The Season Finale: DEREK'S DESTINY
Derek and Destiny begin FOREVER.
Author’s Note: I honestly feel like crying as I write this because I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of Derek’s Destiny. What started as a short Juneteenth story has evolved into something so much bigger, with characters I’ve completely fallen in love with. It’s been an incredible journey to tell their story—a journey that’s been as healing for me as it has been exciting to write.
Thank you for being here, reading along, and sharing in this experience over the past few months. Your support has meant the world to me.
But don’t worry—this isn’t goodbye. Destiny, Derek, Hakeem, and Eden still have so much more to share, and you’ll see exactly what I mean when you read the end. Stay tuned. 🖤
This chapter is too long for the email format, and I don’t want you to miss a single moment. Be sure to click here to view it in its entirety. Enjoy!
Are you new to this series, DEREK’S DESTINY? If so, tap below to start from the very beginning…
DESTINY
“Oh my God! It’s your wedding day!” Eden squealed for what had to be the hundredth time, her excitement bubbling over like champagne in her glass.
I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head.
“I swear, you’re more excited than me. And trust me, I’m barely holding it together,” I said, my grin matching hers, big and cheesy.
“This is going to be so beautiful, Des. Everything you ever dreamed of,” she gushed, scrolling through photos of the setup on her phone. “I’ve been checking in all morning, and it’s flawless.”
“Eden,” I said, giving her a look over the rim of my mimosa glass, “I need you to relax today. Take off your project manager hat and just enjoy it, okay? It’s my wedding, but I want you to have fun too.”
She waved me off, undeterred. “Girl, I’m the maid of honor. I still have to make sure everything is up to your standard.”
I sighed, reaching over to clink my glass against hers, a soft smile tugging at my lips. “Everything’s already perfect. Even if it’s not, it doesn’t matter—because at the end of today, I’ll be his, and he’ll be mine. Forever.”
She smiled back, her warmth a tether in the quiet hum of my spa room. The last time I’d been in this room, I was being pampered for Derek to propose. Now, I was preparing to walk down the aisle in this very house, preparing to step into a forever I’d dreamed of but never thought would feel so real.
I sipped my mimosa, the coolness sliding down my throat as a fluttering took hold in my stomach. It wasn’t just excitement—it was something deeper, a hum of nerves and anticipation that had been building for weeks. The kind of feeling that made you hyper-aware of everything: the clink of the glass, the soft rustle of robes, the faint scent of lavender in the air.
I tried to shake it off, to focus on the here and now, but my mind kept wandering. This wasn’t just a wedding day. It was the day my world shifted on its axis. As much as I knew Derek—as much as I’d relearned him, rediscovered us over the past few months—there was still a small part of me that trembled at the enormity of it all.
I wasn’t just Destiny Boseman from Juniper anymore. I wasn’t just the girl who fell for the boy with dreams bigger than our small town. I was part of something vast now, orbiting a universe built around D-Truth—the man, the legend, and the love of my life.
I was about to become his wife. To claim a role in his world that felt as big and as bright as the lights that followed him everywhere. And even as my heart swelled with joy, there was a whisper of fear in the background, a shadow of doubt. Could I handle all this? Could I handle him—his drive, his fame, his unrelenting passion?
What I thought I’d glimpsed during the Jubilee and his time in Juniper—the chaos, the energy, the gravitational pull of Derek’s world—was nothing compared to the day to day reality.
Now, I was fully submerged. It wasn’t just Marcy and the guys. It was an empire. Security teams flanked us at every step, their eyes scanning for threats I hadn’t even considered. Personal assistants moved in synchronized precision, keeping his days from slipping into chaos. His stylist curated every thread he wore, his barber and loctician ensured every detail of his appearance was flawless. The PR team orchestrated a symphony of control, shaping his image while dodging the relentless assault of tabloids.
And then there was the pace—an insane schedule of sold-out performances that left audiences screaming his name. Recording sessions that stretched into the early morning, a constant churn of creativity that seemed both exhilarating and exhausting. International appearances that placed us in breathtaking locations but never left time to truly soak them in. He wanted me there for all of it, by his side, grounding him in a world that moved too fast.
But with all of that came the shadows—the cameras that seemed to materialize out of nowhere, the paparazzi hungry for a crack in the facade. Every corner we turned, every door we stepped through, someone was lurking, waiting to capture a moment, a misstep, a vulnerability.
This was the D-Truth Universe, sprawling and electric. And I was learning how to navigate it, how to walk in step with a man who seemed to carry the weight of it all without stumbling. It wasn’t just his world anymore. It was ours. And as overwhelming as it could be, I was starting to understand what it meant to stand beside him in the spotlight—and what it would take to hold onto the Derek I knew.
The biggest shift came as I planned the wedding and moved into the house we now shared—a sprawling masterpiece of a home that felt like it belonged in a magazine spread, yet somehow still felt like ours. There was never a budget, not once. Whatever I wanted, even the things I only half-formed as fleeting thoughts, Derek made happen. “What my Princess wants, my Princess gets,” he’d say to me and contractors over FaceTime, brushing off my hesitations like they didn’t even register. At first, it felt like too much, overwhelming, but Derek wouldn’t have it any other way. His love showed itself in a million big ways, but this—building me the world I deserved—was his language.
Now, I was standing on the cusp of the dream he’d crafted with me. A house I couldn’t have imagined for myself. A wedding that was somehow both intimate and grand. And most of all, a love that had weathered storms I didn’t think we’d survive. It was a lot to take in.
My eyes drifted to Eden’s mimosa, still full, the condensation pooling at the base of the glass. “Eden, you can drink a little…you’re not working,” I said, raising a playful eyebrow as I swirled the last of mine.
She froze for half a second before turning to me with a smile so small, so knowing, that I immediately caught on.
“You’re pregnant?” I whispered, leaning in, careful to keep my voice low. Across the room, our moms were laughing over something silly, the soft hum of Toni Braxton filling the air.
Eden hesitated, glancing around like the walls had ears. Her fingers tugged at the edge of her robe.
“I’m not sure yet,” she admitted, her voice barely audible. “But…I think so. Hakeem thinks so too. I’ll take the test this weekend, but Des, this is your day. I don’t want to make it about me.”
“Eden,” I said, narrowing my eyes with mock sternness, “if you think you are, you probably are. And let’s not pretend you and Hakeem haven’t been at it like rabbits.”
Her face flushed so red I thought she might combust.
“Oh my God, Des!” She swatted at my arm, her laughter bubbling up despite herself. Then, leaning closer, she whispered, “But for real…he’s sooooo nasty.”
That set us both off, laughter spilling out until tears shimmered at the corners of our eyes. It felt good, that kind of joy you don’t have to chase, the kind you just fall into.
“If Hakeem’s anything like Derek,” I teased, shaking my head with a grin, “or worse... yeah, I can see how you got here barely a couple of months into marriage.”
Eden leaned back, her giggle softening into something more tender.
“I can’t keep him off me,” she admitted, her cheeks still pink. “But I don’t want to. He’s been so good to me, you know? He’s not who I thought I’d end up with, but he’s everything I needed.”
Her voice carried a kind of wonder, the kind that only comes when life surprises you in the best way. I watched her, her face glowing with a love that seemed to anchor her, and my heart swelled. Hakeem was good to her. That much was clear. She looked lighter these days, freer, like she’d finally stepped into the version of herself she’d always dreamed about.
Eden had embraced the life she wanted—left her job, turned her focus to building a home with Hakeem. She made their house a haven, cooking his favorite meals with a healthier twist, working out together, ensuring he took his meds. She was his rock, his partner. And Hakeem? He’d stepped up in ways that made me see him in a whole new light. Business was booming for him, and he was back in school.
He didn’t miss the chaos of Derek’s world, not one bit. He had Eden, and now, if her instincts were right, he’d soon have another little person to love. Watching them build their life, seeing how deeply they cared for one another—it was like watching a love story unfold in real time.
