Gabriel wakes suddenly and immediately lifts Isla into his arms, holding her close with tenderness and affection. Isla responds with a joyful giggle, their intimate connection filled with warmth and playful teasing. Despite the closeness, Isla’s mind is troubled by unanswered questions about Gabriel’s past and the pain caused by Anna, a woman linked to their suffering.
Gabriel carries Isla to the bathroom and begins preparing a bath, while Isla cautiously brings up the topic of Anna. Gabriel’s expression darkens with sadness as he reveals the depth of betrayal and harm Anna caused, including the loss of their unborn child. He assures Isla that justice has been served and expresses his determination to move forward, emphasizing trust and their shared future.
As they settle into the warm bath together, Gabriel opens up about the emptiness he felt upon learning the truth of his origins but finds hope in building a new life with Isla. He reveals his plans to try for a child again, promising care and preparation this time. Isla, moved by his vulnerability and love, pledges her unwavering support for their family’s future.
Their emotional intimacy deepens into physical passion as they make love in the bath, their connection electric and intense. The sensations and emotions overwhelm them, culminating in a powerful union filled with desire, love, and mutual devotion. Gabriel’s promise of togetherness and unchanging commitment lingers as they share this profound moment.
Gabriel sprang up from the bed with swift, fluid motion, his toned muscles flexing beneath his skin as he swung his legs over the edge. Without wasting a second, he bent down and lifted Isla into his arms, holding her bare body close to his chest as if she were the most valuable treasure in the world.
A soft, delighted giggle escaped Isla’s lips, light and joyful, reverberating gently through the stillness of the room. She savored the lingering warmth from their recent intimacy, her arms winding around his neck. Her fingers threaded tenderly through the damp strands at the nape of his neck, while her striking electric blue eyes locked onto his intense green ones, their gaze brimming with affection and a playful spark.
“If you keep looking at me like that,” Gabriel teased, his voice a low, rumbling warning laced with desire, “your friends might not see you again today.” His lips curled into a mischievous grin, but the fire in his eyes promised more stolen moments yet to come.
Still, Isla’s mind began to drift away from the playful closeness, pulled by the weight of unanswered questions that clouded her thoughts. Shadows of the past lingered heavily between them, stirring unease beneath their tender connection.
Without effort, Gabriel carried her into the adjoining bathroom. He gently set her down on the smooth vanity countertop, the cool stone pressing against her bare skin, sending an involuntary shiver racing down her spine. “Stay still,” he said softly but firmly, his affectionate tone grounding her back to the present moment. “Let me fill the bath.”
As he turned to tend the tub, Isla’s thoughts wandered once again. She hadn’t yet confronted him about the crucial details—what actions had he taken against Anna, the woman who had inflicted so much pain on them? And after the shocking revelations about his true origins and those of his siblings, how had he managed to recover so quickly? Could the passion they shared truly heal such deep wounds?
Unable to keep the questions bottled up, she voiced them softly, her eyes following the sculpted contours of his body as he knelt by the large bathtub.
Water poured steadily from the faucet, steam curling upward as he added generous amounts of soothing muscle bath salts and fragrant shower gel, the mingling scents of lavender and eucalyptus filling the air with a calming embrace. His broad shoulders shifted gracefully, muscles rippling beneath his skin like carved marble, drawing her gaze irresistibly.
“You haven’t said a word about Anna,” she said tentatively, breaking the steady rhythm of the water’s flow.
He stopped abruptly, the stream cutting off. Rising, he turned to face her, and in that moment, Isla caught a flicker of sadness in his green eyes—a raw vulnerability that made her heart ache. Regret washed over her for stirring up his pain.
Closing the distance in two strides, his hands settled on her hips, thumbs tracing gentle, soothing circles over her skin. His gaze locked onto hers, intense and unwavering.
“Trust me, Isla,” he said steadily, his voice firm but edged with determination. “Even if that woman was truly my birth mother, there’s no way I would have spared her. She killed our unborn child—not by accident, but with cold, deliberate intent. Believe me, she’s exactly where she deserves to be.”
Isla nodded slowly, relief mingling with the sorrow settling deep in her chest. Her fingers curled lightly around his wrists, seeking reassurance in his touch.
“And how do you feel now, knowing the truth about everything?” she pressed gently, desperate to understand the storm raging just beneath his calm exterior.
A soft smile tugged at his lips, easing the tension in his face. “Come with me if you want to really know,” he invited warmly. Lifting her off the vanity, he steadied her as her feet met the cool bathroom tiles.
Together, they stepped into the deep tub, the warm water enveloping their legs as they sank down. This time, they faced each other, knees brushing in the steaming water, the surface rippling softly around them.
“At first, I felt hollow,” he admitted quietly, the water lapping gently against the porcelain as he shifted. “Learning that everything I believed about my life was a lie—it left a void inside me. But coming home to you—” He paused, searching for the right words.
“—something changed. I realized my past, my true identity, might be tangled in secrets and confusion. But what if I create my own future? If we build a life and a family that’s truly ours—no lies, no hidden shadows.”
Isla listened intently, her blue eyes locked on his, absorbing every word. The vulnerability in his expression drew her closer, stirring a deeper emotional connection.
The dual assault pushed her over the edge; she shattered with a sharp wail, her core pulsing rhythmically, waves of ecstasy crashing through her as she trembled in his arms.
“Gabriel,” she cried out in bliss, eyes rolling back as she rested her forehead against his.
Moments later, Gabriel followed, his thrusts erratic, a deep groan tearing from his chest as he buried himself deep and released, hot spurts filling her, their bodies locked in shuddering, breathless bliss.
In the quiet aftermath of their passionate union, Gabriel and Isla find themselves entwined not only in body but in soul, their shared vulnerabilities weaving a stronger bond between them. The lingering shadows of the past, though heavy, begin to lose their grip as trust and love illuminate the path forward. Each tender touch and whispered promise serves as a testament to their commitment to build a future unburdened by the pain that once threatened to divide them.
Their connection, charged with both desire and hope, reveals the power of healing through intimacy and understanding. As they embrace the uncertainty ahead, they choose to face it together, fortified by the depth of their affection and the courage to create a new beginning. In this moment, love becomes their sanctuary, a place where past wounds can mend and dreams of a shared family take root with unwavering devotion.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Gabriel and Isla’s relationship, exploring how they navigate the fragile balance between passion and the shadows of their past. As they continue to build their future together, the lingering questions about Gabriel’s origins and the dark history with Anna are bound to stir new tensions. Will trust be enough to hold them steady when old wounds resurface, or will the secrets threaten to unravel the fragile peace they’ve found?
Emotionally charged moments lie ahead, as both Gabriel and Isla confront their vulnerabilities and fears. The intensity of their connection will be tested in ways that challenge their commitment and reveal unexpected facets of their characters. Readers can anticipate a blend of tenderness and turmoil, where love becomes both a sanctuary and a battlefield, setting the stage for profound growth and possibly heart-wrenching decisions.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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