2:12 AM; July 8th, 20XX

  “You go on and tell her what you fuckin’ told me, see how that fares out with her!” I overhead Kazu shouting as I was hurried to his side by one of my eight. Things absolutely had gone to shit. Ikuto had retaliated and we were now down 3 less elders. Leaving their bodies in front of the villa gates was already a line crossed too far, the reason for my rushing to Kazu’s side? Another body, this time delivered via car crash through aforementioned gates. I had chosen to send my mom back to Brazil, under the safety of Kazu’s associate and away from any more potential death. If she was hidden, she was forgotten. If she was forgotten, I wouldn’t lose her.

  “He crashed our gates with the body of one of our elders, how much closer does danger need to be for you to stop living in a state of euphoria and wake up?” Ken retorted, his face visibly soured as he stood by the desk, arms crossed. Kurenai stood silently by the door as I stepped in, thanking my guard as they closed the doors.

  “There she is, go ahead, tell her.” Kazu pointed at me sternly, his face twisted in aggravation as replied back to Ken’s remark.

  “You have to break up with Kazu. Make a spectacle of it to throw Ikuto off your back and give me — or us, a chance to kill the motherfucker.”

  “Don’t see how you can’t just kill him without the extra spectacle. Just so you’re aware, I’m not doing that. Breaking up and Kazu are never in the same sentence for me.” I went by Kazu’s side, his hand swiftly going around my waist as I approached him. Turning to look at Ken, he sighed heavily as he held the bridge of his nose. “Besides, if I have to leave him, then Kurenai has to leave you just the same. It’s only fair.”

  “My duty to Kazu makes that an impossibility, Airla. You know that.”

  “Kazu can fend for himself, Ken can protect him, I don’t see why you should be at risk not only as my partner but as Ken's wife. If I have to go, you do too.”

  “I’m the head of security, darling. I can’t forgo my job because of my affiliation to the Patriarch, his safety is just as important as the Chairman’s.” Kurenai spoke up, standing from her laid back posture by the doors. I rolled my eyes as she came up with an excuse, albeit a good one.

  “Then no, I’m not leaving Kazu’s side nor am I announcing a bullshit breakup. Ikuto is a lot of things, but I’m sure stupid isn’t one of them. He’ll catch on — quickly.”

  “Staying close breeds danger, why can’t either of you understand that? I’m just—“ Ken groaned, his hands on the table as he slammed them down. “I’m just trying to fucking protect you, both of you! I can’t protect you both and Kurenai, as much as I’d love to, I know I can’t, so please, work with me!” He was exasperated, his brow furrowed as he stared back at us. Kurenai came to his side, her hand on his shoulder.

  “My love, calm down.”

  “Don’t, Kurenai. You of all people should understand my frustration.”

  “She does, just like we do. You do realize you’re asking me to go back to solitude out of protection while you all get to stay together. That’s not fair. If there’s a way we can compromise, then I’ll go, I’m just not going alone.” I replied back, surely not only for myself. Kazu quietly held my side. Something was on his mind, I just didn’t know if it was something I’d like.

  …

  “You’re safe to sleep, sir. There was nothing but a corpse. I do recommend lodging somewhere else to throw him off your tail.” Ichi informed us as he stood by the doors, hands ready to close them. I sat by the edge of the bed, Kazu by the chair at the edge of our bedroom. His hair tousled in sleep as yet another cigarette lingered on his lips. He had gotten quiet after Ken had suggested separation, the eyes that always looked at me lovingly suddenly having trouble keeping me in focus.

  “Make plans with Azrael to get that recommendation in motion, return to me when everything’s ready.” Kazu waved him off, eyes still locked everywhere else.

  “Sir.” Ichi bowed, sliding the doors closed and finally granting us the solace to speak. I knew something was on his mind in regard to Ken, I wanted to know how much of that he agreed with. Just before I could get the words out, those enticing golden eyes looked at me.

  “You have to go with them when things are done.” He declared as he pressed his cigarette into the astray.

  “Are you coming with me?”

  “No.” His no felt more like a sting, as dramatic as that sounded. I wasn’t used to not getting my way. I wasn’t going down without a fight, especially when it came to him.

  “Then I’m not going. I’m supposed to be your solace, how can I do that if I’m away from you?”