And for Eden? It was the one she’d been waiting for her whole life.
The knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts, and my mom, her curls pinned just right, rose to answer. She peeked out, then opened the door with a knowing smile, her eyes soft as they landed on who stood there. “It’s Ant.”
Ant walked in with the kind of confidence that couldn’t be taught, his sharp suit fitting like it had been made with only him in mind—which, knowing his brother, it probably had. There was something effortless about him, like he could command a room without trying, even if it wasn’t his moment to shine.
I wasn’t even fully dressed yet, still wrapped in my robe while the nail tech worked on my toes, but Ant didn’t bat an eye. He stepped in, his presence warm and familiar, his grin already spreading wide.
“My favorite brother-in-law!” I teased, my voice lighter than it had been all morning.
He chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. “Look at you, Kid,” he said, standing back to take me in. His gaze was steady but filled with something close to awe. “Beautiful.” The word was simple, but coming from Ant, it carried weight. “You ready?” he asked, his tone softening, his usual cool giving way to something more tender.
I nodded, meeting his eyes. “Yeah.” But as I looked at him, I couldn’t help but think about everything he’d been to me—not just Derek’s brother, but mine too. Ant had always been there. When Derek wasn’t around, when things were hard, Ant had stepped in without hesitation. He’d been my rock in the quiet moments, my protector when I didn’t even realize I needed one.
“Been a long time coming, huh?” he said, his smile tinged with warmth and just a hint of nostalgia.
“It has… and you’ve been there every step of the way. Thank you, Ant,” I said, my voice faltering slightly. “You mean a lot to me, you know that, right?”
His mouth twisted, and he flicked his nose like he was pushing something down, emotions he wasn’t ready to let surface.
“D wanted me to give you this,” he said after a beat, his voice a touch gruffer than before. He reached behind him, pulling out a sleek black box, holding it out like it was something sacred.
The room seemed to hold its breath as I took it from him, my hands trembling slightly. The photographers and videographers turned their lenses toward us, capturing every second. Ant stepped back, giving me space, though his eyes never left me.
I lifted the lid slowly, revealing another box inside, smaller and more delicate. My heart thudded in my chest as I opened it. The light caught on something inside, and for a moment, it felt like time slowed.
Nestled there was the most stunning bracelet I’d ever seen, blue diamonds glittering like tiny stars caught in silver. The metal was cool against my fingertips as I traced its delicate curves, my breath catching at its beauty. But then I saw it—folded neatly beside the bracelet, a note in Derek’s bold, slanted handwriting.
I glanced at Ant, who offered an encouraging nod, the kind that said he knew exactly what was waiting for me inside. My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded the note, my heart pounding against my ribs like it was trying to escape. Derek’s bold, slanted handwriting jumped off the page, every letter heavy with the weight of his love.
“For my Princess. Something blue. Read the inscription and then come back to finish this note…”
Confused but curious, I turned my attention back to the platinum bracelet in the box. Its brilliance caught the light, the blue diamonds shimmering like whispers of the ocean. Then I saw it—etched delicately on the inside, words that made my breath hitch:
“Derek’s Destiny.”
The tears came instantly, unbidden, stinging at the corners of my eyes. I ran my thumb over the engraving, a small laugh slipping out even as the emotion clawed at my chest. Of course, he’d do this. Of course, he’d find a way to reduce me to a puddle before I’d even gotten into my dress.
I wiped at my eyes and turned back to the note, desperate to see what else he had to say.
“Destiny, you’ve been mine from the moment I laid eyes on you as a boy. God must’ve whispered your name in my heart even then, told me who you were and who you’d be to me, because it was like I already knew. I prayed every night for the courage to approach you, to make you see me, to make you like me the way I liked you. And when that like grew into love, it didn’t surprise me—it just confirmed what God had been telling me all along.
You are my destiny.
He named you perfectly because He made you for me. He knew I needed you in ways I didn’t even understand yet. He knew I couldn’t do this life, couldn’t walk in my purpose, without you by my side. And when I didn’t cherish you the way I should have, when I let my pride and my mistakes get in the way, He took you away. Left me gasping, suffocated, until I couldn’t deny it anymore—you are the air I need to breathe. You are my second chance at everything I thought I lost.
He taught me there is no me without you. And I’m not too proud to tell you how much I need you, Princess. How much I’ll always need you. I hope when you look at me today, when you take my hand in front of God and everyone, you’ll see my commitment to you, to us, to everything we are now and everything we’ll grow to be. Because we’re just getting started.
I can’t wait to see you coming down the aisle, Princess. I already know I’m gonna cry like a baby, and I don’t even care, because this? This is the happiest day of my life. I love you, Destiny. Always have. Always will. Your Derek.”
I clutched the letter to my chest, my heart swelling and breaking all at once. Tears streamed freely down my face, but they weren’t just tears of emotion—they were tears of gratitude, of clarity, of understanding just how deep Derek’s love for me ran.
He had always seen me. Always chosen me. Always trusted that we were meant to do this life together, no matter the trials, no matter the storms. He believed in us when I didn’t even know how to believe in myself.
I traced the inscription on the bracelet, Derek’s Destiny, and felt the truth of those words settle into my soul. God had named me perfectly, just as Derek said, because my life was woven with his in a way that felt like it had been preordained.
Ant gently clasped the bracelet around my wrist, his large hands surprisingly delicate as he secured it.
“There you go, Des,” he said, giving me one of those rare, soft smiles only reserved for moments like this. Then he pulled me into a tight hug, his familiar strength grounding me when I felt like I might float away. “I’ll see you out there, alright?”
I nodded, unable to find the words. My throat felt thick, my chest full. All I could do was hold onto him for a second longer before he stepped away.
Kelly-Ann’s voice cut through the haze. “Ladies, we’re gonna need to touch up that makeup.” She gestured toward me and Eden, who had been crying right along with me, our emotions bubbling over into shared tears.
Our moms came over then, wrapping us in a group hug that felt like love and strength and everything I didn’t know I needed in that moment. I sat there with the gel light over my toes, letting it all sink in—the hugs, the laughter, the chaos swirling around me as my tribe held me steady.
Before I knew it, I was fully dressed and ready. My gown was a vision—a strapless masterpiece of ivory silk that hugged my curves before cascading into an endless train of delicate lace and tulle. The bodice was intricately embroidered with tiny crystals that caught the light with every turn, giving the illusion of stars scattered across the fabric. A high slit on the side added a touch of daring elegance, the kind of detail Derek would love, while the flowing veil, adorned with subtle floral accents, framed me like something out of a dream.
My hair was swept into an intricate updo, soft tendrils framing my face, giving the look an air of effortless romance. Each curl was deliberate, pinned just so, the subtle sparkle of a few hidden gems adding depth and dimension. My makeup was luminous, enhancing every feature Derek claimed to love most. My eyes were lined softly, their depth accentuated by shades of bronze and gold, while my lips carried the faintest tint of blush, just enough to highlight the nervous smile playing on them.
But it wasn’t the gown, the hair, or the makeup that took my breath away. It was the way I felt staring at myself in the mirror. For the first time, I saw it—the culmination of every twist and turn, every storm, every triumph. I saw the woman Derek fell in love with and the woman I had become because of him, for myself.
I couldn’t believe it. I was about to become Mrs. Derek Harris, and in this moment, I’d never felt more like his Princess.
A soft knock broke my trance, and my father stepped into the room. His footsteps were measured, his eyes carrying the weight of pride and emotion that he tried hard to hide.
“It’s time,” he said, his voice thick, a little rough around the edges like he’d been holding back tears.
I turned to him, the love in his expression nearly undoing me. His hand rested on my shoulder, grounding me, and for a second, I thought I might crumble under the weight of it all—the joy, the fear, the enormity of this moment.
But I didn’t.
