Chapter 1022:
Rylie understood what he wanted. Too tired, and perhaps too willing, she let herself sink into the warmth between them. A serene calm and deep contentment enveloped the small space of the tent.
Shifting slightly to find a more comfortable position in his arms, Rylie felt her eyelids grow heavy and her breathing slow.
Outside, the island night thrummed softly with the endless rhythm of waves lapping the shore and the gentle chirping of insects, a soothing natural soundtrack.
Brad looked at her in profile, her lashes casting soft shadows, and a surprising sense of contentment welled up inside him. He rubbed her back gently, as if soothing a child.
“Rest now,” he murmured, his words floating like a cool breeze through the night air. “I’m right here with you.”
Rylie responded with a soft hum, and as sleep took her, her final thought was one of safety and warmth in his embrace.
Morning light filtered through the tent, flooding it with a golden glow.
Rylie awoke to the soothing sound of waves breaking against nearby rocks. She felt rested, free of the usual stiffness that came with sleeping outdoors. Beneath her was the softness of an air mattress, and pressed against her back was the familiar heat of Brad’s chest. His arms remained wrapped around her waist, just as they had been hours ago.
When she shifted slightly, a drowsy voice whispered close behind her, “You’re awake.”
“Mm.”
о𝗿𝗴аո𝗶z𝗲 y𝘰𝘶r 𝗹𝗶𝘣𝘳ar𝘺 о𝗻 𝘨𝖺ln𝘰vel𝘴.𝖼𝘰𝗺
Her reply came out a little hoarse, her limbs carrying a gentle, lingering ache, not unpleasant, just unfamiliar in its softness. What settled over her instead was a warm, lazy exhaustion she hadn’t felt in years.
Brad drew her closer, his arms tightening around her as his lips brushed lightly along her neck and shoulder.
“Better now?” he murmured, his fingers moving gently, careful and attentive. “Just making sure.”
Rylie turned toward him until their foreheads nearly touched, the cramped tent bringing them breath to breath. In the morning light, his gaze settled on her with steady warmth, as though she were the only thing in his world.
“Better than before,” she said, lightly touching the spot on his collarbone where she’d bitten him the night before.
Rylie drew in a soft breath as his hand brushed over her skin. Being a doctor, she could tell her body was recovering well; the ointment had worked wonders.
Brad noticed, too, and he didn’t pull away. His touch lingered, his intentions unmistakable.
“I want more,” he murmured, kissing her cheeks one after another. “Is that okay?”
She slid her fingers through his short hair. “Are you planning to spend our whole stay on this island glued to me like this?”
Brad didn’t bother replying. His actions were answer enough, his affection almost overwhelming.
“Rylie,” he whispered tenderly. “Let me make lunch. Steak and eggs? Or should I catch some fish for you? Just tell me.”
She couldn’t help smiling as she cupped his face. “Seriously, how did you survive all those years at sea? Did you rely on pin-up magazines like your crew?”
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