24. Come

I can feel his heartbeat against my chest—fast, uneven. But completely in sync with mine.

I want to curl into him, to let the warmth of his body swallow me whole, but at the same time, I can’t shake the sharp edge of need that burns low in my belly.

It’s then I realise… It’s more than love—it’s need. The kind that makes me ache when he isn’t near, the kind that draws me back to him no matter how many times I try to let go.

He’s in my veins, in the rhythm of my heartbeat. I don’t just want him. I’m addicted to him.

I close my eyes for a moment, just to hold onto the feel of his skin against mine, the taste of his breath still lingering on my lips.

I press my lips on his. Needy. Almost desperate.

He moves his hips slowly, a soft moan slipping from my lips.
“Is this how you’re trying to convince me?”

“Is it working?” He kisses my jawline, following with my neck. I close my eyes, my whole body shivering under his touch.

“It is.” I admit.

His eyes snap to mine, his hips moving in slow deep strokes. Keeping me right where he wants me, on the edge of pleasure.

“Come with me.” He moans into my ear and a shiver runs down my spine.

“Bill—“ I press my nails into his shoulders, sliding them down his back.

“I can’t—“ I moan.
“I need—“ another moan.

“Say yes.” He exhales next to my ear. Goosebumps covering my body.

“I can’t take it.” I cry out, my body shaking against his. He grabs my hips more tightly. Keeping me in place.

“I need you to say it.” He moans the words, trusting at the same steady pace.

“Bill—“ I grab onto him. “YES.” I scream. “I’ll come with you.” I gasp. “Oh god, Bill.”

The moment the words leaves my lips, his grip on me tightens. My whole body shudders, overwhelmed by him trusting deeper, faster.

My nails dig into his back, dragging down slowly, and he groans against my neck.

Every nerve in me is lit, every breath sharp and shaky, but it’s more than just the ache in my body—it’s the way I feel myself breaking open for him, giving him everything I have.

His mouth finds mine. The kiss leaves me dizzy, as though he’s stealing every ounce of air I try to breathe. My legs tremble around him, and he presses his forehead to mine, sweat mingling with mine.

I struggle to catch my breath, each inhale scraping my throat, each exhale shuddering out of me.

“Did you mean it?” His voice is low, fragile almost. He leans back just enough to search my face, his eyes burning into mine.

Instead of answering right away, I press my lips hard against his, pouring the last of my strength into the kiss. “Yes,” I whisper against his mouth, voice shaking but certain. “I’m coming with you.”

He kisses me again, his hands on my cheek, pulling me closer.

“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips. “I love you so fucking much.”
I kiss him back fiercely, my words falling between the heat of our mouths. “I love you too.”


The next few days blurred into lists, boxes, and endless decisions. We started arranging everything, making sure it was all ready for me to leave.

I didn’t have much to pack. Most of my things would stay behind in Germany, waiting for whenever we come back. “We can take more with us when we visit,” Bill had said, his hand brushing mine as if to remind me it wasn’t goodbye forever.

So I kept it simple—clothes I couldn’t do without, a few pieces of jewellery, photos, and little things that carried memories.

I made my calls in order, one name at a time.
Mom first, then Nick, then my dad. Each conversation left me a little more drained.
I saved Brenda for last, because I knew she’d be the hardest.

When I told her, her voice wavered even before the words left her mouth.
“So you’re really leaving?” The disappointment was clear.
I nodded, though she couldn’t see it over the phone. “Yeah… I am.”

Silence, then she asked softly, “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” My throat tightened. “I love him.”
“I know,” she sighed, heavy and reluctant. “And I am happy for you, I just… I’ll miss you.” I swallowed hard. “I’ll miss you too,” I whispered.

When she came over later that day, we hugged. “I’ll come visit,” I promised, squeezing her tighter. “And you can come visit as well. Always.”
She nodded against me, her voice muffled but fierce. “You better.”


So here we are… at the airport.
It’s happening. It’s real.
There is no turning back now. No changing my mind. I’m really doing this.

My chest feels heavy. My fingers restless in my lap. Bill notices and he grabs my hands, squeezing them gently.

“I hate flying.” I mumble.
“I know.” He says, his voice calm.

“Come, it’s time.” He says, standing up and pulling me behind him. The grip from his hand on mine slightly tightens, as if he is scared I will change my mind and turn around.

And if I’m honest, it has crossed my mind.