I straightened my shoulders, took one last glance at the mirror, and nodded. It was time. Time to walk toward forever. Toward Derek. Toward us.
As we stepped out, the room came alive with energy. Little Derek stood by the back door, clutching the pillow with the rings, his wide grin so bright it could’ve lit up the whole house. He beamed up at me, his joy uncontainable.
“Dang, Auntie Destiny, Uncle D is gonna fall out when he sees you.”
I laughed, the sound breaking through the nervous fluttering in my chest. Seeing him like this—so full of life, so resilient after everything he’d been through—was a reminder of why this day mattered so much. His mom had said he wasn’t fully back to himself yet, but the boy standing here, shining with pride, was a testament to the strength that ran in this family.
“He better not fall out,” my little cousin Anesha said with mock seriousness, clutching her basket of petals like a seasoned pro. Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head. “This wedding looks way too expensive for that. But the real is, aren’t you too old to be a ring bearer? You’re like 9!”
Little Derek rolled his eyes, sucking his teeth like a grown man. “Who else would Uncle D trust with this? I’m his right-hand man. You trippin’.”
Ant let out a deep, hearty laugh, shaking his head. “Might really be Derek’s kid.”
“Might be,” I said, grinning at the exchange.
Little Derek puffed his chest out like he was ready to step into his uncle’s shoes right then and there, and I loved him for it.
I glanced at my dad, then at Ant. They both gave me a look of pure amusement and quiet encouragement. It steadied me, this moment of laughter and love, this slice of family grounding me as I prepared to step into something even bigger.
“Alright, you two, save some of that energy for the walk down the aisle,” Ant said, his voice filled with warmth, that brotherly tone that could calm anyone in a storm.
The music swelled in the background, my signal that it was time. Time to step into the sunlight, into the future I’d dreamed of, with Derek waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
And so, I walked toward forever. The processional began. Ant and Eden, arm in arm, led the way, their movements graceful and steady. Little Derek followed, his chest puffed out, clutching the rings like they were the most sacred treasures in the world. Anesha trailed behind him, her tiny hands tossing petals with the precision of someone who understood the gravity of her role. And then, it happened.
The melody floated through the air, delicate and soulful. “Love of My Life” by Erykah Badu, played by the string quartet, signaling my turn. My cue to make my way to Derek.
I stepped out and instantly, the ceremony’s beauty stole my breath. Our private beach transformed into a sanctuary, an oasis of love and intention. The lush flowers seemed endless, cascading in soft blooms that framed the ocean as the perfect backdrop. The aisle itself shimmered, an elegant walkway leading me straight to him.
And there he was.
The love of my life.
Derek stood at the altar, his suit cut to perfection, the fabric hugging him in all the right places. His hair was pulled into a high bun, loose strands framing his face. But it was his eyes, his smile—Jesus, this man. Tears were already streaming down his face, carving paths through his joy, his love for me laid bare for everyone to see. His hands were clasped in front of him, but I could see the slight tremble, the way his whole body seemed to hum with anticipation.
I wanted to run to him, close the distance and wipe those tears away. But I couldn’t. Not yet. This was my moment with my father, a journey that needed to be made with steady steps, not hurried ones.
I took a breath and held on to my dad’s arm as he whispered, “You ready?”
I nodded, words slipping from my grasp as I took each step closer to the man waiting for me at the end of the aisle. My heart pounded, each beat echoing in my ears, drowning out the soft murmurs of our gathered loved ones. The world around me blurred, faces becoming indistinct shapes. All I could see was Derek—his broad shoulders, his steady stance, his face softened by the tears he didn’t try to hide.
When my father placed my hand in his, the weight of the moment hit me like a wave. Derek squeezed my fingers gently, grounding me. I wanted to kiss him right there, wanted to pull him into me and let everything else melt away. But this moment wasn’t just ours—it was shared with everyone who had been part of our journey.
Derek wiped his face with the handkerchief his brother handed him, his hands shaking just enough for me to notice.
“Hold it down, D,” Hakeem said, his voice cutting through the emotion like a lifeline. Laughter rippled through the crowd, breaking the tension, even pulling a soft chuckle from Derek.
He leaned in, his voice low, meant only for me. “Princess, you look so beautiful.”
I smiled, tears threatening to fall again. “Thank you,” I whispered back. “You’re so handsome.”
The pastor cleared his throat gently, bringing us back to the present, to the reason we were standing here. As he began the ceremony, I tried to absorb every second, every word, but my eyes kept drifting to Derek. My mind swirled with memories, the weight of everything that had brought us to this point. If my 15-year-old self could see me now—marrying the boy who had stolen my heart, she wouldn’t believe it.
Tears blurred my vision, and I hadn’t realized I was crying until Derek reached out, his thumb brushing a tear from my cheek. His smile was tender, grounding, everything I needed in that moment.
“And now, the vows,” the pastor announced, his voice warm and inviting. His gaze shifted to me, and I felt the weight of the room settle on my shoulders.
Oh, right. I was first.
I cleared my throat, nerves making my hands tremble as I looked at Derek. “I didn’t write any vows,” I started, my voice shaky but honest. “And while it seemed like a good idea to speak from the heart at first…I’ve suddenly remembered that you’re a Grammy award-winning lyricist, and maybe that wasn’t the best idea after all.”
The crowd burst into laughter, Derek included.
I took a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I gripped Derek’s. His eyes held mine, a quiet storm of emotion swirling in their depths, and I knew—whatever I said here, it had to come from the deepest part of me. This wasn’t just a promise; it was a truth I’d carry for the rest of my life.
“Derek,” I began, my voice soft but steady, “standing here, looking at you, I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. Not because it’s a wedding or because we’re surrounded by people we love, but because it’s you. It’s always been you.”
I paused, taking in the way his grip tightened just enough to steady me. “You’ve been my safe place, my teacher, my fiercest protector. You’ve shown me love that I didn’t even know I deserved, love that’s held me together when I felt like I was falling apart. And more than that, you’ve challenged me to grow, to face my fears, to become a woman who can stand next to you—not just as your wife, but as your partner.”
His breath hitched, the rawness of his expression cracking through the composure he’d tried so hard to hold onto.
“There were times,” I continued, “when I didn’t believe in us, when I doubted that love like this could survive everything we’ve been through. But you never let go. You refused to give up on me, even when I tried to give up on myself. You carried me, Derek, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that.”
A tear slid down his cheek, and I fought the urge to brush it away, knowing I needed to finish.
“You’ve taught me what it means to be brave, not just for myself but for us. You’ve shown me that even in the darkest moments, love can be the light that guides you home. And I want you to know that I see you, Derek—not just the man who protects me, not just the man who loves me, but the man who’s allowed me to see his heart, his fears, his dreams. And I promise you, I will always hold those pieces of you with the same care you’ve given me.”
The tears were falling freely now, from both of us, and the crowd faded away until it was just the two of us, the ocean as our witness.
“I vow to love you with everything I have, to stand by you in the good times and the hard ones, to trust you, to honor you, and to be your peace when the world feels like too much. You are my protector, my teacher, my home—but most importantly, you are my heart, Derek. You’ve always been my heart.”
His shoulders shook as a sob escaped, his head bowing for a moment as he tried to collect himself. When he looked back up at me, his face was a mix of wonder and love so deep it made my chest ache.
“I’m yours,” I finished, my voice breaking as I put his ring on his finger, but the words clear. “Always, Derek. Always.”
Derek wiped his face with a trembling hand, his chest rising and falling with the weight of the words he was about to say. The pastor made a lighthearted joke about topping my vows which drew laughter from the crowd, but Derek didn’t even crack a smile. His eyes stayed locked on mine, dark and glistening with emotion, and the world seemed to still around us.
