Chapter 1715

Sophie hesitated at the edge. Her arms crossed, but her body shivered.

Jude held out his hand. "You don't have to. But I want you."

She swallowed hard. "This... isn't how I imagined joining with you."

"Then show me how," he said softly.

She moved to him, naked, proud, trembling. She straddled his lap but didn't guide him inside. Instead, she kissed him - again and again - until she was shaking. Until she wept. Then she sank down, inch by inch, until their bodies were one. And when she began to move, it was more than rhythm. It was forgiveness. It was surrender.

When she came, she buried her face in his neck and whispered, "I love you, damn you."

He held her until her heartbeat slowed.

Rose was last.

She didn't speak.

She simply walked into the ring and stood before him, radiant and quiet. He rose to meet her. She kissed him once, then turned and knelt in the moss, presenting herself.