Page 111 of Ethan & Grace

I wrapped a leg around Ethan’s hip, a silent but unmistakable invitation. He let out a relieved breath and kissed me one last, feverish time before releasing my hand and bracing himself on the mattress to drive into me with more force. As his thrusts grew faster, I threw my head back with a gasp and clung to him, a glorious pressure building up inside me and wiping out every coherent thought. Eventually, all that remained were the heady sensations.

Ethan looked at me from beneath half-lowered lids. “I’m close.”

It wasn’t a question—and yet it was. He was giving me a final chance to change my mind, to tell him not to come inside me. But I still wanted all of him. I wrapped my other leg around him too, pulling him deeper into me.

Ethan swore. His thrusts grew even harder. I moaned and whimpered, no longer in control of myself. My whole body trembled, and even though I’d felt my orgasm building, its intensity still caught me off guard. I gave a strangled cry, and my muscles tightened around Ethan . . .

And then he came too. I felt him pulse inside me, felt his heat melt into mine.

When it was over, I unwound my legs from his hips, and he eased out of me slowly. He told me to stay where I was, then disappeared into the bathroom. A moment later, he returned with a warm flannel and a glass of water. Without a word, he handed me the glass while he gently cleaned me up. I’d still have to go to the bathroom sooner or later, but my body needed a moment before it would cooperate.

After my quick wash, Ethan drank the rest of the water and set the empty glass on the bedside table before lying back down beside me, his arm stretched out in silent invitation. I snuggled up to him, and he pressed a gentle kiss to my temple. When I lifted my head to look at him, he was smiling blissfully, and I was fairly sure I looked just as content.

He caught my look. “Are you good?”

“Better than good. That was . . .”

“It was,” he agreed before I could finish the sentence. I was grateful, because I had no idea how I would have ended it.

There were no words to describe how I felt in that moment, but perhaps none were needed. All that mattered was that lightness, the ease in my chest. I couldn’t help thinking of something Ethan had said a few weeks ago—that things would eventually get better. And he’d been right.

It had got better. Because of him. Because Ethan had been there for me, had listened, and had seen something in me at a time when I barely recognised myself. And for that, I would always be grateful to him.

The Blackroom

After Hazel Parker bravely went public with the shocking video of her rape by Richard Darlington, things are looking worse than ever for the hotelier, who has until now vehemently denied his crimes. His credibility has collapsed—and the latest polling figures only confirm it.

People finally seem to be realising what kind of a man Darlington truly is. Only 10 percent of women and 30 percent of men still believe in his innocence after seeing the video; previously, those numbers sat at 30 and 70 percent, respectively. While his lawyers continue scrambling for flimsy excuses to save him, the pressure on Darlington is mounting—and rightly so.

Men like Darlington have got away with far too much for far too long. They use their power, their money, and their influence to place themselves above the law. In doing so, they have not only destroyed lives but also eroded trust in the very social structures that are meant to protect women. Darlington must finally be held to account, to send a clear message: No one is above the law.

43

You had sex in my dad’s study? Seriously?!

Message from James to Ethan

Ethan

There was only one feeling in the world better than falling asleep with Grace by my side, and that was waking up next to her. Her head rested on my shoulder, and her hand lay against my chest. Strands of her blond hair tickled my cheek softly. My heart felt as though it might explode with happiness.

I’m falling in love with you too.

I’d never heard more beautiful words in my life. I wished I’d recorded them so that I could play them back again and again, preserving that perfect moment for the rest of my days.

Grace stirred beside me. She always gave a little sigh when her mind wanted to linger in her dreams a little longer as she woke. I, on the other hand, had no desire to sleep any longer. With Grace beside me, I was already living my dream. There was a reason why I called her Dreamgirl. She was perfect for me. Kind and caring, determined and strong-willed. I could trust her completely, and she didn’t hesitate to open up to me either. Not to mention that the sex with her was out of this world. Being with Grace sent me to heights I hadn’t known existed, and it felt like flying.

“Good morning,” Grace mumbled when she was finally fully awake.

I kissed her forehead. “Sleep well?”

She nodded and cuddled up closer. “You?”

“Better than ever,” I said, stroking her back.

She looked up at me, her eyes still hazy with sleep. “Yesterday was really nice.”

“It was. And do you know what the best part is?” I asked.