“Destiny,” he began, his voice low but steady, the kind of tone that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. “I knew, from the very first time I saw you, that you were gonna change my life. And I’m not surprised we’re here today. Not because I’m arrogant or because I think I deserve you—but because I know the prayers I’ve prayed. I know the deals I’ve made with God, the promises I’ve kept to Him, and the sacrifices I’ve made to stand in front of you today as the man you see before you. The man worthy of your love.”
He paused, his hands gripping mine like they were his lifeline. His eyes softened, and his voice grew rougher, like the words were carving their way out of him. “Everything I am, Destiny, everything I’ve built, is because of you. When people laughed at me, doubted me, you stood there with me. Practicing, encouraging, dreaming right alongside me. You didn’t just believe in me—you set the foundation for me to rise, for me to build something that I could share with you today. Everything I proudly provide for us today, it’s because you saw me when no one else did. And more than that, you made me want to be better—not just for you, but for myself. Because I knew, even back then, that to be worthy of you, I had to become more.”
He drew in a shaky breath, his thumb brushing against the inside of my wrist as if he needed the connection to steady himself. “As we step into this new chapter, my promise to you is simple: I want to help you breathe easier, Destiny. You’ve carried so much—for other people, for yourself, for us. You’ve been through hell, and there are things I wasn’t even there to protect you from—things I’ll carry the guilt of for the rest of my life.”
His voice cracked then, his eyes lowering for just a second, the weight of Arnold, of Jake, of everything we’d survived crashing down between us. But when he lifted his gaze again, there was a fire there that made my breath catch.
“You’ve been my strength, Princess. My compass. My heart. And as much as I’ve told you I need you, I know now—you need me too. You need someone to stand between you and the world when it gets too heavy. And I’m telling you now, with every fiber of my being, that I’ll be that man for you. As long as there’s breath in my lungs, I’ll protect you—emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically. When we expand our family, I’ll protect our children just as fiercely.”
His voice lowered, thick with conviction, and tears fell freely down his face, his vulnerability stripping me bare. “But more than anything, Destiny, I will love you. If I don’t know how to do anything else in this world, I know how to love you. That’s my purpose in this life. That’s my mission. That’s what God put me on this earth to do. And I promise you now—I will not fail at that.”
“Derek…” My voice wavered, barely holding steady under the weight of all that had just passed between us.
His gaze locked onto mine, intense and unwavering, the tears on his face mirrored in my own. “I just need you to promise me one thing, Princess.”
My heart stilled, bracing for the depth of whatever he was about to say. I swallowed hard, nodding slightly. “What is it?”
For a moment, his expression softened, that mischievous glint I’d fallen in love with slipping through the cracks.
“Unlimited milkshakes,” he said, his lips curving into a smirk, even as his voice caught in his throat.
I blinked, caught completely off guard before a burst of laughter erupted from me. It was loud and free, the kind of laugh that shakes loose all the tension in your chest. I playfully shoved him, tears still streaking down my face. “Oh my God, Derek…”
He chuckled, the sound low and rich, grounding me in the moment. “I’m serious,” he teased, holding his hands up like he was ready to negotiate.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Hakeem groaned from his seat up front.
And then Derek’s dad chimed in, scratching his head with a smirk. “Wait—is that a sex thing?”
“Dad!” Ant barked, but he was laughing now too.
I wiped at my eyes, trying to pull myself together, my chest still trembling with laughter.
“Deal on the milkshakes,” I said, grinning at him through the tears.
Derek’s face softened, his smile widening as he held out his fist. Without hesitation, I bumped it with mine, a gesture so simple yet filled with everything unsaid.
“I love you, Destiny,” he said, his voice dropping low, the emotion in it cutting straight to my soul as he slipped my wedding band on. “I’ve been writing ‘Destiny Harris’ in my notebooks since the tenth grade. And even if it took half a lifetime to get here, I’m just glad my destiny finally manifested.”
By the time he finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, least of all mine. His words hung between us like a vow etched into the air itself, and as he wiped a tear from my cheek with the pad of his thumb, I felt the weight of his promise settle over me like a shield as he slipped on my wedding band.
It wasn’t until the pastor’s voice cut through the haze, saying something about kissing the bride, that we both snapped back to the moment. A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, as the string quartet began playing, “The Matrimony” by Wale.
And then Derek reached for me, his hands firm and sure as they framed my face, pulling me to him. The kiss that followed wasn’t just a kiss—it was a claim, a promise, and a declaration all at once. His lips moved over mine with a hunger that sent warmth radiating through my entire body, grounding me, electrifying me, making me forget everything but the feel of him.
The cheers and applause from our guests were a distant hum, a backdrop to the fireworks igniting between us. When we finally pulled back, breathless and dazed, Derek rested his forehead against mine, his thumb gently brushing my cheek.
Derek. My husband. It still didn’t feel real.
He whispered, low and rough, his voice like a caress against my skin. “Mrs. Harris.”
And just like that, my chest tightened, and I let out a soft, shaky laugh. “Mr. Harris,” I whispered back, trying to hold it together but already failing.
He smiled, that wide, beautiful grin that always made me feel like I was standing in sunlight. The tear that slid down his cheek undid me completely. “You have no idea what this moment means to me, Princess. None.”
I cupped his face, my thumbs brushing the wet streaks he didn’t bother to hide. “Thank you… thank you for loving me like this. For making me feel safe enough to stand here with you.”
His hand came up to cover mine, pressing it firmly against his chest, right over the rhythm of his heart. “This,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “this has been yours since I was fifteen. You’ve been my everything, even when I was too dumb to realize it. And now, the rest of me is yours, too. Forever.”
The tears came hot and fast then, and I didn’t bother to stop them. My fingers tightened against his chest, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I’ll take care of it, Derek. I’ll take care of you. I promise.”
The pastor cleared his throat somewhere in the distance, and the crowd exploded into cheers and applause, pulling us out of our little world. But I stayed rooted there for just another second, memorizing the way he looked at me in this moment—the love, the vulnerability, the awe.
Derek leaned in close again, his voice so low I almost didn’t hear it. “Ready for forever, Mrs. Harris?”
I smiled through my tears, my chest swelling with something I couldn’t put into words if I tried. “I’ve been ready, Mr. Harris.”
“Presenting, Mr. and Mrs. Derek Harris!” the pastor’s voice boomed, and the applause seemed to double. We both broke into wide smiles, and Derek pulled me in for another kiss, this one softer but no less claiming. The world blurred for a moment—just him, just us, the weight of forever settling comfortably around my shoulders.
When we turned to walk back down the aisle, Derek’s stride was confident, his grin wide as he reached out to dap up a few of his boys along the way. “Appreciate you, bro,” he said to Hakeem, who smirked and shook his head.
“Proud of ya’ll,” Ant called out.
As we made our way down the aisle, past the lush flowers and the glowing faces of our closest family and friends, it hit me all over again. This was the start of something bigger than either of us. Our forever was beginning, and it felt like we were stepping into it hand in hand, ready for whatever came next.
DEREK
The memory hit me like a needle dropping on an old vinyl, spinning straight into my soul, raw and alive, every detail sharper than the last…
“Ooohhhh, Vincent, turn that up!” my mom’s voice carried through the house, full of laughter and energy.
And then, just like that, Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” flooded the house.
I was in my room, sprawled out on the floor with a notebook in front of me, pen in hand, trying to piece together the perfect rhyme. But concentration? That was gone the second my parents decided to turn the living room into their own personal dance floor. Destiny was there too, lounging on my bed, a book in her hands, her legs swinging in that absentminded way she always did when she was relaxed.
She glanced down, catching my scowl as I dropped my pen, frustration bubbling over while she giggled.
“Why you laughing?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at the grin spreading across her face.
She laughed even harder, closing her book and leaning over to look at me, her braids falling over one shoulder.
“You just look so cute when you’re mad,” she teased, her voice soft but teasing, a melody in its own right.
I couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking my head. Destiny had this way of breaking through whatever mood I was in, turning it into something lighter, softer. She was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen, and she was mine. Almost a year now, and it still felt surreal. Destiny liked being around me far as I could tell, and I loved having her here.
Her house wasn’t an option—not right now. Her mom had heard something about me that didn’t sit right again, and Destiny had been sneaking over ever since, lying about where she was. My parents, on the other hand, loved having her around, but they weren’t playing. The rule was clear: if she was in my room, the door had to be wide open.
I sighed, throwing a glance toward the open doorway where the music was spilling in, loud and unapologetic. “It ain’t even cleaning day. Why they got that shit on?”
“It’s cute,” she said, her voice laced with amusement. She peeked over my shoulder, her smile widening as she pointed past me. “Look. They’re dancing.”
I turned some more, and there they were—my parents, swaying in the middle of the living room, like the world outside didn’t exist. My mom’s arms were draped around my dad’s neck, her head tilted back as she laughed at something he’d said, and he held her like she was the only thing keeping him standing. They moved together, easy and unhurried, like they had all the time in the world.
It caught me off guard, the smile creeping across my face. My parents were loud, and sometimes they got on my nerves with all that lovey-dovey shit, but watching them like this? It was cool. Real cool.
Destiny shifted closer, resting her chin on her hand as she studied me, her smile softening. “You’re lucky, you know,” she said, her voice quieter now. “Not everybody gets to see love like that up close.”
I nodded, letting her words settle in. “Yeah,” I said after a moment, my eyes still on my parents.
But she didn’t get it. I did get to see love up close—I was living it, with her. I just hadn’t said it out loud yet. Felt it, yeah, every damn day, but saying it? That was a whole different beast. Made me feel exposed in a way I wasn’t used to, like I was handing her my chest and telling her to take care of it. And honestly? Sometimes I hated how soft Destiny made me. She was getting to me, flipping parts of me I didn’t even know needed changing, making me feel shit I wasn’t sure I wanted to feel. But somehow, with her, it was okay.
Being with her had me calming down, acting less wild, fighting less. She had this way of quieting everything in my head, of making me feel like maybe the chaos didn’t always have to win. And right now, sitting here, watching her smile as she peeked at my parents dancing, it felt like maybe this was the moment. Maybe I could finally say it.
If anyone could help me say I was in love, it was Anita.
I feel no shame
I'm in love, sweet love
I looked back at her, my girl, the only one who’d ever really looked at me like I wasn’t a monster. She caught me looking, her smile softening in that way that made my chest tighten. Without thinking too much about it, I stood up, my heart beating like a damn drum, and held my hand out to her.
“Dance with me?” I asked, my voice low, steady as I got up on my feet.
Her eyes widened, and she tilted her head at me. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah,” I said, holding out my hand. “Come on.”
“I don’t know to slow dance”, she said.
“I got you Princess, let me teach you.”
She hesitated, but I saw the smile teasing at the corner of her lips as she reached for me. I pulled her up gently, one hand settling on the small of her back, the other finding her hand and guiding it to my shoulder. I held her close, leading her into the rhythm like I’d been doing this forever.
She blinked up at me, surprised. “How do you know how to dance like this?”
I chuckled, the sound low in my chest. “My mama,” I admitted. “She been making me and Ant dance with her since we could walk. If my dad wasn’t home, I would be her dance partner right now.”
Destiny giggled, her laugh soft and easy, and we moved together, her body fitting against mine like it was meant to be there. I couldn’t stop looking at her—her smile, the way her eyes lit up as she danced with me, like she couldn’t believe this was happening.
“You know this song?” I asked, breaking the quiet between us.
She shook her head, her curls brushing against her cheeks. “Nope.”
“‘Sweet Love’ by Anita Baker,” I said, putting her on game. “You gotta know it. It’s a classic. Your mama doesn’t play Anita when she cleans?”, I asked.
She shook my head. “Mostly gospel.”
"That's cool," I said, my voice dropping low, a little playful but dead serious. "I’ll put you on to all the old-school joints. Gotta know this one, though. It’s a big deal."
She cocked her head, eyebrows lifting. "Why’s it so important?"
I smirked, shrugging like the answer was obvious. "’Cause it’s our first slow dance, and we’re gonna play it at our wedding one day," I said, like it was already set in stone. "So when we’re dancing that day, I want you to remember this moment."
Destiny tilted her head back and laughed, shaking her head at me like I’d just said the craziest thing in the world.
"Derek, please," she said, rolling her eyes, but when she looked back at me, her eyes softened, like part of her wanted to believe it.
"I’m dead serious," I said, my tone steady, no trace of a joke. I nodded toward the living room where my parents were still caught up in their own little bubble, swaying like the rest of the world didn’t exist. "One day, that’s gonna be us. You’ll see. We’re gonna be just like them."
She studied me for a moment, her gaze searching mine. “What makes you so sure about that?”
I feel no shame
I'm in love, sweet love
“Cause…I love you,” I said, the words slipping out without hesitation. I didn’t need to think about it. I just knew. I meant it.
Her smile dropped, just for a second, her eyes glistening with something she didn’t say out loud. Then she leaned her head against my chest, her arms wrapping tighter around me.
"How you know?" she asked, her voice so soft I almost didn’t catch it, her eyes flicking up to meet mine.
"That I love you?" I asked back, my voice just as low.
She nodded, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. "Yeah."
I let out a breath, tightening my hold on her just a little like she might float away if I didn’t. The words came easy, like they’d been sitting on my chest waiting for the right time to spill out. "’Cause I think about you all the time, Destiny. Like, no matter what I’m doing—waking up, writing, just chillin’—you’re always on my mind. And it ain’t just about now. It’s about later, too. I see it, clear as day. Us growing up together, me making it big, doing all the things we talk about—and you right there with me. Im’ma care of you, give you everything you want. I don’t gotta think twice about it. I just know. Been knew."
Her feet stopped moving, and she looked up at me like I’d just said something she didn’t know she needed to hear. Her eyes were wide, soft, and full of something that made my chest ache in the best way.
"I love you too, Derek," she said, her voice steady but quieter, a little shy like she wasn’t sure how I’d take it.
"You do?" My heart jumped, the words hitting me like a punch I didn’t see coming.
She nodded, her smile small but sweet, her cheeks turning that pretty pink she always got when she was nervous.
"I been feeling it too… I just…" She trailed off, looking like she was trying to figure out the right words, but she didn’t have to. I already knew.
"I know," I said, my voice soft, cutting her off before she had to say it. My thumb brushed her cheek, and I leaned in just a little closer. "I know."
She smiled again, a little wider this time, and said it again, like she needed me to really feel it. "I love you."
"I love you more," I replied, the words slipping out without hesitation. They felt easy, natural, like they’d always been there.
And then I kissed her, slow and deliberate, like I was trying to capture the exact feeling of her lips on mine, the way her warmth settled into me, the way she tilted her head just enough to deepen it. My hand cradled her face, fingers brushing her jaw, and for a moment, nothing else mattered. Not the music floating from the living room, not my parents swaying to their own rhythm, not a single damn thing. It was just us, locked in this moment.
“Aye!” My dad’s voice broke through like a cymbal crash, followed by a sharp knock at the door. “Cut that mess out before I take Destiny home myself. You know better than that.”
We jumped apart like guilty kids caught sneaking candy, Destiny’s cheeks turning pink as she stammered, “Sorry, Mr. Harris.”
“Dad, come on, man!” I groaned, throwing him an exasperated look as he stood in the doorway, trying to look serious but barely holding back a grin.
He fixed me with a pointed glare, then slowly backed out, muttering something under his breath about kids these days.
Destiny let out a nervous laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, that was… mortifying.”
I grinned, leaning closer, lowering my voice to a whisper just for her. “One day, Princess, we’ll kiss wherever we want, as much as we want, and nobody’ll say a damn thing about it.”
