Black Rose

Forty Nine

Four in the morning, the Naples wind blowing ever so softly, causing chill bumps to form on Mel's nude body. She didn't mind since Raine was cuddled next to her, holding her in his strong arms. D'Angelo "How Does It Feel" Melodic tune, playing from the Bluetooth speaker in the hotel room. They had just finished exploring one another's body, now they were relishing in the surreal moment that occurred hours ago. Wide awake, neither of them uttered a word, but it didn't ruin the vibe.

After all the great sex they've had in the past, for Melrose, tonight had to be her favorite and surely one to remember forever. Raine has always put her sexual needs first, not stopping until he knew she was a hundred percent satisfied in every way possible. But tonight, he blew Mel's mind. He had her saying and doing things, she once thought was degrading to women. Every nook and cranny of her body, he showed equal attention and love to. The moment they shared together was so intense and overwhelming, Mel cried like a baby. She was no longer having sex with her boyfriend, but instead, making meaningful soul tying love to her soon to be husband. Once he disappeared on her, Mel completely disregarded relationships and a future with any man. It would have taken one powerful force to convince her that not all men are dogs. For so long, she only saw an old bitter woman with fifteen cats running around her house as a future. And the one person who changed her outlook on love from positive to negative, came back into her life and turned it upside down, just to win her heart again. True love really does prevail.

"A penny for your thoughts." Raine raspy voice sent another set of chills down her arms. His sleepy voice has always gotten her hot and bothered.

"Just thinking about us and how far we've come." She admitted. "The impossible has become possible."

"That's good though, right?" Mel nodded, avoiding eye contact with him. He lifted her chin, so their faces were inches apart. "But, what's really bothering you?

"Why does there has to be something wrong?" Mel challenged him. She didn't think he noticed, but clearly, he did.

"Because I know you, Mel. Even though, you've acted normal tonight, I can still sense when you aren't fully here. Physically you are, but mentally, your mind is somewhere else, so what is it?"

Sitting up on the bed, the covers fell, exposing her breasts. "I want more than anything to be your wife. I've wanted this since college, but deep down inside I feel like the dumbest woman on the planet for taking you back. It's nothing you've done recently because you've been amazing to me and unquestionably proved yourself to me but I just...I don't know."

"You do know. You know you're on the fence about our relationship because I fucked up in the past. You have every right to be iffy about my intentions even if I have proved my loyalty to you. All I can do is continue to let my actions speak on my behalf. Don't be afraid to tell me how you're feeling, Mel. I won't be mad at you for being outspoken. Believe me, I've learned my lesson about being vocal with you and I expect for you to do the same with me."

Looking down at him, she could see the faintly hurt countenance on his face and it broke her heart because that's exactly what she didn't want to happen. Raine has went above her expectations lately. He's won her heart fair and square, yet she still has a small piece of her that's skeptical of what the future holds for them. But why? No one knows what's in store for them, but they're living life and taking risks like it's nobody's business. And she can do it too.

"Yes, I'm afraid of what will happen with us. I'm afraid of the future we intend to build together, but it's not going to keep me from marrying you. And I don't feel any different about you either, so don't be disappointed because even through my minor doubts, I'll never bail on you." She leaned down to kiss him and like the typical male species, he took it to the extreme. Forcing his tongue in her mouth, his hands roamed over her exposed breasts, roughly squeezing them and flicking her hardened nipples. Mel was still sore from their previous sessions and she couldn't endure any more pain right now. Grabbing his roaming hand, she broke the kiss and scooted away from him, making him groan. "No more. You're gonna bruise something important down there."