  “How can you do that if you’re dead? Who’s to say Ikuto wouldn’t hurt you to hurt me? I can’t…” He sat forward, his hands clasped together as he focused on me sternly but sweetly. The warmth I’m accustomed to, shining through. “…I can’t lose you, Airla. I lose you, this family loses me. I know that’s insane but my life has little fuckin’ meaning without you in it. If you left me, fine. I can handle that, you’re entitled to your happiness. But to let you die? At the hands of someone I could’ve stopped? I’d fuckin’ stick my own gun in my mouth and decorate the wall with my brains.”

  “Kazu…” I’ve gotten the dramatic “I’d kill myself” speech, I turned them down every time. That was only because they weren’t him. I couldn’t help but melt to my knees as I crawled to him, holding his face as I approached him. His face softened as I did, a small smile at least. I knew I wanted to fight back, but I couldn’t handle seeing his face worried like this. His life mattered to me, even more so than my own conviction.

  “Please baby girl, I know you want to remain by my side, I understand that, but I can’t assure you protection if I have my own ass to look after. We can stay in contact, we just need to part until this subsides.”

  I sighed, his face breaking my heart every millisecond I held it. This wasn’t a battle I could win. This was finally my damsel in distress moment. The moment where I, as a black woman, could finally breathe and allow myself to be weak, to be frightened, to cower in the arms of someone who I knew took my life, my existence, seriously. It was time I was his dutiful wife, even without the ring.

  “I don’t fare well being alone after all this time. If you can assure I won’t be, then I’m willing to go with whatever you need to do to get me to safety. Stressing you out about my whereabouts is distraction enough. If I’m to be the dutiful wife like I said, time to fulfill my duty.”

  “I wouldn’t be half the man I am if it wasn’t to be your husband, baby girl. Thank you for letting me protect you.”

  “It’s not just me. It’s you and everything this family stands for. I can take a seat to let you shine.” He smiled brightly, the stress melting from him as I assured him that I’d allow the separation. I knew I could have fought back, but there was nothing to gain in that regard. This one? The one I listen? The one I allow him to hide me? Not from shame, but from devotion?

  I gain the world, the universe and beyond.

  ??

  3:42 AM;

  Kazuhito and Airla had retired to their bedroom for the remainder of the night, leaving Ken and I to our wares as I manned the protection detail that Kazuhito expected from me in terms of relocation. With not much as a word to take a recommendation into motion, I knew he meant for Airla, not himself. This was the moment where he tested me not only as his head of security, but as someone who was in a very active relationship with the woman he loved. I knew he was expecting me to build a metaphorical bubble to protect not only his future wife, but the eventual mother of his children. Ken was quiet as I scrolled through my computer, the silence of my keyboard filling the silence between us. He had calmed down after bursting out at Kazu, but I knew there was something on his mind that he didn’t want me aware of. Even if I could be, I respected his mental privacy and droned on. Looking up at him from my screen, we met eyes. A heaviness on his chest that affected me, even unaware.

  “You should go with her.”

  “I’m head of security to Kazuhito Nagatsuchi, doing what you’re requesting of me is asking me to not fulfill my obligation. You, of all people, should know a thing or two about obligation.”

  “I’m not recommending that as your spouse. I’m doing so as your Patriarch.” He stated, devoid of any emotion. Usually there was a warmth that Ken always greeted me with. This time around, there wasn’t warmth, just expectation of obedience.

  “Don’t do that to me, Kentaro. Don’t flex your power right now, it’s unnecessarily rude.” I slammed my laptop down, my hand resting on the cold aluminum. Facing him, he made no reaction, no attempt to rectify what he had just asked of me.

  “Who else would Kazu entrust with Airla’s personal protection if not you? I can’t leave my post, you know this. You have a chance to finally be placed outside the carnage, the bloodshed. Your title doesn’t need to define your safety.” I knew he was coming from a place of concern, but I still felt diminished by the fact that he expected me to place my arms down and scurry away. He wanted me to be his damsel, something I absolutely did not know how to do.

  “He has a designated team for her, that is their purpose.” I retorted, anything to defend my role.

  “Will that team be able to step in for him when she’s in need? When she needs comfort? Who better than you?” He questioned, knowing the answer went much deeper than just accompanying Airla to wherever she might need to be placed. This regarded her sexual health, which considering the situation, one would not focus on. But this was Airla we were speaking about.