She laughed, the sound light and bright, filling the room as she playfully smacked my arm.
The memory unraveled like a ribbon caught in the wind, slipping away as the present settled over me like a second skin. I was back on the dance floor, the soft glow of string lights overhead, the backyard of the first home Destiny and I had bought together cradling us in its quiet warmth.
Our wedding day. Our first dance. Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” flowed through the speakers, her voice a velvet current carrying us, wrapping around us as we moved in unspoken harmony.
My arms were wrapped around Destiny—my wife. The word hit me like a warm rush, like something solid and grounding that I’d been chasing forever. Her gaze locked on mine, and in her eyes, I saw it—the same memory playing out, our first slow dance in my bedroom, her hand on my shoulder, my hand on the small of her back. Back when love was something we were just starting to understand, something raw and fragile but already so consuming.
And now, here we were. Older, scarred by life in ways those kids couldn’t have imagined, but still standing here, together, still us. More in love than ever.
My heart thudded in my chest as I tightened my grip on her waist, pulling her a little closer. We didn’t need words; every sway of our bodies, every glance, every breath said everything.
Destiny broke the silence first, her voice low, teasing but soft with the weight of the moment. “What would younger Derek and Destiny say right now?”
I let a grin tug at the corner of my mouth, my fingers brushing along her back. “They’d say, ‘Told you so.’”
She chuckled, that sound always managing to hit somewhere deep. “They knew, huh?”
“We always knew,” I said, my voice dropping lower, thick with the truth of it. “Shit, Princess… you’re mine for real now.”
Her lips curved into a smile, her eyes glinting with that mix of mischief and love that had always undone me. “I always was.”
“Yeah, but now it’s official. On paper. Under the eyes of God.”
Her fingers traced the edge of my collar, and she nodded, her gaze softening. “Took us a while, but we made it.”
I chuckled, shaking my head as my eyes drifted over to Keem and Eden. They stood at the edge of the dance floor, lost in their own little world, Eden leaning into him like he was the only thing holding her steady. They were sipping on our signature wedding milkshake—the one non-negotiable I’d insisted on for the reception. It was our thing, our inside joke, a throwback to late-night talks and too many diner runs during out teenage years.
“Even Keem and Eden beat us to it,” I said, my voice low, laced with amusement.
Destiny followed my gaze, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Yeah, but look at them,” she said softly. “They deserve it.”
“They do,” I agreed, the weight of everything we’d all been through hitting me in that moment. Keem’s journey, Eden’s strength, all of it. But seeing them now—whole, happy, together—it felt like everything had come full circle. Like we’d all found a way back to the love we’d almost lost.
I leaned down, my forehead brushing hers, my voice dropping into that low, steady tone I used when it was just us. “I’m happy for us. All of us.”
But my gaze wandered past her, landing on Ant. He was sitting off to the side, Little Derek slumped over on his chest, dead asleep, but his eyes kept drifting. I followed his line of sight and spotted Angel, her laugh carrying over the music as she talked to my boy Orlando. The way she leaned in just a little too close, the way Orlando’s grin stretched a little too wide—it was enough to make me smirk.
Ant, though, he just sat there, his jaw tight, doing his best to play it cool. But I could see it, the way his hand flexed on Little Derek’s back, like he was holding something back. That was one thing about my brother—he had a Hulk inside him, but he’d learned how to keep it chained up when it mattered. Still, I knew that look. It wasn’t just about keeping the peace at my wedding; it was about Angel and Little Derek. Always had been.
Serve his ass right, though. He should’ve been told her how he felt. Now Orlando was in her face, and maybe—just maybe—that was the push he needed. A little competition to get his head on straight, to make him realize what was right in front of him.
But that was for him to figure out. I had my forever locked down, standing right here in my arms. If Ant knew what was good for him, he’d stop stalling, step up, and do like me and Keem did. Stop wasting time and claim what was his before it slipped away.
The night had been a whirlwind of laughter, clinking glasses, speeches, and promises, but this moment—just us—felt like the real start of everything.
When all the formalities were done, when the last toast had been raised and the sparklers fizzled out, we made our way inside under a shower of bubbles and petals. The sound of laughter and the rapid-fire clicks of cameras trailed behind us, but as soon as the door shut, the world outside fell away. It was just us now—our home, our night, our forever.
I turned to Destiny, her hand still in mine, the glow from the reception still lighting up her face.
“Oh my God, we’re married,” she said, her voice a mix of awe and joy as she looked around, the quiet settling over us like a soft blanket.
“Yeah,” I said, smirking. “Now the real work begins. Let’s see if that expensive-ass premarital counseling was worth it.”
She laughed, the sound light and easy, and it pulled a chuckle out of me too. I thought back to all the work we’d put in to get here—the nights of hard conversations, the moments of vulnerability, the commitment we both made to make sure this wasn’t just love but something solid, something built to last.
But tonight wasn’t about all that. Tonight was about us. And I had one last surprise for her, the one thing she hadn’t been allowed to peek at while the construction was going on.
“I got something to show you,” I murmured, leaning in close, my lips brushing her temple.
Her eyes lit up, curious and playful, the way they always did when I caught her off guard. “A surprise?”
I nodded, letting the corner of my mouth pull into a grin. “The room I’ve been working on.”
Her eyebrows shot up, and she practically bounced on her toes. “I finally get to see it?”
“Yeah, Princess. Tonight’s the night.”
Her excitement was infectious, and I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped as I laced my fingers with hers and led her to the elevator. The ride up was quiet, but not the kind of quiet that felt heavy—it was the kind that buzzed with anticipation. Her hand stayed locked in mine, warm and steady, grounding me even as my nerves twisted up inside.
When the elevator dinged and the doors slid open, I hesitated for just a second before stepping out. The carpet muffled our steps as we made our way down the hallway. My heart was pounding, excitement and nerves tangling together as we reached the door.
I stopped, turning to face her. She looked up at me, her expression a mix of curiosity and trust, and it was enough to settle me. I squeezed her hand, then turned back to the door, my free hand hovering over the keypad.
“Alright,” I said, punching in the code with deliberate slowness. “Here we go.”
The lock clicked, and for a second, I hesitated, my thumb still hovering over the keypad like I was second-guessing everything. My chest felt tight, my mind racing. Was this too much? Did I go overboard? Every detail, every damn choice, I’d made it all for her—for us. But what if it wasn’t what she wanted? What if she hated it?
“What’s wrong?” Destiny’s voice was soft, cutting through my spiral. Her hand squeezed mine, grounding me like she always did.
I glanced at her, trying to find my words. “I wanted to surprise you with this tonight,” I admitted, my voice lower than usual. “I just hope you—”
“Derek,” she interrupted, her smile breaking through like sunshine, warm and sure. “I’ll love it. Whatever it is, I’ll love it because it’s from you.”
That smile? It could knock a man off his feet. I let out a shaky laugh, leaning in to kiss her, slow and lingering, before turning back to the keypad.
“I’ll teach you the code in the morning,” I added, my nerves getting the better of me. “Just wanted you to—”
“Derek.” She didn’t even let me finish, her voice playful, teasing, as she shoved me aside and pushed the door open herself. “Lemme see.”
She stepped inside and froze.
Her breath hitched, and her hand flew to her mouth, her body still as her eyes darted across the room. She didn’t move, didn’t say a word, just stood there taking it all in, the silence pressing against me like a weight.
“Say something,” I murmured, my voice rough, barely holding back the anticipation clawing at me.
Destiny’s eyes swept the room, wide and searching, her hand slipping from her mouth to rest over her heart, like she needed to feel the beat just to remind herself she was still here. She stayed quiet, her breath shallow, her gaze drinking in every corner, every detail of the room I’d built for her. For us.
