. “I guess we could have all along but…” I brush my thumb over my mouth. “God, I’m fucking this up. I should have asked you why you needed that money. My grandfather left me money. A lot of it. I could have given it to you, and we could have gone our separate ways, but I was the same selfish asshole I’ve always been. I guess what I’m saying is we can go talk to a lawyer whenever you want.”

Skylar takes another step forward, erasing the little space that previously existed between us. Her breath is hot against my cheeks. She smells like green apple and sunshine. “Declan Astor, are you pulling another fucking Rick-Blaine-bullshit sacrifice stunt on me?”

“What? No, I’m⁠—”

“You’re giving up on us, then?” she accuses, her green eyes furious.

“I’m trying to give you the choice this time. I didn’t last time.”

“Yeah?” she seethes, lightly pushing my chest. “Well, guess what? I choose you. You don’t get to leave me again, Declan. You’re stuck with me now. We’re married, and you’re not going to get out of it as easily as last time. Do you understand me?”

My heart couldn’t soar any higher if it were a fucking bald eagle. She wants to stay married to me.

She’s choosing me.

“I asked you a question,” she snaps, her hands now planted firmly on her hips.

“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”

“Good,” she says, smoothing out my shirt from where it bunched up a little. “Then take me home, Declan.”

EPILOGUE

5 MONTHS LATER

Declan

Skylar’s dark red hair falls in waves over her creamy skin, her eyes rolling back, her hand pressed hard against the headboard, as she rides me. She looks like a fucking goddess, flushed and panting as she uses my body for her pleasure. I love when we're like this. Hell, I just love fucking her. Period.

“Open your eyes, baby.”

They snap open, her pupils so dilated the black has swallowed almost all the green. She knows I like her eyes on me when she comes, and her pussy clenches against my cock, telling me she's close. I’m barely holding on by a thread myself.

Digging my fingers into her hips, I hold on tight and flip us so I’m on top, just to hear her squeal. I’m addicted to every sound she makes when I’m inside her. “You gonna come for me, Firefly?”

She looks up at me, a hint of defiance crossing her face. “You gonna make me?”

I chuckle, sliding my hand around her throat, pressing lightly against her pulse while I continue to pound into her.

“Fuck, fuck. Declan.”

“Shhh. We have to be quiet, remember?”

“I’m gonna…fuck,” she says, lowering her voice a little.

“Say it,” I demand, thrusting faster. The bed starts scratching against the wall, but I’m too far gone to give a fuck.

“I’m going to come, Declan.”

“Where?” I whisper. “Tell me.”

“On your cock. I’m gonna come on your cock.”

“That’s right, Firefly. Do it.”