Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 357

Until Tarquin released her, leaving Elysia gasping for air, his excitement was palpable.

"It's you! It really is you! You're back! You finally came back! Oh! Ha! You came back, you finally decided to come back!!!"

His voice choked up with emotion, and his eyes reddened with unshed tears. That kiss was just to confirm his own feelings!

Elysia's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of nervousness and fear engulfing her. Had he truly recognized her? Did he realize she was the same person he had wronged at the airport six years ago? Would he make the connection to the child being his? Would he try to take the child from her?!

All the fears she had imagined over and over resurfaced, driving Elysia to the brink of madness! At that moment, she had no desire to accuse or condemn him, only a deep-seated worry filled her thoughts. She was terrified he would find out about the kids!

Lost on how to face him, she tried to push him away and run, but he wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tight.

"Please don't go, I'm begging you. Don't disappear again, don't hide from me. I was wrong, I truly realize my mistake now. If you're angry, take it out on me, just please don't avoid me, okay? You have no idea how hard I've searched for you these past six years, how worried I've been, how much I've missed you! Six years, and my longing for you nearly drove me insane!

I know you're angry. You can hit me, yell at me, even kill me if you want, just don't disappear from my life again! I truly realize my mistake! Please don't vanish…”

He buried his head in the crook of her neck like a child seeking comfort, his voice breaking. Warm tears trickled down Elysia's neck to her collarbone, and she touched them in shock. Was he crying? This man, tough as steel, could actually cry? Tears were present even in him…

"Ring, ring, ring…”

The persistent ring of the cellphone jolted Elysia awake. The first thing she saw was a wall of flesh, a healthy, tanned chest that was irresistibly masculine. Elysia's eyes widened in shock!

Fearfully, she slowly looked up... A strong jawline, thin lips, a prominent nose, and thick, well-shaped eyebrows framed a face she recognized all too well!

Elysia's heart leaped into her throat as she stared at him, nearly screaming aloud! She had ended up sharing a bed with him, wrapped in his arms, sleeping side by side the entire night!