CHAPTER 25

Disclaimer: The following text contains explicit content and may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised.

Juliana's pov

Looking in the mirror I don't recognize the person staring back at me. Her eyes are red and swollen from crying. I can't believe she is the same person who used to be funny and cheerful all the time. Looking at myself right now makes me mad. Why did I let what that monster did to me turn me into this scared good-for-nothing woman who is scared of living freely? I won't let what happened three years ago affect me anymore. I will show Marcus that there is more to me than just a broken woman.

As I stare at my reflection, I am overcome with a mix of anger and determination. I refuse to let David's actions define me any longer. I will not allow myself to be a victim any longer. It's time for me to reclaim my power and show the world that I am more than just a broken woman.

I take a deep breath, exhaling all the negativity and fear that has consumed me for far too long. Today is the day I start rebuilding my life and finding the strength within myself to move forward. I will no longer hide in the shadows, living in constant fear of what might happen. It's time to face my fears head-on and prove to myself and others that I am capable of so much more.

Marcus has seen me at my lowest and witnessed the pain and trauma I have endured. But he has never given up on me. Now it's time to show him just how far I have come. I want to prove to him that his faith in me was not misplaced and that I can be a good girlfriend.

No longer will I allow the memories of that night to haunt me. I refuse to remain a prisoner in my mind. I will use my pain as fuel, transforming it into strength and resilience. David may have tried to break me, but he will never have that power again. I am stronger than I ever thought possible, and I will not let him or anyone else hold me back.

From this moment forward, I vow to rise above the darkness that has plagued me for far too long. I will rebuild my life, piece by piece. I will pursue my dreams, and chase after the happiness I deserve. And if David ever dares to cross my path again, he will regret it. I will not be a victim any longer. I am a survivor, and I will not let anyone or anything bring me down.

Going back into Marcus's bedroom I find him doing something on his laptop. He looks gorgeous as sin in his sweatpants. What makes it even more sexy is the fact that he is not wearing a shirt. I want to run my hands on his chest and hear him make the sounds he makes every time we kiss.

"Are you going to continue staring at me or will you come and sit next to me?" Marcus asks getting me out of my head.

"I wanted to appreciate the view a little more. You are looking hot with that bare chest." I tell him as I sit next to him on the bed.

Marcus chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I can't deny that you know how to appreciate a good view," he teases, his voice low and husky. My heart quickens at the sound, and I find myself leaning closer to him, unable to resist the temptation.

His warm gaze intensifies, and he places a hand gently on my thigh, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "You know," he murmurs, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I can't help but enjoy the way you appreciate me."

I feel a wave of desire wash over me, and I can't resist but trail my fingers lightly along his sculpted chest, relishing in the way he responds to my touch. Marcus lets out a soft, deep sigh, his lips slightly parting as his eyes flutter closed.

The room fills with a charged and intoxicating energy as I lean in closer, our lips just mere inches apart. I can feel his warm breath as he whispers, "You have no idea how much I have missed the feel of your lips against mine."

My heartbeat quickens, matching the rhythm of his as we close the distance between us. Our lips collide in a passionate kiss, igniting a fire that has been smoldering between us since the moment we first laid eyes on each other. With every gentle caress and every shared breath, the world melts away, leaving only the two of us and the electric connection that binds us together.

Time seems to stand still as we lose ourselves in each other, forgetting the worries and responsibilities that loom outside that bedroom door. At that moment, nothing else matters except the intoxicating presence of each other's touch and the sweet symphony of our desire-filled kisses. We kiss for what feels like forever and then we pull away.

"I think we should go to sleep before we do something you are not ready to do," Marcus says with so much fire in his eyes.

"I am ready," I tell him my voice barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean?" He asks, the fire in his eyes seems to have increased.

"I want you to make love to me," I say, holding his left cheek. I have decided not to let what happened three years ago affect me anymore. Tonight I am going to start living again, I will start a new chapter with Marcus.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Marcus asks. The intensity in his eyes has me damping my panties. There is just something about the way he is looking at me, it is as if he wants to devour me.

"Yes, that's what I want, I want to move on with my life. I don't want to be imprisoned by the past. Marcus, you are my present and my future and I want you to make me feel things I have never felt before."

"I don't want you to sleep with me if you are not sure about it. I want you to know that I am not in a hurry for us to have sex I can wait until you are ready, So if you are not sure about this please let me know."

"I am sure about this Marcus," I tell him, connecting my lips to his. Marcus kisses me back with so much passion. There is something different with this kiss, Marcus is not holding back like he has been doing the other times we have kissed. My pajamas and underwear are out of my body before I know it and Marcus is above me touching and kissing every part of my body. When I feel him removing his sweatpants and boxers, I am both excited and scared. I have seen him naked before but this is different, this is it I am going to have sex with Marcus and I know I am going to love it.

"Look at me, babydoll. I want you to look at me as I make love to you." I look up at him and I am absorbed by his beautiful eyes.

As Marcus enters me, I feel a rush of emotions and sensations wash over me. The physical connection we share is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Each movement, each touch, is filled with such love and tenderness. Marcus is gentle yet passionate, taking his time to explore my body, ensuring that I feel pleasure in every way possible.

As our bodies move in perfect synchrony, I can't help but lose myself in the moment. Marcus's eyes never leave mine, intensifying the intimacy between us. The love and trust we share are palpable, creating a sacred space where I can fully let go and surrender to the pleasure he provides.

Time seems to stand still as Marcus's touch sends waves of ecstasy through me, causing my body to tremble with delight. Each thrust brings us closer to a climax that promises to be earth-shattering. With every breathless gasp and sweet moan that escapes my lips, Marcus's passion only grows stronger, fueling the fire that burns between us.

As we reach the peak of our shared pleasure, I feel an overwhelming sense of release and satisfaction. Our bodies tremble in unison as we find comfort and fulfillment in one another's embrace. It is in this moment of intense connection that I realize how much I have missed out on in the past, and how much joy and love I have denied myself.

As our bodies finally come to rest, Marcus leans down to kiss my forehead, his eyes filled with adoration and contentment. At that moment, I know that I have made the right choice and that this new chapter with Marcus is the beginning of a beautiful love story.

Together, we lay there, basking in the afterglow of our passionate encounter, knowing that this is just the first step towards a future filled with love, trust, and endless nights of exploring every inch of each other's bodies.

As we drift off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance to rewrite my own story, leave the past behind, and embrace the love that was always meant for me. Marcus, my present, and my future offers me the opportunity to start living again, to embrace the beauty of love and intimacy without fear.