Chapter 2 INTIMACY

Gabriel stepped out of the bathroom, droplets of water trailing down his chiseled frame. The lights of his bedroom cast soft shadows across the floor, highlighting the luxury of the space. Wrapped in nothing but anticipation, Gabriel scooped Ariana into his arms, carrying her effortlessly as though she weighed nothing at all.

Her hair clung to her shoulders, and her skin glistened, flushed from the bath they had shared moments ago. They were both bare, unshielded by clothing, Gabriel laid her gently on the bed, his gaze roaming over her body with reverence and hunger.

Their eyes met, hers full of longing, his dark and stormy with desire. Without saying a word, he lowered himself over her, and their lips met with a fierce kind of urgency, as if they had been holding back for too long. The first kiss was slow, a delicate press of mouths that deepened quickly, morphing into something that burned. Ariana clutched the back of his neck, pulling him closer, her heart pounding wildly against her chest.

They kissed like people who had been parched for years; desperate and unrelenting. Gabriel's mouth moved to the corner of hers, down to her jaw, and then traced a path along the smooth line of her neck. He paused just beneath her ear, where her skin was most sensitive, and kissed her softly, then again, harder. Ariana gasped, her fingers threading into his hair.

"Ariana, I love you." Gabriel murmured against her skin, his voice thick and low, vibrating against her collarbone.

Ariana's breath hitched as he kissed her shoulder, his lips gentle yet filled with fire. She closed her eyes, giving in to the sensation to the man who made her feel like the center of the universe.

His hands explored her body like he was memorizing every inch of it, skimming along her curves, lingering at her waist before cupping her breast, slowly, reverently. He bent his head and took her right nipple into his mouth, the warmth of his tongue sending a shock of pleasure down her spine. She arched into him, her breath coming in shallow waves.

He gave equal attention to the other, kissing and suckling, his fingers teasing gently. Ariana moaned softly, her hips rising in response. Every touch, every movement, was like music written on her skin; a symphony of pleasure she didn't want to end.

Gabriel pulled her closer, his body firm against hers. She could feel every inch of him, every promise of what was to come. Her body ached for more, more of his touch and more of him.

"I've missed this," she whispered breathlessly, eyes fluttering open for a brief moment to look into his eyes. "I've missed you."

Gabriel didn't respond with words. Instead, he kissed her again, deeper this time, a kiss that stole her breath and stirred something wild inside her. Then, slowly, he positioned himself between her thighs, looking down at her with an intensity that made her stomach twist.

Ariana reached up, cupping his face. "Put it in."

And then, with a slow, delicious pressure, he slid into her, filling her completely. Ariana cried out softly, her nails digging into his back. The stretch, the connection. It was almost overwhelming. She clung to him, her body trembling from the sensations flooding her.

Gabriel withdrew slightly, only to thrust again, deeper this time. Ariana's head fell back against the pillow, a moan escaping her lips.

"Ohh... yes... Gabe," she breathed, her voice a mix of longing and ecstasy.

He moved with a rhythm that was both deliberate and consuming, his hips pressing into hers, his body moving like a tide that refused to relent. The sound of skin meeting skin echoed softly in the room, a steadying sound that matched their racing hearts.

Ariana wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper, urging him on. Her moans grew louder, her breathing more erratic.

"Harder... please... yes, just like that," she gasped, her voice trembling.

Gabriel responded with a growl, his mouth descending on hers again, claiming her lips while his pace increased. Every thrust sent sparks of pleasure through her, and she could feel herself unraveling.

His lips left hers to travel down her throat, placing open-mouthed kisses as he rocked into her. His hands found her breasts again, kneading them softly, then harder, making her squirm beneath him.

"You feel so good...just as you always" he murmured against her skin, his voice a mix of lust and adoration.

Ariana whimpered as her body climbed higher toward release. She was lost in the moment, in the man who knew exactly how to touch her, how to make her fall apart and rebuild her with every kiss.

He was relentless, yet gentle; hungry, yet controlled. It was a paradox she couldn't resist. Her fingers tangled in his hair, her other hand grasping the sheets as her body trembled.

Then he looked into her eyes, those stormy, intoxicating eyes and she saw everything. The love he still carried...the desire...the need.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Gabriel paused just for a second. Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I love you too, Ariana and will always love you," he said, the words breathless against her skin.

And just like that, everything shifted. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, as if those three words had unlocked something deeper. Ariana moans louder.

Gabriel followed soon after, going faster, he kissed her neck as he spilled inside her, holding her like she was the only thing tethering him to the earth.

The room was silent for a long moment, save for their heavy breathing and the soft crackle of the fireplace. Gabriel collapsed gently beside her, pulling her into his arms. Ariana rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Neither of them spoke for several minutes. There was no need. The silence between them was comfortable, wrapped in warmth and something that felt like healing.

Eventually, Ariana tilted her head to look at him. "Gabe?"

Gabriel looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "That was incredible and I'm never letting you go ."

Ariana's heart thudded, her lips parting slightly. "Same here"

"I know I've said this countless times but still I'll keep saying it because I mean it...Ariana, I love you."

He kissed her softly, this time without urgency. A kiss of promise and affection.

They lay there in each other's arms, tangled in sheets and emotion, knowing that while the world outside was still full of questions and challenges, inside this room, at least for now, they had found their answer.