“Why?” My eyes are filled with tears, I just don’t know why. Even my voice is laced with tears, made worse when he glides his thumbs across my cheekbones.
“Because I…” He looks so bare, vulnerable. His voice is deeper than I’ve ever heard it and full of emotions that I’m scared to figure out. In case I get it wrong.
“What, Tuck? Tell me, please.” I don’t care that I’m begging, I need his words like my lungs need oxygen.
“I want to keep you. If you marry Emmet, it won’t happen. I’m a selfish bastard but you and Aeron have made me see that this isn’t a game where you are a prize to win. I can share you, Luna, if that’s what you need. I’d give you everything you could ask for, because I love you. I know you said it before, and I never said it back. I didn't want to, until I knew for sure, I couldn’t hurt you or lead you on. I have no doubts now. You thinking of Isabelle last night just confirmed it in my mind. You are it for me. So, please, let me keep you.” His voice is so soft, almost a whisper, and his words have a straight line to my heart.
A strangled sound escapes me, as he draws me that last inch closer. He pulls my bottom lip into his mouth, swiping his tongue across it, as his thumbs continue to stroke against my face. My hands fall to his chest, I can feel his heart beating against his chest, as he presses one of his hands against mine. It’s so perfectly beautiful, the tears spring free.
He shifts us once more, until I’m lying on my back, and he’s hovering over me. Our mouths don’t disconnect for even a second, until he moves to kiss each tear away. Trailing his mouth over my cheekbones, down to my jawline, across my chin, and up the other side.
“Let me love you, Tiny One, and I’ll never break your heart. I’ll always tell you the truth, even if it hurts. No more secrets, no more lies. I’ll give you everything I have. My heart is damaged, a little broken, a lot bruised, but it’s yours, if you want it.” He rubs his nose over mine, as my breathing falters, and I run my hands up to cup his face this time.
“I love you, Tucker Harkwright, and I’m never going to stop. So, yes, please. Love me with all that you said you will.” His smile may be one of my most favorite sights in the entire world.
His hands move down my sides, until they’ve worked my button and zipper free, and I help him to slide my jeans down. I kick off one boot, and one pant leg free, as he frees his cock and lines himself up with me.
Our eyes meet as he slides in. It’s slow, drawn out, and every nerve ending has come alive. His mouth is hard as he dominates my mine, nipping and biting. My moans are captured by his, fully. It isn’t long before that delicious heat starts to build. My heels push against his ass, and he growls against me. He starts to move harder, faster, as I throw my head back. A sting shoots from around my collarbone as he bites down, before his mouth slams back down over mine as I spiral, losing myself in every sensation he gives me. He roars my name against my neck, as he drops himself down over me, but still mindful to keep the majority of his weight off me.
“I love you, Tuck.” I run my fingers through his hair, and he sighs.
“I love you too, Luna. Now, let’s go kick some ass.” He smirks before standing up, he pulls me up to my feet, and leads me into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
My chest has never felt so full, and as I look at him in the mirror, I know the reason why. It’s because I have the love of two guys, who each own a piece of my heart, and maybe that really is enough.
50
Celebrations or Commiserations
Emmet
One last ball before we graduate in three days. The first official one where Star will be mine. Then in three days, I will pop the question, and we can put everything behind us. Although, I’m starting to wonder if I can really ask her to give everyone else up. It’s selfish, and that’s usually my go to, but it doesn’t mean I want to hurt her. I think I could make her happy, with just the two of us, but would she be complete?
Damn it, what is she doing to me? Dad would kick my ass if he knew I was thinking in this way, good thing he’ll never know. No, I know what is expected of me, and until I can change the rules, I have to do it. I pull out the ring from my drawer, a white gold band, with a star in the center, and My Brightest Star, engraved inside. I’m nervous, but she already knows this is coming. So, why am I so scared? In case she says no. Shit, I don’t even want to consider that possibility. We’ve come a long way, and she loves me, why would she say no?
Am I supposed to say it back, will that guarantee a yes? Shit, no I can’t do that. If I’m going to say that to her, then it will be because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s true, and I’m not there yet. I know I don’t want to lose her and seeing her hurtle towards the fire, sent me to the darkest place I’ve ever been. I would have killed Tom, if I hadn’t been pulled away. I know I wouldn't feel any guilt or regret over it either, the only thing I regret, is that I was pulled away.
I fix my tie and put some gel in my hair, before throwing on my suit jacket. One last ball, and three days to convince Luna that saying yes to me is the right thing to do. Because she loves me and I… I don’t want to lose her.
I walk down then the North wing, nodding my head at my fellow Harkwrights, as I make my way to my Star. She chose her own dress for tonight. She is so excited by the taste of freedom, that I couldn’t help it.
I knock on her door, trying to do the right thing, instead of just walking in and making my presence known. I already know she passed with flying colors, she did amazing on her tests, and she’ll be a formidable business woman. Although, her big heart won’t allow her to be. I can imagine her giving cakes and pastries away for free anytime she saw a kid, or a woman who is a little strapped for cash. Yeah, she’s going to infect everyone with her generosity, she’ll be the most popular bakery around.
Although, dad wants me to crush her dreams the moment she’s officially mine. I can’t do it, scratch that, I won’t do it. I am not going to let this place dangle her future over her for three years, just to tear it away the moment she can finally taste and see it.
The door opens and my breath catches as I take her in. How she can’t see herself the way we do, I have no idea. She’s incredible. Is this how love feels? Then again, if I’m having to ask, then maybe not.
Her dress is gold, dips low at the front, hugging her breasts perfectly. It falls down effortlessly and sparkles in the light. Her hair is up, with a few loose waves framing her face, and I can’t stop looking at her.
“Do I look okay?” she asks nervously, as she tucks the curls behind her ears, before freeing them, bringing a smile to my lips.
“You look incredible. Are you ready to go?” I offer her my arm, and she slips her hand into the crook.
“The last ball. It’s strange that it’s nearly over. I don’t think many people thought I would make it this long.” She scoffs at her own words, and I spin her into me.
“I never doubted it for a minute, I always knew you were stronger than even you believed. It makes me thankful that I got to meet you as Liam.” I graze my knuckles down her face, and she leans into my touch.