  This woman used sex to remediate mourning her friend. Same thing with her father.

  Leaving Airla without sexual satisfaction would be more dire to her than leaving her alone. That was the deeper request of Ken for me, because he knew Kazu would expect the same. Still, I had a role to fulfill as head of security.

  “Then stop fulfilling it.”

  “I still have to protect you, Kentaro.”

  “No. No you do not.” He looked away for a second, whatever he planned on saying next needing a moment. I could have invaded, but I didn’t need the words to linger internally. “You’re to be my wife and nothing more. I strip you of your title and expect you to include yourself in those relocation plans.”

  I felt my breath catch as he stood up after, leaving me alone in the living room to process the change alone. It wasn’t by choice, the door sliding meant he was needed. He didn’t think to kiss or touch me, he knew how much he was taking from me already, acknowledging it would only hurt more.

  …

  I sat on the couch in the same way that Ken left me, my body catatonic to the reality that he imposed on me. All I knew was to protect Kazu. All I had promised was to lay my life for him, to assure he sees a long fulfilling life, even at the sacrifice on my own. I knew that was an existence that many would find constricting, but I found comfort in knowing I could care for something as precious as the life of someone I deeply cared for. Protection for Kazuhito was done out of love primarily, obligation only strengthened it.

  To know Ken could easily rip that from me was a hard pill to swallow. To know he wanted to take the only thing that made me who I was…it was painful. The doors to the living room opened, Kazu stepping in; those amber eyes of his, tired beyond belief. He had retired to a bedroom, but sleep was the last thing on his mind. I nodded in acknowledgment as he made his way to the seat across from me, an exasperated sigh as he looked up to the ceiling.

  “Ken told me what he asked of you. Know I had nothing to do with it.”

  “Are you going to push against it?” I asked, my eyes on his neck as his eyes stayed up.

  “No.” He sighed, heavily. Facing me, his expression was warm. “You’re too important to him to risk. Before, sure. Your prerogative. But now? You’re his wife, his mate. The person who holds him at night when I can’t. Losing you would destroy him, possibly even kill him. I can’t lose Ken just as much as I can’t lose you or Airla.”

  “So you allow the desecration of my existence to justify your love for me? A bit selfish, don’t you think?”

  “If being selfish keeps you safe, yes. If selfish means I can have you, Ken and Airla at the end of this turmoil, then yes. I will continue to be selfish.”

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  I chuckled to myself, only because I found it so humorous how I got what I always desired, which was to be desired to a level of selfishness where I might have to sacrifice a part of myself to benefit. Was this what my mother meant all those years ago? Is this what she meant when she told me the moment would come to me when least expected? Was this my first true testament as a wife? A lover? A partner?

  Did I even want to continue fighting against it?

  “I can promise you I’ll bring him back to you, safely. Just as long as you do the same with her. However long we need to be apart, I will not stop fighting until I can assure him back in your arms.”

  “I’ll do the same. Till our final breaths?” I smiled, a small chuckle.

  “Till our final breaths.” He smiled back just the same, a chirp from the birds outside an added reassurance.

  ??

  7:16 AM;

  “It’s the right thing to do, Kazuhito. I would’ve done just the same for your mother.” Father affirmed over speakerphone, the sounds of the ocean in the background. Since my ascension to chairman, an easy retirement was at the forefront of my mind in regard to his safety. I went completely out my way to purchase a small island in the Bahamas, the kind where privacy was absolutely guaranteed. While yes, I could have just done the same for Airla and Kurenai, I wasn’t going to cage the women I love on an island. They had lives to live, my parents had already lived.

  Besides, what fun would Airla have on an island if she didn’t have me to enjoy it with? I could give her all the luxuries, but she would never fully enjoy them if not with me.

  “Do you think she’ll come to resent me?”

  “Women are fickle. They are understanding though. Airla undoubtedly loves you, this is a sacrifice she is willing to make for you, not the family.”

  “But will I be enough?”

  “You are already enough. She wouldn’t still be around if you weren’t.”

  Ken walked in as I lingered on his statement, taking a seat across from my desk as we overheard the seagulls in the conversation. He wasn’t wrong, if Airla wanted to leave; she would have left. Months ago. I could have simply been a one night stand or just another passing client, but no, she remained here. With me. While not currently by my side, she was asleep in my bed. In my robes. Proudly choosing to wear my name without the added benefit yet.