The room looked like something out of a fantasy—a world pulled straight from the shadows of my imagination and made real. Deep crimson walls surrounded us, the kind of red that felt alive, daring you to touch it, to let it pull you under. Black leather panels ran along the edges, soft yet commanding, catching the light from the industrial chandelier overhead. The chandelier was all sharp edges and fractured elegance, throwing patterns of gold and amber across the walls like an artist’s brush had gone wild with desire.
The centerpiece? The bed. A massive frame of dark-stained oak that stood like a monument in the room. The headboard was wrapped in black leather, polished steel studs catching the light like stars in the dimness. Satin sheets, the color of ripe wine, spilled over the edges, so rich they looked like you could drown in them. Overhead, a mirror stretched wide above the bed, reflecting every corner of the room in sharp, tempting detail.
On the left wall, an array of toys and tools were displayed like trophies. Silk ropes in shades of crimson and midnight, leather cuffs with buckles that gleamed like they had secrets, and paddles that whispered promises of pleasure and pain in equal measure. Below them, a sleek cabinet stood with its drawers cracked open just enough to tease at what lay inside—blindfolds, collars, and things that made your imagination run wild.
Toward the back, a St. Andrew’s cross stood tall, its leather padding smooth and ready, the wood polished like it had been waiting for this moment. Beside it, a spanking bench sat low, its curved edges begging to be touched. Every piece was a mix of beauty and power, elegant and bold, crafted with purpose.
In the corner, heavy velvet curtains hung like a secret waiting to be revealed. Behind them, a private alcove with a two-way mirror let you see the entire room in soft, seductive light. It was voyeuristic, thrilling, and just enough to make your pulse quicken.
The scent in the air was subtle but heady—leather, vanilla, and something darker, something I couldn’t name but felt like home in this space we’d made. The room was more than just a place. It was a promise, a sanctuary for every desire, every whispered fantasy, a place where trust and love reigned above all else.
I watched her, the way her fingers hovered over the edge of the bed before trailing along one of the paddles, the way her chest rose and fell as she tried to take it all in. This wasn’t just a room. It was us—everything we were, everything we could be.
“Derek…” Her voice was barely a whisper, shaky and unsure, like she couldn’t quite wrap her head around what she was seeing. “What is all this?”
I stepped in close, my chest against her back, and slid my arms around her waist. She melted into me without thinking, her body fitting against mine like it always did.
“You like it?” I asked, my lips brushing against her ear as I spoke low, the way I knew made her shiver.
She let out a nervous laugh, her head tilting just enough to meet my eyes over her shoulder. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“This is our space, Princess. Just me and you. No rules, no boundaries, no interruptions. We’re forever, right? So I figured, why not have a place where we can keep learning each other, keep growing, keep it exciting.”
Her gaze flickered back to the toys and furniture lining the walls, and she let out another laugh, this one lighter but still edged with uncertainty. “I don’t even know what half of this stuff is.”
I leaned in, pressing my lips to her neck, lingering there before whispering, “I’ll teach you, baby.” My hands slid down her sides, settling at her waist, steadying her. “You’re my wife, Destiny. I want every fantasy in your head, every little thing you’ve ever dreamed of, to come alive in here. I don’t ever want you to hold back with me.”
Her breath hitched, her lips parting as her eyes searched mine, like she was trying to figure out if I really meant it.
“Every fantasy?” she asked, her voice soft, uncertain.
“Every single one,” I said, my voice firm, steady. My grip on her waist tightened just enough to remind her she was safe, that she was mine.
She swallowed hard, her fingers curling into my shirt, her body already relaxing into the weight of my words.
“I trust you,” she whispered, her voice carrying more certainty this time.
“Good,” I said, brushing my lips against her forehead, my hand tilting her chin up so her eyes stayed on mine. “Everything in here is for you. For us. We don’t do anything you’re not ready for, nothing you don’t want. But when you’re ready…” I let the words linger, my lips brushing the corner of her mouth, the promise heavy between us. “We’ll go wherever you want to go, as far as you wanna go, Princess. Together.”
“Show me,” she said, her voice carrying a thread of challenge, but I caught the tremble underneath it—excitement, curiosity, maybe even a flicker of fear. Not the kind that makes you back away, but the kind that pulls you forward, heart pounding, eyes wide, ready for whatever’s next.
I stepped back, just enough to give her space to move freely, watching as her fingers brushed the edges of the room like she was trying to figure out if it was real. Her steps were slow, deliberate, and I followed her, guiding her to the bed first, my hand at the small of her back.
“This,” I said, my voice steady, “is where you’re gonna let go. Completely. Trust me to take care of you, to know what you need before you even say it.”
Her fingers trailed over the satin sheets, her brow furrowed as she felt the fabric, the weight of the moment settling in. I took her through the room, showing her every piece, explaining how it worked, why I’d chosen it, what it was for. I let her touch and feel, let her ask questions, and when her curiosity got the best of her, I answered with patience, holding back the heat that simmered beneath the surface.
By the time I was done, her laughter spilled out soft and almost disbelieving, like she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around what I’d created.
“You really thought of everything, didn’t you?” she asked, her voice a blend of teasing and wonder, her fingers still tracing the smooth leather of a nearby cuff.
I smirked, stepping closer until I was right in front of her. My hands cupped her face, my thumb brushing along her jawline, tilting her chin up so she couldn’t avoid my gaze. “Not everything,” I murmured, my voice low, steady. “I just…thought of you.”
Her lips parted slightly, her eyes searching mine before a playful glint replaced the softness.
“You say the sweetest things,” she teased, her tone light but laced with something heavier, something that made the air between us thicker. “But you do the nastiest things.”
I chuckled, deep and rich, the sound rumbling in my chest. “What can I say? You bring out all sides of me, Destiny.”
She turned, her eyes trailing over one of the floggers, her touch light and curious. She picked it up, running her fingertips along the braided leather, her brow furrowing just slightly as she studied it.
“I think I’ll like these the most,” she said softly, almost shyly, but there was a flicker of something else in her voice—a hint of daring, of curiosity bubbling to the surface.
The way her cheeks flushed, the way she bit her lip as if trying to hold back a smile, sent a heat rolling through me, sharp and undeniable. I stepped closer, my voice dropping to that tone I knew slipped right under her skin.
“My Princess loves being spanked,” I murmured, my voice dipping low, rough with intent. The image of her bent over the custom bench I’d chosen just for her burned in my mind. I stepped closer, my hand grazing her waist as my eyes locked on hers. “So I made sure you had everything you’d ever need to feel taken care of… everything to remind you who you belong to.”
Her eyes darted back to mine, wide and shining, her lips quirking into that smile that always knocked me off balance.
“There’s a lot of… options,” she murmured, glancing around the room, her voice tinged with wonder.
“Whatever you want to try,” I said, my hands slipping casually into my pockets as I leaned against the wall, watching her.
The way she moved—half hesitant, half bold—was mesmerizing. It was like she was feeling out the edges of her curiosity, testing how far she could push herself.
I didn’t rush her. Didn’t push. This was her moment. Her space to explore, to dream, to decide. I was just here to guide her, to give her everything she didn’t even know she wanted.
“You think we’ll be in here much?” I asked, my tone light, but there was an edge to it, a heat that matched the moment.
She came over and leaned in, her lips brushing mine in a kiss so soft it had me wanting to pull her in deeper, but she didn’t let me just yet. She pulled back, her smile slow, wicked, and full of promise.
“Tonight feels like the perfect night to break it in,” she murmured, her words hanging in the air like a dare.
“Mrs. Harris,” I teased, drawing her even closer, my voice dropping low. “You so freaky.”
Her laughter danced between us as her arms looped around my neck. “I love the way that sounds,” she whispered, her lips ghosting over mine again. “Mrs. Harris.”
And the way she said it, like it was a title she’d always been meant to wear—it hit me right in the chest. My hands tightened on her hips, and I smirked, my own voice rough but full of adoration. “You better get used to it, Princess. That name ain’t going nowhere.”
