Page 79 of True Colors

She moans loudly. “God, yes.”

I can’t control myself any longer.

It’s time. We’ve been indulging in foreplay for weeks now.

I cover her and nudge her opening. “You ready, my starling?”

She nods, her eyes wide with fear and anticipation.

I slide into her slowly, her tight little pussy gripping me like a vice.

She lets out a choked sob, her nails digging into my shoulders. I stop when I’m fully inside her, letting her adjust, and then I start to move, rocking into her, making her moan with every thrust.

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” I groan, my hips snapping against hers, my cock buried deep.

Her legs wrap around me, pulling me closer.

I fuck her harder, faster, until she’s screaming my name, her pussy clenching around me like she never wants to let go.

I slam into her one last time, my release crashing over me, and I spill inside her.

I collapse on top of her, both of us panting, sweat slicking our skin.

“You were screaming my name.” I nuzzle her neck.

I hear and feel her laughter. “It seemed so important to you.”

I slip out of her, roll over, and take her with me, holding her close.

I need to take the condom off, but I don’t want to let go of her, of this feeling of two people choosing one another.

She curls against me, warm and satisfied, the valley darkening beyond the glass. I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head.

She fits me perfectly, like she was meant to be here with me all along.

Trigger Warning

This chapter includes a detailed discussion of childhood abuse, including physical violence, neglect, emotional trauma, and parental substance abuse. It also references domestic violence resulting in death, incarceration of a parent, and the long-term psychological effects of trauma, including PTSD and speech impairment.

While the chapter is grounded in tenderness, consent, and emotional safety in the present timeline, the recollections of past abuse may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with care.

CHAPTER 17

Anouk

He nuzzles my hair, holds me, it’s tender and everything I’d hoped for my first time.

“Thank you.” I kiss his chest.

“No, my starling, thank you.” He kisses my temple.

We lie like that for a while, his hand tracing slow patterns on my back, my body still humming with the unfamiliar sweetness of intimacy.

After a moment, he shifts slightly, thoughtful. “Can I ask you something?” His voice is careful. “And you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

I nod.

“How come”—he smiles faintly—“you never had sex before? I mean… you’re twenty-eight, and you’re gorgeous, so….”