Free The Sanctuary by Arika Stone

a chance at love. He was charming, accommodating, and gave me mind-blowing sex. And I was leaving. And I had no reason why. He was the total opposite of Jude.
    “Can I ask you something?” I whispered.
    He bent down. “Anything.”
    “You’re willing to have your heart broken knowing this may not last past my time here?”
    “Yes, absolutely,” he said without hesitation.
    “Why?” I asked as the tears poured down my face.
    “If we fall in love, my career affords me the flexibility to be with you here or in America. And if we don’t work out, at least I know I tried. I won’t question what could have been the rest of my life.”
    I used the shirt I was holding to wipe the tears away. I knew he was right. His words cleared my mind of confusion. “I don’t want to have regrets.”
    He inched closer. “Then you’ll stay?”
    “For as long as I can. I have to go back in January, though, because I have several events I am contracted to oversee.”
    “Of course if you need to return, then that’s what you’ll need to do.”
    “Between the three branches, we handle hundreds of events in a month. My life is chaotic.” I looked at him hopefully; his face was dangerously close to mine. “Does this mean we’re dating?” I whispered.
    “You tell me, darling. I am yours if you’ll have me.”
    I brushed his hair behind his ear. “I would love to be with you.” I closed my eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Our lips locked in a soft, passionate embrace.
    He pulled away. “Let me make love to you, Eve.”
    It was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard. His words made my knees wobbly. As if our past encounters were just a warm-up for the real thing, I kissed him, embracing his words.
    He wrapped one arm under my legs and the other around my waist, picking me up. With a quick spin, he laid me on the bed before him.
    He stood before me staring deep into my eyes, slowly stripping. His body was perfect, his cock full and erect. He leaned over and slid his hands up my sides, pulling my shirt and bra off of me. Working his way down, he seamlessly slid off my pants.
    He leaned farther into me and placed his face close to mine. His hands clenched my hip bones, thrusting my pelvis against his. His fingers felt smooth and silky as they caressed my flesh. “If I could get away with it”—he kissed me on the neck—“I would tell you I loved you.” He kissed the center of my collarbone before drawing his lips to mine. “But since I can’t, know I am giving you my soul.”
    And with those words, his body entered mine and our souls intertwined. He took my breath away. I wrapped my arms around his back, drawing him closer to me. I felt his breath, each inhale and exhale, each small shudder of his skin pushing against mine.
    Our eyes met; it seemed as if he always watched me, deriving enjoyment from my pleasure. But this time was different; his emotions became one with mine.
    His warm, soft lips pressed into mine, opening my mouth, allowing our bodies to further entwine. My body quivered under his touch. My heart fluttered as I rose into him, and suddenly, orgasmic bliss washed over us simultaneously.
    He rolled over, holding on to me, bringing my head onto his chest. We lay there silently, pleasure and emotions overtaking us. I had never experienced sex like this with any other man. Every other encounter paled in comparison. All the past times were meaningless and void of emotion. Val made love to me, and while I might deny it, I made love to him.
    I propped myself up on one arm. “I wish I had the words to express what I feel for you. What I felt for you during…” I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t.
    “Go on, love, tell me what you feel.” His eyes were tender, his voice soft. He smiled as his hand stroked my nape.
    I changed the subject. “What did you say before we began? If you could get away with…’”
    “I said, ‘If I could get away with it’.”
    My heart felt as though it was going to implode; I