  “Thank you, Dad. I’ll let you go. I’ll take it from here.”

  “I have the utmost belief that you will. Goodbye, son.” He clicked off soon after, the silence between Ken and I coming to the forefront. I looked up at him as I raked my hands through my hair, the last few hours testing my patience in all ways.

  “He’s right, you know.”

  “I don’t doubt him, I just expected things to be different when my time came. Here I am, finally chairman and yet, no heir. I have to send my future bride on a transatlantic flight to protect her from my adversary. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.”

  “Nothing is ever how it’s supposed to be. If it were, everything would be incessantly perfect, which might I add, does not sound very appealing.”

  “Perfection would mean I’d have my shit together instead of whatever this is.”

  “Kazuhito, you’re 29. CEO and Chairman of your family’s legacy. Partner to an exquisitely beautiful and talented woman. Your shit is together, is it messy, yes. But it’s together. You have no control of what your responsibilities bring you, all you can do is stand up, shake off the doubt and handle your business. Besides, you’re not doing it alone, you’ve got me.” He sat back as he assured me, a tender smirk included. I knew the moment was serious, but I still couldn’t help myself in meeting him with the same energy. Sitting back in my own seat, I smirked back, arms crossing.

  “It’ll be just like the old times when it was just you and I, huh?”

  “You always enjoyed the unhinged young version of me anyways.”

  “The more unhinged, the better.”

  …

  Airla and Kurenai eventually came to join us for breakfast, one of the last we’d have together for a while as I wanted plans for their relocation in action as soon as humanly possible. I didn’t want to risk one more day, that was a day too many for Ikuto to pull the rug from under me yet again. They both looked somber as they took their seats, the tension in the room thick.

  “I know things are changing rapidly. I also know this became our normal and now I’m ripping it from you, but I hope you both know that I’ll do everything I can to get both Ken and I back to you safely. I love both of you, dearly.” I placed my hand on my chest, specifically on the side where my heart lived. I meant my words, I loved them both.

  “We have no doubt you’ll try your best. Airla and I will do our best to…keep ourselves safe. Not just for you, but ourselves and each other.” Kurenai responded, taking Airla’s hand. Airla smiled back, nothing else. She was still having a hard time with this whole ordeal, the brightness that usually followed her much dimmer. Choosing to not take a seat by me was proof enough. I had to make it up to her somehow, I couldn’t let our separation dampen our love.

  8:54 AM;

  “Accompany me to the shore?” I asked Airla, her attention occupied by her sketchbook. Looking up to me, those pretty eyes of hers looked so sad; even with a smallish smile on her, it was evident how much this was weighing on her.

  “Uh, yeah. Sure. Just us?”

  “Preferably yes.” I held my hand out to help her up, the grip tight once we fully interlocked. The joy of the villa was its location. Hayama cradled itself on the shores of Japan, so my love for the water was interlocked by the summers I would spend running up and down the shore with Ken or having lunch with my parents. It was my happy place that I had forgotten about, only because I had found that place with Airla.

  The walk there wasn’t solitary, both our security details followed closely due to the circumstances. Once we found ourselves by the sand; they stood back, allowing us the privilege of privacy. Looking at the water together, there was nothing that needed to be said just yet. I didn’t want to say anything as I turned to face her.

  I needed to take her beauty in. I loved how her braided hair cascaded down her shoulders. How her cute button tipped nose curved ever so perfectly. Her dark lashes, still full even though she had forgone wearing any kind of makeup while here. I was taking in the version of her that I would wake up with, who I loved passionately. Slowly. So much of who I could be was because of her; the world wasn’t enough, she deserved the universe and beyond.

  “Say what you need to say instead of staring at me, baby.” She spoke up, looking at me from the corner of her eye. My heart skipped a beat.

  “I love you. I don’t know if I say it enough, but…I wanted you to be fully aware of how I truly feel about you. I had all these happy places, this beach included, only because I didn’t have you yet. I know it’s cruel to lay all my feelings out in the open knowing we have to be apart, but I want to diminish any doubt you might have about my feelings.”

