I drive into Erin like a man possessed, my hips smming forward with every thrust. The mattress creaks beneath us, a steady rhythm that matches our breathing. Noon sunlight streams through her blinds, painting stripes across her naked body beneath me.

  "Holy shit, Will," Erin gasps, her green eyes wide with surprise. "You're really eager today."

  I can't help but grin down at her, feeling lighter than I have in a long time. My hands grip her tighter, pulling her against me with each thrust.

  "You're fucking me like your life depends on it," she continues, her voice hitching as I hit that spot inside her that makes her toes curl. Her freckled cheeks flush with color, sweat beading along her colrbone.

  "Maybe it does," I manage between breaths, not slowing my pace.

  Usually, Erin's the one on top, taking control like she does with everything else in her life. But today I needed this, needed to be the one setting the pace, driving us both toward that edge. When I showed up at her door for my usual hair cut I practically dragged her to bed, she didn't question it. Just matched my urgency with her own.

  I lean down to kiss her, our mouths colliding with the same hunger as our bodies. Her lips are soft against mine, tasting faintly of coffee and mint. She bites my lower lip, just hard enough to make me groan.

  I reach for Erin's wrists, pinning them above her head in one fluid motion. Her arms stretch long against the sheets. She's just so damn tall, but I love it. I've got her completely at my mercy, and she doesn't fight it at all. Just watches me with those intense green eyes, letting me take complete control.

  "I got some good news earlier," I pant, not breaking my rhythm.

  Her eyebrows arch with curiosity. "What was it?" She moans as I drive deeper, her hips rising to meet mine.

  "Can't really talk about it," I say between thrusts. "But I feel like I've got a new lease on life."

  A smile spreads across her face, those freckles dancing as she looks up at me. She lifts her head, capturing my lips in another kiss, more tender than before despite the intensity of our movements.

  "Maybe," she whispers against my mouth, "your new life can include me?"

  Something tightens in my chest at her words. I keep going, unable and unwilling to stop. "If only it was that simple, Erin."

  Her eyes flutter closed then, her breathing becoming more erratic. I can feel her starting to tighten around me, her whole body tensing as she approaches her climax. When it hits her, she cries out, her back arching off the bed, but I don't slow down.

  "Oh god, Will," she moans, her voice breaking as another wave hits her. "Don't stop."

  I don't let up. Her body writhes beneath me, surrendering to pleasure.

  Watching Erin come apart is like witnessing a force of nature. This strong, confident woman completely vulnerable in my arms. She's looking at me with such raw emotion, like I'm the center of her universe. Her eyes never leave mine as waves of pleasure wash over her.

  Suddenly, in the midst of her climax, she lifts her head to my ear, lips parted and breath hot against my skin.

  "Cum in me, William," she commands, her voice husky and desperate.

  Her words shoot through me like electricity. Something about the way she says my name sends a chill racing down my spine. It's not a request but a demand, and my body responds instantly.

  "Fuck, Erin!" I groan as the pressure that's been building explodes all at once.

  My hips jerk forward on instinct, burying myself as deep as I can go. Every muscle in my body tenses as I empty myself inside her with a primal groan that tears from my throat. The intensity leaves me shaking.

  For several long moments, we just breathe together, my face buried in her neck, her arms wrapped tightly around me. I can feel her heartbeat gradually slowing against my chest.

  Eventually I roll off her, my body slick with sweat. The ceiling fan spins zily above us, stirring the warm afternoon air. I feel drained but satisfied.

  "So," Erin says, propping herself up on one elbow to look at me, those green eyes studying my face, "you gonna tell me what this good news is that's got you so worked up?"

  "It's complicated," I say, running a hand through my sweat-dampened hair.

  "I've got time," Erin replies, her fingers tracing zy circles on my chest. The touch is gentle, inviting.

  I shake my head, not ready to drag her into the darker parts of my world. "Not today."

  She studies me, then a smile spreads across her freckled face. "Alright, keep your secrets, Will Gray," she says, leaning down to press a soft kiss against my shoulder. "Just know I'm here when you're ready to share them."

  The ck of pressure is just one more thing I appreciate about her. She doesn't push, doesn't demand. Just accepts what I can give.

  "Thanks, Erin," I say softly, reaching over to brush a strand of hair from her face.

  The sudden buzz of my phone interrupts the moment. I gnce around, trying to remember where my pants nded in our frenzy.

  "That yours?" Erin asks, pointing to the pile of clothes on her bedroom floor.

  I nod, rolling off the bed and fishing through the fabric until I find my phone. The screen shows a text from Lara.

  My stomach drops as I read the message.

  ‘Hey was at training with your sister today. She passed out while getting some water, on our way to the Mass General. She’s still unconscious but breathing.’

  "Shit," I whisper, my body going cold despite the warmth of the room. My fingers tremble as I grab my underwear, yanking them on with clumsy movements.

  "What's wrong?" Erin sits up, the sheet falling away as concern darkens her face.

  "I have to go," I say, my voice sounding strange and distant to my own ears. "It's my sister. She colpsed. They're taking her to Mass General."

  I fumble with my pants, nearly losing my bance as I shove my legs through. My heart's pounding so hard I can barely hear my own thoughts.

  "I'll drive you," Erin says immediately, already moving off the bed.

  "No, it's okay," I shake my head, grabbing my shirt. "This could take a while."

  Erin moves faster than I expect, crossing the room in two long strides. Her hand wraps around my forearm, grip firm but gentle. "Will. I insist."

  I look into her eyes, seeing nothing but genuine concern there. No ulterior motives, no complications. Just someone who cares, offering help when I need it most.

  For a moment, I consider refusing again. Keeping that small wall I built between us, but it would be nice to not do this alone.

  I nod slowly. "Alright."