Chapter 283

Ryan's lips captured mine with such hunger that I nearly lost my balance. His arms tightened around me, pulling me flush against his hard body as one hand tangled in my hair. The kiss deepened instantly, months of restraint crumbling between us like sand castles before a rising tide. "God, I've missed you," he breathed against my mouth, his voice rough with desire. "Every night lying beside you, not touching you... it's been torture." His confession sent liquid heat pooling low in my belly. I slid my hands up his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart beneath my fingertips. "I've missed you too," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Ryan's eyes darkened, the storm-gray irises nearly black with passion. Without warning, he lifted me again and carried me to our bed, laying me down with surprising gentleness that contrasted with the barely restrained need in his expression. "You're even more beautiful now," he murmured, his gaze traveling slowly over my body. "Motherhood su