The command could be construed as a physical or emotional request. Does she want me to pound into her until she can’t take anymore, muttering depraved things under my breath while she milks my cock in her bedroom, right here, right now?

Or does she want me to whisper all the promises I intend to keep when it comes to her, well past the hours of tonight and this rendezvous, the time on the clock not signaling anything except another day I get to experience by her side?

Promises like commitment.

The dedication to making her happy.

Vowing to help her smile.

Trying to be the best man I can be. For her.

Both realistic possibilities puncture my lungs. I want her to see all of me. The flaws and insecurities and inexperience. I want her to have all of me. To care for all of me, including the parts she’s yet to discover. And I want to offer her the same in return, eager to dive deeper into the pools of her wonder and perfection. I want her so badly it physically hurts.

It’s overwhelming, the ask. Deliriously empowering. My staunchly non-relationship, anti-monogamy heart crumbles and cracks, disintegrating into a pile of rubble and debris, replaced with fresh-faced tomorrows and forevers and yes, baby, anything you want. I adore you.

I sever the deep thoughts with a forceful thrust. My attention is back to the present. This moment. And the woman I’m buried in.

Two more movements and our hips are fused together. I reach around her body, finding her clit and rubbing in a circle, exactly how she likes.

“This is the first time I’ve been inside you when you’ve actually been mine,” I whisper in her ear, dropping my mouth and biting her neck. Emma groans, digging her fingers into my thigh and spurring me on. Asking for more.

More what, baby? More hopes and dreams? More roughness and tenderness? How about both?

“We’re not pretending, are we? We’re not faking,” I continue. “When you come on my cock, Sunflower, and I know you will, you better be loud. Because now that I’m inside you, fucking you, protecting you, caring for you, and this is finally real? You’re never going to get me to leave. There should not be a single doubt in your mind that I’m completely and wholly yours, Emma. For as long as you’ll have me.”

I shove her hips away, up my length, nearly slipping out, before slamming them back against me. It’s almost too much. Too dizzying. Consuming. Yeah, I’m fucking her hard, but beneath all of the rugged motions and filthy words is something more… more devoted. More fulfilling. More impactful.

“I’m yours, too, Henry.” She falls onto her elbows, chin turning onto her shoulder as she watches me, mouth agape, silent awe etched on her face.

Yours, Henry.

A poisonous arrow to my heart.