My CEO 268

268 The Morning After (Winona)

My body is heavy with the satisfying ache of last night, stretch, feeling the soreness in my muscles, a reminder of how intense it all was.

Jayden is lying next to me, his arm draped lazily over my waist, his breathing deep and even. He looks so peaceful, so content, like everything in the world is exactly as it should be. And for a moment, I let myself believe that it is.

Last night was... different. It wasn't like before, when we were still figuring things out, still cautious. This time, there was no hesitation. Jayden was sure of himself, of me, of us.

He didn't second-guess, didn't hold back.

He took what he wanted, and so did I. I responded to him like I hadn't in years.

It was raw, desperate, and exactly what I needed. There was also a vulnerability in him I could feel. Like he wasn't sure he'd keep me. That I might find someone else to love. I think a little fear like that is healthy.

But what I'd done was let that healthy fear turn into something that festered. The Ashlyn nightmares and the safe word didn't help. But now I can see how sex can happen and that doesn't mean love.

What Ashlyn had over him wasn't love. It was control. Dark control. But she can't have that any longer if we don't let her. Because she isn't here.

exists in our memories and what we manifest from

okay to want to see if there's more before I marry Jayden. It's okay to admit women have needs. Not behind his back, but with his agreement. He is honoring my needs and I will continue to explore and honor myself

his jaw as I remember how fast it all happened.

I do have something to compare it to now. That night was explosive too but in a

was more than

didn't belong here-not in this moment, not between me and Jayden. It felt like I was truly with him, completely, without any of the ghosts from our past hanging over

I whisper, leaning in to

+25 BONUS

260 The Morning After

in a way that sends a shiver through me. "So... I guess. that means

my head. "We had a deal, remember? The hall pass is in effect until the wedding day."

waist, and he pulls back slightly to look at me, confusion flickering across his face." You're

and wrapping the sheet around myself. "I still have

and for a moment, he just stares at me like I've lost

smile at the incredulous look on his face. "Yes, Jayden. That's what the

trying to process what I've just said. "You're really going to go

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