  A small chuckle. A turn of her body as she faced me and smiled. “There was never any doubt in me about how you feel. Even with what I’ve lost, I’m still due to gain so much. Maybe this needs to happen so we can become better versions of ourselves or maybe it’s just a silly little test, but it’s a test that I will take over a million times if the result is you. I love you, Kazuhito. If you choose to love me deeper, then know I’ll always love you just the same.” A warmth engulfed me as I cradled her face, a rub of the cheek as she looked up at me.

  I knew what love was, thanks to Ken and Kurenai.

  But this love?

  This was a love that only she could fulfill. A love so tender, so warm. It needed her to thrive.

  I couldn’t wait to see what future I would have with her, because I know that nothing would stop me from making sure I could.

  ??

  9:39 AM;

  I watched as Kazu and Airla made their way back from the shore, hands interlocked tightly. A sign they had come to some kind of middle ground in regards to this turmoil. I was proud he had taken the initiative to care for their love warmly, something I myself needed to do in regards to my own relationship. Nai had kept her distance since her demotion, to reduce her to just my wife was hard enough. I knew how vital she was to me, to Kazu, to the family; but I didn’t want to sacrifice her. I didn’t want to give yet another part of me to this family when I was already giving up myself.

  Reducing her to my wife meant she could stay safe and alive.

  Finding her in the garden, I noticed how she sat under the maple tree, her knees to her chest as she focused on the ground. There was something so innocent about her sadness, I wondered how connected that was to her childhood. Taking a seat next to her, she made no acknowledgement of me at first, her finger swirling in the decorative sand.

  “I don’t expect you to speak to me until you’re ready. Know that this decision pained me just as much as it is hurting you. I can admit it’s because of my own ego, I want to be able to do what my parents couldn’t, to live that domestic life with someone I love, that’s obviously impossible given our life so I figured that taking you out of the line of fire is my own equivalent for that fantasy.”

  “You could have protected me without taking my autonomy, but I understand, Kentaro. You’ve lost so much, I’ve lost so much, you’re making sure we don’t lose anymore. I also know that this was something I should have expected, there’s a certain sacrifice you make in marriages, this is mine.” Her tone was very flat, no sense of emotion as her finger swirled in the sand.

  “What would mine be?”

  “Not having me by your side.” She turned to face me, her hair flowing down her shoulders as she did. A tender smile included. “Your sacrifice might not be as grand as mine, but it’s still a sacrifice nonetheless. Besides, you’re not the only one I’m doing it for. I’m doing this for myself — and Airla. There’s something awaiting us at the end of this, it seems we’ll need to experience that together.”

  “What do you think that is?”

  “Not a clue. But, just know I hold no ill will. I love you too much to do so. I also don’t want to taint our first year as a married couple with petty fights that can be spoken about. I am a better person and woman because of you, Kentaro. I hope you know that.” My cheeks warmed as she reminded me of her love, a smile growing on my face. I was so intrinsically hers, everything I wanted to do now was for her comfort, her happiness, her joy.

  “Now enough sulking. We all know what’s coming, all we can do now is prepare.”

  “Still speaking like the head of security, huh?”

  “No, just speaking as a woman always does.”

  10:15 AM;

  Things felt slightly normal as we made our way back into the living room, finding Kazu and Airla sitting side by side as we made our way to the couch. There were papers spread out in front of him, the plans we awaited hopefully in our possession. Looking up at me, he nodded. Exactly what I thought.

  “I sent out an SOS to our associates, they’re willing to help out. They’ve all opened their homes to the girls if things get too complicated. I’m hoping we don’t have to impose, but it’s good to be aware of.”

  “I’ll have to thank them at the end of this. How long until we can get them out of Japan safely?”

  “Give or take two days. Enough time to say our goodbyes.”

  I pursed my lips, two days would come and go. I had to take advantage of the time I had left. While I didn’t doubt my ability to return to Kurenai safely, I still had to account for the time I’d be away. I had to make up for everyday I wouldn’t hold her, love her, acknowledge her. Both her and Airla sat quietly, the roles they had chosen exhibiting loudly. I noticed they had shared a look, but I wasn’t going to pry. They needed their female solidarity.

  “Are we able to step off villa grounds or is that asking too much?”

  “We need to remain out of sight. I can get protection in town, anything else is out of the question.”

