Chapter 144

Paul smiled, kissing her softly on the lips. “Together.”

As they settled back into a comfortable silence, the weight of the day’s events gradually lifted.

***

"You know," Paul murmured, his voice a soothing rumble, "it's moments like these that make everything worth it."

Rachel lifted her head, her eyes meeting his. "What do you mean?"

Paul smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Just being here with you. After everything, knowing we have each other... it keeps me grounded."

Rachel's heart swelled at his words. She leaned up, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "I feel the same way," she whispered against his mouth.

The kiss deepened, slow and gentle at first, then growing more passionate. Paul rolled over, hovering above Rachel as he kissed her with a fervor that left them both breathless.

His hands roamed over her body, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin beneath the thin fabric of her clothes, before coming to a halt on her already hardened nipples.

Rachel's han