Chapter One Hundred-Fifteen

Chapter One Hundred-Fifteen
The ride back to the hotel was short, but enough time for the adrenaline rush from confronting Emma to start wearing off. And my heart to stop pounding. Hunter kept our fingers intertwined on his thigh, occasionally bringing my hand to his lips, a possessive gesture that somehow still made butterflies swirl in my stomach.
"You were incredible back there," he murmured, pride evident in his voice. "I've never seen you stand your ground like that. Unless you're having a go at me, that is."
I leaned against his shoulder, exhaustion suddenly hitting me. "I surprised myself too. But I meant every word."
"I know you did." He squeezed my hand. "That's what made it so powerful."
When we arrived at the hotel and Hunter opened the door to the penthouse suite, our friends and family were already there, having left at the same time. Maya immediately bounded over, pulling me into a fierce hug.
"That was epic, Grace! The look on Emma's face when you shut her down, I wish I had it on camera. But I'm sure someone in the media did. I can then print it out and put it on my dartboard." She pulled back, eyes gleaming with approval. "I've been wanting to punch that woman for years."
"Hence why your mom had to physically restrain you," I teased, grateful for her support.
Max sauntered over, handing Hunter and me each a glass, sparkling water for me, scotch for Hunter. "To Grace Sinclair," he said, raising his own glass. "Who finally showed us her claws."
Hunter laughed. "They've always been there," Hunter replied, his arm sliding around my waist. "Even when she stood up against Chief Summerset. Grace has always stood up for people she loves."
Quinn joined our circle, her expression pleased. "Emma made herself look desperate and classless, while you came off as poised and confident."
"It was all Grace," Hunter said, his eyes never leaving my face. "I was about to step in, but she didn't need me to."
"That's because Grace has always been stronger than anyone gives her credit for," Chris said, joining our group with Elizabeth at his side. "Including herself."
"I knew I had you guys there to back me up," I replied, glancing around at these people who'd become my family. "And excellent motivation." I rested my hand on my stomach, thinking of our twins.
"Speaking of which," Elizabeth said, lowering her voice, "how is my grandbaby doing?"
"Growing," I said with a smile. "And making me crave the strangest things. Last night it was pickles onions dipped in peanut butter."
Hunter made a face. "It was revolting."
"Says the man who ate half my salt and vinegar chips after swearing he hated them," I teased back. But it was true my craving some weird stuff. The look on Hunters face had been priceless.
They all settled down to chat about the evening and how well the donations had been. Even Quinn loosened up, especially when Max refilled her glass and let his hand linger on hers longer than necessary. I would arrange lunch with her in the next few days to find out what has been happening there.
After about an hour, I stifled a yawn behind my hand. Hunter noticed immediately; it showed how closely he was watching me.
"I think it's time we called it a night," he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's been a long evening."
Everyone gathered their things. Chris and Elizabeth kissed my cheek before leaving, whispering that they were proud of me. I had been worried it would embarrass them. But the words made me feel better.
Max and Quinn said their goodbyes, and while Max was talking to Hunter, he said, "Lunch in a few days?"
Quinn shot a look at Max before nodding.
Once everyone had gone, Hunter closed the door and turned to me, his eyes darkening as he took in my slightly disheveled appearance. My hair had started falling from its elegant updo, and I'd kicked off my heels the moment we entered the suite.
"Alone at last," he murmured, slowly closing the distance between us.
"Finally," I breathed, reaching for him.
His hands framed my face as he kissed me, slow and thorough, like he was savoring the taste of me. I melted against him, the last remnants of tension from the evening dissolving under his touch.
When he pulled back, his eyes were molten. "Do you have any idea how proud I was of you tonight?"
"You might have mentioned it," I teased, my fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Let me show you, if you're not too tired," he said, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that never failed to make my pulse race.
"Never."
He turned me around slowly, his fingers finding the zipper of my gown, drawing it down. His breath was warm against my neck, his lips brushing the sensitive skin just below my ear.
"You stood your ground," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my shoulder as the dress loosened. "You defended what's ours." Another kiss, lower this time. "You showed everyone exactly who you are."
The dress pooled at my feet, leaving me in just my lingerie, midnight blue to match the gown, delicate lace against my skin. Hunter's hands slid around my waist, splaying across my still-flat stomach.
"Mine," he whispered against my ear. "All mine."
I turned in his arms, reaching up to loosen his tie. "Yours," I confirmed, watching his eyes darken further as I worked the buttons of his shirt. "I have always been yours."
We undressed each other slowly, kissing every inch of skin exposed. When we were both naked, Hunter lifted me, carrying me to the bed and laying me down with a gentleness which was a complete contrast with the hunger in his eyes.
"You're beautiful," he said, his gaze traveling over me. "Even more so now. I might be a kinky bastard, but it's a real turn-on that you are carrying my babies. Your nipples are larger and darker in color."
I reached for him, needing his weight. "Hunter, please."
He came to me then, covering my body with his, his mouth finding mine. His hands traveled over me, tracing every curve, every sensitive spot that made me gasp and arch against him.
"Tell me what you want," he demanded softly, his fingers teasing between my thighs, finding me already wet for him.
"You," I breathed, my nails digging into his shoulders as he slid one finger inside me, then two. "Just you is all I ever wanted."
He took his time, working me up slowly, his mouth hot on my breast, his fingers curling inside me until I was trembling on the edge. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, he withdrew, positioning himself between my thighs.
"Look at me," he commanded.
I forced my eyes open, meeting his gaze as he pushed into me, stretching me, filling me completely. We both gasped at the sensation, perfect and familiar yet somehow new every time.
"I love you," I whispered, holding his face between my hands. "So much."
"I love you too," he said, his voice rough with emotion as he began to move. "More than anything. I wish…"
"Shh… We have each other now, that's all that matters."
Our bodies moved together perfectly, every thrust bringing me closer to the edge.
"Hunter," I gasped as tension coiled tighter within me. "I'm close."
"Come for me," he growled, his pace increasing. "Let me feel you."
His demand pushed me over, my release washing through me in waves as I clung to him. He followed moments later, my name on his lips as he buried his face in my neck, his body shuddering against mine.
Afterward, we lay tangled together, his hand drawing lazy patterns on my hip, my head resting on his chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually slow.
"I was serious before," he murmured into the comfortable silence. "You were incredible tonight."
I smiled against his skin. "It felt good, standing up for myself. For us in public."
"It looked good too." His hand drifted to my stomach. "Our little fighters are going to be just as fierce as their mother."
"And your strength."
"And your heart." Hunter tilted my face up to his, his expression suddenly serious. "You know that's what I love most about you, right? Not just how beautiful you are or how you challenge me. It's your capacity for love, even after everything you've been through."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. "Hunter..."
He kissed me. "It's true. And I will spend every day making sure you know exactly how loved you are."
I curled closer to him. "You already do," I whispered, my eyes drifting closed as exhaustion finally claimed me.
The last thing I felt was Hunter's arms tightening around me, holding me securely against him as sleep pulled me under.