  “Could we at least do something in town? I haven’t been out of the villa gates since the burning. How about the park that you mentioned in the mural? The one you always went with your grandfather.” Airla hoped that rattled something in him, I watched as he lit up at the mention of Shiosai Park, the memories of an innocent time. Smiling as he turned over the papers, he faced Airla.

  “A wonderful idea, my love. We can even walk to it, I’ll make sure you get the whole experience.”

  10:38 AM;

  That he did, after a phone call and small conversation with the mayor of the town, Kazu had managed to get the park shut down for the rest of the day. While small, Shiosai Park was historic on its own given its history to the royal family, with its small tea house and plaques depicting the stories of both Emperor Taisho & Emperor Showa. Our family had connections to both royals, Kazu’s great grandfather having attended the funeral of Emperor Taisho. That went unknown, of course. It’s about keeping appearances anyways. We followed close behind, security detail dispersed through the street as we made our way closer. Arriving at the park, we were greeted by the caretakers, smiles on their aging faces as they bowed to Kazu quickly, his hand to his chest as he politely declined the respect of the elders.

  “(In Japanese) I should bend to you, thank you for accepting my request on such short notice.”

  “(In Japanese) It’s our pleasure to do so, Nagatsuchi-Sama. Your family has made it easier to maintain such a wonderful place, we’re more than delighted to host you. Now please, we have tea and refreshments inside.”

  “(In Japanese) I’ll politely decline, my bride would like to take a walk around the park; so excuse me. Ken, why don’t you and Kurenai enjoy the service, we’ll…see you around.” There was a slight pep in his step as he whisked Airla away further into the park. I knew the park just as much as he did, but Kazu was always full of surprises.

  ??

  I walked alongside Kazu as I took in the beauty of the park, his demeanor calm. There was a certain calmness about the park, with its meticulously cared pine & maple trees and the sound of rushing water nearby. We came over the stone bridge that stood above a pond full of beautifully bright and long carp; Kazu bent down as we paused, his hand in the water as the fish nibbled. It was endearing, the childlike innocence that exuded from him; almost like another layer of him that I was yet to fully comprehend. I couldn’t help but think of how that innocence might leave him when we part. I had nothing to say, there wasn’t a need. We had said our goodbyes on the beach, this was something deeper. I didn’t ask to come to the park because I felt caged. That was never it. There was just something here calling for me, for us.

  He faced me as he stood up, the silence between us still filled in by the surrounding nature. I knew that my goodbye wouldn’t just include a vocal sending off; it wouldn’t feel right. It wouldn’t be us. It wouldn’t have made the loss of sense that I suffered when I got into bed with him on the first night. To be with Kazu was to live a life with no risks, no worries and no boundaries. Taking a hold of his robe, I pulled him in for a kiss, a desperate one that did the speaking my body needed to do. Pulling back just to speak, he growled as I bit his lip.

  “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, my love. I only have so much restraint.”

  “Restraint won’t matter when we’re apart, why give it any mind now?” I mumbled in between another kiss, the grip around my waist tighter. Every word was intentional because I knew that no matter what, he would give me what I want.

  “…You’re right, silly me.”

  …

  To call yourself silly and to actually be silly are completely different things. One thing I was sure of? Kazuhito Nagatsuchi wasn’t silly, nor was he stupid or any negative adjective that might put him in an unfavorable position. The reasons why I was so in love with him didn’t need to be listed, nor did they even need to be acknowledged. I knew who I was giving myself to. I knew that even if I poured all of me into his cup, he would refill mine tenfold. Even with the memories that he held close to his heart in the space we currently were in, he was willing to make new ones with me to keep himself going.

  Those were just…seemingly more crass than the ones previously mentioned.

  Pushing into the doors of the other teahouse, it was empty thanks to his request; the historical parts of it well preserved behind glass to allow whoever stepped in to understand the history they were being graced by. I, on the other hand, did not care about the history or the artifacts. My hands and mind were otherwise occupied by Kazu’s locks as he held me against the wall and devoured me like a soldier soon heading out to war, which considering the circumstances; felt very fitting. Every lick, moan, whimper was desperate, as if he would die if I didn’t bless him with the throes of an orgasm, which I did after he sufficiently put in the effort. I held his face as he looked up at me, the taste of me still on his chin.

  “Fuck me until the heavens hear me scream your name.”

  And fuck me he did, the entirety of him disappearing into me as I moaned till my voice gave out. Till my heart was full and until my love was evident.