Chapter 1019:

It wasn’t the right moment in their lives for a child. Under Rylie’s watchful gaze, he rolled on the thin barrier. One arm slipped around her waist, guiding her gently as he aligned himself with her. Their eyes met, steady, trusting, and with a small, brave nod, she gave him her yes.

With slow, deliberate intent, Brad drew closer, their bodies aligning in a warm, breath-steeped hush.

A sudden twinge made Rylie grab his arm so hard her fingers left faint crescents on his sun-warmed skin.

The moment held a flicker of pain, yes, but nothing sharp—just a quick sting softened by the quiet rush of something almost sweet.

A soft, startled sound slipped from her, and Brad leaned in to steal it with a kiss. “I’m not great at this,” he murmured against her lips. “Just give me a moment.”

ѕ𝘁𝘰𝗿𝗂es 𝘆ou 𝘄𝗈ո’t 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝖽о𝘄ո oո 𝗴a𝘭𝗇𝗼𝘷𝗲𝘭𝗌.со𝗺

Experience wasn’t exactly on his side, and everything about her—her warmth, her scent, the way she held on to him—was almost too much. His heart hammered like it had never learned restraint, pushing him forward with a need he didn’t know how to rein in.

Rylie felt herself fold into the intimacy of it all, drawn under by the unfamiliar but comforting sense of being entirely connected to him. She tucked her face into the curve of his neck, breathing him in, feeling the thrum of his heartbeat beneath her cheek.

But just when she began to savor the moment, he froze—his breath shuddered, his body went rigid. Rylie blinked, her thoughts pausing mid-stride.

Hmm… So perhaps the legendary admiral wasn’t invincible in all things.

The air thickened instantly, tension curling like a held breath.

Brad hovered above her, taut and trembling, sweat sliding from his temple down to the soft hollow at her throat—hot enough to make her shiver.

The usual iron control stamped on his features had cracked, leaving surprise and a raw, reluctant vulnerability in its place.

Rylie shook her head lightly, clearing the haze.

She started to take in the man above her—the set of his jaw, the flushed tips of his ears, the way he refused to meet her eyes—and something inside her softened in a way she couldn’t deny. Her fingers drifted up his back, slow and reassuring. Her voice was gentle, threaded with lingering warmth.

“It’s okay, Brad,” she said in a comforting tone, her medical instincts kicking in despite the moment. “Maybe you’re under too much stress, or just a little worn out. I know some relaxation techniques that could help—”

“It’s not that.” Brad cut her off, rough-edged and urgent.

He lifted his head, mortification burning bright behind his eyes. “I was just too excited.” His gaze locked onto hers as he continued. “Y-you’re so amazing. I just couldn’t control myself.”

Was he trying to explain himself or reassure his own pride? He didn’t even know. But the sincerity—clumsy, vulnerable, real—unraveled something warm in Rylie.

“I understand.” Her smile tilted soft as she lifted her chin to press a feathery kiss along his jaw. “Let’s rest a bit. We don’t have to rush.”

Her gentle tone would have soothed almost anyone, but Brad stiffened at the implication. No man wanted to look weak in front of the woman he loved.

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