Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
I breathed in her lovely perfume. “Will you marry me?”
Chapter 21
The Answer
My nerves flared.
Zuri's gaze held mine, while a whirlwind of emotions played across her face.
Did I see joy or fear?
Excitement or dread?
Would she break my heart or renew it?
The weight of my question hung in the air.
My gut twisted with anxiety.
“Zuri. . .”
Her fingers trembled as she touched the ring.
What will I do. . .if she says no?
Horror rocked me, and then suddenly. . .her answer came out in a whisper, yet for me. . .it resonated with the force of a shout in the stillness of the room. “Yes, Dante.”
I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. It came out in a big exhale.
I widened my eyes. “Yes?”
“Yes.”
Relief swept through me.
Slowly, she unclasped the necklace. The ring slipped off and shimmered in her fingers.
Next, she set the chain on the counter.
“Thank God, Zuri. I don't know what I would have done if you said no.”
And, now I won't kill Alonzo.
I took the ring and carefully slid it onto her finger. “You're making me the happiest man in Paradise City tonight.”
An electric current of emotion surged between us. It was as if the ring not only encircled her finger but also our hearts, binding us in eternal togetherness.
While the savory scent of food filled the air, my appetite had surrendered to a more pressing hunger.
Leaning forward, I gently wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling my baby close. The warmth of her body against mine was a balm to my soul. A reminder of the love that had weathered the chaotic storms of separation and emerged stronger.
Our lips met in a kiss, tender at first, but growing in intensity. It was a kiss that spoke of missed moments and future possibilities.
Of battles fought and won.
Of a love that had matured through trials and tribulations.
Moaning, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer, deepening our connection.
Fuck yes.
In a fluid motion, I lifted her up and set her gently on the kitchen counter.
Our kiss continued, a dance of soft lips and twisting tongues.
I closed my eyes and fell into her, the world outside ceasing to exist.
And there were no more shadows.
No threats lurking in dark corners.
I pulled away from the kiss and slowly opened my eyes to see Zuri's gaze, heavy with need.
Raw desire rocked through me.
“Dante. . .when you left. . .it was like. . .I was missing a large piece of my soul.” Zuri's manicured hands roamed over my back, igniting sparks in my body and fanning passionate flames of desire. “The world was quieter, duller, unbearable.”
Those fingertips were sensual brushstrokes of fire, tracing paths of longing and need across my body. “If not for Carmen. . .I don't know what would have happened to me.”
I hated the pain lacing her voice. “I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere.”
“You better not.”
My chest swelled with love, and I sealed my declaration with a kiss, our tongues exploring one another in a sensual dance.
Then, her hands were on my front, gently tugging at the buttons of my shirt. The sound of each button popping made my cock come to life.
Finally.
Once done, she took my shirt off and slung it to the floor. “You're even hotter than before.”
A wicked smirk hit my face. “Oh yeah?”
“God yes.” With her hands, she explored my muscular chest and chiseled stomach. “You worked out a lot in prison.”
I relished in the feel of her soft fingers on me. “Working out, your pictures, and reading were the only things that kept me sane.”
Inch by inch, she trailed her fingers down to my hard cock and traced my length. Insatiable lust poured over my body as a dark groan left me.
My cock went rock hard and throbbed in anticipation.
Desire dripped from my tongue. “Did you miss it?”
She bit her lip.
“Did you?”
She gripped it hard. “Yes.”
I groaned again. “Take it out.”
Zuri complied, opening my pants, pushing down the front of my boxer briefs, and freeing my hard cock.
A pleasure-filled moan escaped me as her soft hands encased my cock in warmth.
Her voice was a soft whisper. “God, I missed this.”
So gentle, she grasped the base of my hard cock and stroked it.
“Fuck.” I thought I would bust all over her.
I've got to be deep inside of this pussy soon.
I reached for the edge of her dress and pulled it higher until it bunched around her waistline.
Mmmhmm.
Her lacy white panties left little to the imagination, showing off her thick inviting folds. “Tell me something, Zuri.”
She shivered and gazed at me with lusty eyes. “Yes?”
I slowly caressed those sensitive folds, delighting in the wetness I felt through her panties. “Did Alonzo get to taste this?”
“Since you've been gone. . .” She ran her fingers down my length and gripped the mushroomed tip hard, setting my whole body on fire. “Since you've been gone, no one has touched or tasted it.”