Page 12 of Forbidden Bliss
Excitement radiates through my chest as I consider the possibilities and future of her art.
Lana stands up and approaches me, tugging at my sleeve. She looks up with her innocent eyes, and my heart melts. “You’re my daddy, right?”
While my voice chokes with emotion, I kneel to her level. “Yes, Lana. I’m your daddy.”
Lana giggles, the sound like music to my ears. She shuffles closer, her small hand reaching out to touch my arm. “Will you draw with me, Daddy?”
A surge of emotion floods through me. I swallow hard and nod. “I’d love to.”
We sit together on the floor, surrounded by colored pencils and paper. As the day progresses, the hours seem to blur into one another as we play and draw together.
I offer her art tips and guidance, feeling a sense of fulfillment I’ve never experienced before. For the first time in years, I feel whole. This is my rightful place, with them, creating a future together.
Willow wears a serene smile while she moves around the house with an effortless grace. Every shared glance and accidental touch as we pass by each other sends a spark through me.
Later, when Lana is absorbed in her art, I venture into the kitchen to talk to Willow. She’s making coffee, her movements deliberate and practiced.
I lean against the counter, watching her. “Last night was beautiful. I can’t stop thinking about it. About us.”
She glances at me, her expression full of longing and caution. “Neither can I. But so much has changed, Tristan. We’ve both changed.”
I step closer, closing the distance between us and reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “But some things haven’t changed at all. Some things are just as strong as they were before.”
Her breath hitches at my touch, and her pupils search mine. “Tristan…”
I don’t let her finish. Instead, I pull her into my arms and my lips find hers in a passionate hunger that’s been building for years.
She responds immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck as she kisses me back with equal fervor. It’s as if no time has passed, and yet, everything is different. The years apart, the pain, and the longing all melt away in this moment.
We break apart, both of us breathless, our foreheads resting against each other.
My pulse races as lust rushes through my groin. “I’m going to have you again.”
She pulls back, pushing her hair out of her face. “We have a lot to figure out, Tristan. This isn’t easy.”
My stomach tenses as my thoughts race to comprehend her. Is she sick of me already? I draw in a breath, but it’s shallow.
Before I can respond, Lana’s voice calls out. “Mommy, Daddy, come see what I drew!”
Willow and I share a look before we venture back to the living room.
Suddenly, the front door swings open with a force that makes it bang into the wall.
Hunter strides in, his presence filling the space with a masculine force strong enough to send shock waves flashing across the room. He exudes strength and power, his every movement confident and calculated.
His body is massive, with bulging muscles that strain against his shirt. His arms are thick and powerful, and his shoulders look like they could carry the weight of the world. He glares at me. “What the hell are you doing here, Tristan?”
My muscles tense, and I hold my ground, alpha instincts flaring. “I belong here.”
He cuts me off with a harsh laugh, the sound bitter and edged with years of resentment. “Not in my house, you don’t.”
Willow moves to stand beside me, her hand slipping into mine in a silent show of support.
Hunter’s eyes blaze, his fists clenched at his sides.
Willow lifts her chin. “Tristan’s here for Lana.”
He shakes his head and continues his fierce gaze at me while his jaw sets in a hard line. “Let me get this straight. You think you can walk back into our lives and pick up where you left off after all the pain you caused?”