"I need you," I said.

I had my legs wrapped tight around Sylus's waist as he carried me up the stairs to the bedroom. It was our first night together after I'd sold the LA property and moved into the Synn Ranch. Bau had moved into the barn loft he used for his business, which had left the main house open and in need of new tenants. Sylus had quickly volunteered.

The old wood floorboards creaked with each step, and we passed by old family photos hanging along the staircase. Sylus and his brothers when they were younger. School portraits. Photos of their parents. It brought me comfort to be surrounded by such warmth. There was love and history in this home, and that was far more valuable than any Beverly Hills mansion.

I knew that it was healing for Sylus, too. For the past year that we'd been dating he'd still lived in an apartment in LA, and had been suffering because of it. For a man whose senses were so attuned to the world around him, Los Angeles could be an overwhelming place—especially when you were in a relationship with a high-profile celebrity. He wasn't my bodyguard anymore, but I knew that he couldn't help but always be on alert for me. Two months ago, we had a run-in with an overzealous fan and Sylus nearly broke the guy's arm subduing him.

It was easy even for me to see how relaxed Sylus was when back at the family home, so it was a no-brainer to move here with him. And this place really did feel like home.

He fucked me from behind, holding my wrists tightly behind my back as I moaned into the pillows. I reveled in the feeling of his cock, the pleasure of being taken by him.

Two singles and another brand-new album. My style had taken a definite turn in the year since meeting Sylus. Nearly every song was inspired by our love. One critic said, "Chris Stevens had a knack for putting out the type of music that was quick and easy to consume. You desperately wanted more of it, but chances were you would forget about it quickly. I say this in the past tense, because what we have now is a new Chris Stevens, one who may end up joining the halls of country western's most beloved classic artists."

He wrapped his hand around my neck, kissing me deeply. "I love you," he groaned into my ear, and all I managed to do was moan in response.

I could feel him finish when his raw cock swelled and throbbed inside of me, filling me up with his come. It pushed me over the edge, and I clenched at the sheets as I came.

After we showered together, I lay in bed and watched Sylus as he crossed the room, still naked. He opened up his duffel bag, which basically contained all of his belongings, and unpacked his pajamas and some other clothing items. He also removed the black fiberglass case that housed his pistol.

I expected him to open it and take the gun out like he usually did at night, but instead he put it away into the closet. He joined me under the covers, filling the bed with heat from his body. I moved close to him, letting my fingers move around to explore his muscles. I moved lower.

"You're excited," he said, grinning.

My fingers reached his cock, and he was hard again.

"First night living together. First night at home. There's a lot to be excited about. You're not gonna get out your pistol?"

He exhaled as I touched him, crossing his hands behind his head. "You're playing with it, aren't you?"

I batted his dick, and he laughed.

"I think," he said, "I'm ready to let that go."

I smiled and brought my lips to his. His hand found my cock, and we stroked each other.

The road to freedom from the things that chained us down would always be long and filled with obstacles. It'd taken meeting him to begin healing from a lifetime's worth of wounds. He'd been that strength for me.

I would hold his hand and help him to let go, because we were together.

Because he was the man I loved.