13

Gabriel and Elena stood in the center of their new home, the air between them electric with excitement. Their first night alone, their own space—no judgment, no whispered rumors, no weight of the past bearing down on them. Just them, together, as they had always wanted.

Elena turned to him, her dark eyes shimmering with something deeper than excitement. "We finally did it," she whispered, her voice soft yet full of meaning.

Gabriel smiled, stepping closer. "We did."

Their bodies naturally gravitated toward each other. He reached for her, his fingers brushing against her cheek as he cupped her face. She leaned into his touch, her breath hitching slightly.

And then, he kissed her.

It started slow—gentle, teasing, like the first time they had ever allowed themselves to taste each other. But as the reality of their freedom sank in, so did the urgency. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, a rhythm they had learned well.

Elena wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. The warmth of his body, the steady strength in the way he held her, sent shivers through her. She tugged at the hem of his shirt, needing to feel his skin against hers.

Gabriel pulled back just enough to yank his shirt over his head before reaching for hers. He peeled it off her slowly, savoring every inch of newly exposed skin. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck.

Elena tilted her head back, her fingers threading through his hair. She let out a soft sigh as his mouth explored the sensitive spot just below her ear.

His hands traced down her back, memorizing every curve, every dip. When they reached the clasp of her bra, he hesitated, searching her eyes for permission. She answered by arching her back slightly, silently telling him to continue.

The garment slipped away, and Gabriel took a moment to admire her before lowering his head, his lips brushing over her collarbone, then lower, taking his time to worship her.

Elena gasped, her hands gripping his shoulders as he moved down her body, his lips and hands setting her skin on fire. She felt his fingers work at the button of her jeans, and within moments, they were discarded along with the rest of their clothes.

She was bare beneath him, and yet, she had never felt more powerful.

Gabriel traced his hands down her sides, his fingers ghosting over her hips before settling at her thighs. He kissed his way down her stomach, his breath warm against her skin.

Elena shuddered as he took his time, teasing her, making her ache for more. When she couldn't take it anymore, she pulled him up to her, their lips colliding once again in a desperate kiss.

She wanted him—needed him.

Gabriel groaned as she pushed him onto the bed, taking control for a moment. She straddled him, running her hands down his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.

She leaned down, kissing a path from his lips to his jaw, down his neck, and across his chest. The way he responded to her touch sent a thrill through her.

Gabriel's fingers tangled in her hair as she moved lower, her lips and tongue exploring him in ways that made him shudder beneath her. His grip tightened when she took him into her mouth, his head falling back against the pillow.

"Elena…" he breathed, his voice hoarse with pleasure.

She worked him slowly at first, savoring every reaction, every sound he made. When his breathing became ragged, she increased her pace, watching as he came undone beneath her.

With a deep groan, he let go, his body tensing before he finally relaxed, his fingers still buried in her hair.

Elena kissed her way back up his body, meeting his lips once more.

Gabriel flipped them over, pinning her beneath him as he deepened the kiss. His hands roamed her body, learning every inch of her, every place that made her sigh, made her tremble.

When he finally aligned himself with her, he paused, his forehead resting against hers. "Are you sure?" he whispered.

Elena met his gaze, her eyes filled with love and trust. "I've never been more sure of anything."

With that, he pushed forward, slowly, gently, until they were completely connected.

A soft gasp escaped her lips, and Gabriel kissed her deeply, as if to soothe her, to remind her that he was there, that he was hers.

They moved together, their bodies in perfect sync, a slow, deliberate rhythm that built into something more. Passion ignited between them, a fire that had always been there, waiting to be fully unleashed.

The pleasure was overwhelming, consuming, but more than that—it was love.

Gabriel held her tightly as they reached the peak together, whispering her name like a prayer.

Elena clung to him, her breath mingling with his as they finally came down, their bodies entwined, hearts still racing.

They lay there for a while, wrapped in each other, basking in the intimacy of the moment.

Elena traced circles on his back, a soft smile playing on her lips. "So… living alone is off to a great start."

Gabriel chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "The best start."

And as they drifted into sleep, tangled together in their new home, they knew—no matter what the world threw at them, they would face it together.