She smiled, her lips curving into something wicked and soft all at once, and when I leaned in, she met me halfway. The kiss was deep, hungry, the kind that pulled the air right out of your lungs and left you weightless. My fingers slid to the curve of her neck, gripping just enough to feel her pulse race under my touch.
“Please spank me, Mr. Harris,” she whispered, her voice barely audible but hitting me like a strike of lightning.
I let a slow, wicked smirk pull at my lips, my thumb tracing the line of her jaw as I leaned in close, my breath brushing against her ear, making her shiver.
“Bend over for your husband,” I commanded, my voice low and steady, each word deliberate, heavy with promise.
Her eyes caught mine for a second, excitement and anticipation swirling together, and then she turned, moving with a kind of grace that felt rehearsed by instinct alone. It wasn’t hesitation—it was surrender, the kind she trusted me to guide. I placed my hands on her hips, firm yet gentle, and positioned her over the padded bench at the center of the room. The soft light from the chandelier cast a golden glow over her curves, accentuating every line, every shadow. The way she fit there, waiting, open—it was almost too much.
A low growl rumbled from my chest as I ran my hand along her lower back, savoring the way her skin responded to my touch even through the thin fabric of her gown. I bunched the delicate fabric, hiking it up slowly, deliberately, not wanting to strip it away completely. There was something about her still wearing that gown—our wedding gown—that made the moment even more special.
I reached for the flogger, the one she’d lingered on earlier, letting my fingers wrap around the braided leather.
“Good girl,” I murmured, my voice thick with desire, letting the strands of the flogger trail lightly over her skin, teasing, testing, making her anticipation build with every second. I leaned in closer, my lips brushing the shell of her ear, my tone steady but filled with intent. “Peonies, if it’s too much. Right, Mrs. Harris?”
“Yes,” she purred, her voice breathy and soft, but with just enough edge to let me know she was ready, craving what was coming. Her body arched slightly under the delicate touch of the leather, her hands gripping the edges of the bench, steadying herself for the first strike.
The way she said it—soft, sultry, and so damn sure—lit a fire in me, and I smirked, running my free hand down the curve of her back before pulling back the flogger, letting it hover for a moment, giving her time to prepare.
“Mmmmm, that’s my wife,” I whispered, right before the leather strands met her skin, sharp and precise, the sound filling the room as she gasped, a soft, intoxicating mix of pleasure and surrender.
Her body tensed and then melted, her hands gripping the edge of the bench as her breathing quickened, each exhale like a melody I wanted to hear on repeat.
“You okay, Princess?” I asked, my voice low but steady, my free hand soothing the spot where the flogger had landed, grounding her, letting her feel my presence in every way.
“Yes, Derek,” she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability and determination that sent a jolt straight through me. “I’m perfect.”
My grip on the flogger tightened as I took her in—the way her body arched, the flush of her skin, the way she surrendered completely, trusting me to give her everything she needed and more. This wasn’t just about dominance; it was about devotion.
“That’s right, baby,” I murmured, my voice rough, raw, as I raised the flogger again. “You are perfect. So fucking perfect.”
The strands landed on her ass again with a crisp, precise snap, and her body shuddered, her cry filling the room like music.
“Ahhh,” she gasped, her fingers gripping the bench even tighter, her breaths coming in quick, uneven bursts.
I leaned in, brushing my lips along her spine, my free hand sliding over her hip, grounding her, reminding her I was there.
“Look at you,” I whispered, my voice low and reverent. “Taking everything I give you. You’re amazing, Destiny. My everything.”
I raised the flogger again, letting the strands graze her skin lightly before delivering another strike, watching her body respond, her back arching like she was reaching for more. She let out another soft cry, the sound pulling me deeper into the moment.
“Tell me what you need, Princess,” I said, my tone commanding but tender, my breath brushing against her ear as I leaned in close. “Tell me how to make you feel even more perfect.”
Her body trembled under my touch, her breath hitching as the flogger’s strands teased her skin again, brushing lightly over the sensitive marks I’d left. Her head tilted to the side, her cheek pressed against the padded bench, and she let out a shaky breath that sent a fire straight through me.
“I need… more,” she murmured, her voice barely audible, but the raw need in it was unmistakable. “Please, Derek.”
I smirked, the sound of her pleading my name making my chest swell.
“More, huh?” I said, my voice dipping low as I let the leather strands trail down her spine, the soft whisper of the flogger against her skin making her shiver. I dragged it slow, deliberate, letting it graze over the curve of her hips, teasing her with the promise of what was coming next. “You gotta be more specific than that, Mrs. Harris. What kind of ‘more’ are we talking about?”
She pushed back instinctively, her body arching into the touch, her breaths coming faster, shallow. “Anything you want,” she whispered, her voice a mix of anticipation and surrender, breathless like she couldn’t quite catch it. “Whatever you want to give me tonight. It’s our wedding night… surprise me.”
“Damn,” I muttered, the weight of her words hitting me in a way that made my pulse pound. I leaned down, brushing a kiss against the small of her back, letting it linger, letting her feel the heat of my breath against her skin. “Anything, baby?”
“Yes,” she said, her voice trembling but sure, her head dipping as she bit her lip. “Please… just make me feel good.”
I smirked, the hunger in her voice lighting a fire in me. “Oh, Princess,” I murmured, my hands roaming down her sides, grounding her, holding her steady. “Tonight ain’t about just making you feel good. Tonight’s about making you feel everything.”
I set the flogger down, the anticipation in her trembling body making me want to touch her, feel her under my hands. My palms skimmed the curves of her body before slipping under her gown, my fingers gripping her waist and pulling her closer to the edge of the bench.
“You ready to feel something different?” I asked, my voice dropping low, my lips grazing the back of her neck as I slid her thong down her thighs, letting it fall to the floor.
“Yes,” she gasped, her voice cracking with need. “I’m ready.”
I pushed her gown up even higher, leaving it bunched around her waist as I knelt behind her, my hands spreading her cheeks as I leaned in. My tongue flicked against the hole I’d never explored with her, teasing, tasting, drawing a gasp that turned into a soft moan.
“Derek,” she whimpered, her body trembling, her voice cracking like she couldn’t hold back any longer. Her breath hitched with every flick of my tongue, every deliberate stroke. “Oh my God—”
“You wanted different,” I muttered, my voice rough, muffled against her skin. My hands roamed over her, one tracing the curve of her back, my fingers following the delicate line of her spine. She shivered under my touch, her breaths steady but ragged, each one deep like she was pulling me into her with every inhale.
I’d never seen her like this—open, free, vulnerable in a way that was only for me. Tonight, there were no walls, no masks. She was mine.
“You look so damn beautiful like this,” I said, my tone low and gravelly, a raw confession spilling out of me. “Bent over for me, your wedding dress all hiked up, giving yourself to me so I can please you how I want. That clit’s talking, Princess. Begging for Daddy, ain’t it?”
Her hips arched back, her body doing all the talking she couldn’t manage in words, the silent plea vibrating in the air between us. The way she moved, the way she surrendered—it damn near took me out.
“Get inside me,” she begged, her voice breaking, desperate and full of hunger, a sound that hit me in my chest, igniting something primal, something that felt like it’d been there since the first time I touched her.
“I’m coming, baby,” I rasped, letting my fingers slide over her, teasing, taking my time, making her wait. Another sharp smack echoed through the room, the sound as loud as her gasp, her body shuddering against me. “But slow it down. Let me enjoy this shit. I love you like this—letting me play, letting me take you wherever the hell I want.”
“Derek…” Her voice cracked again, trembling with something raw, something that sounded like it came from the deepest part of her. That soft, pleading tone—so full of trust, so full of need—sliced through the last thread of control I had, unraveling me completely.
“No more holding back,” I growled, stepping in closer, my hand resting heavy on her lower back as I leaned over her. “I’m your husband now. You can be as nasty as you want, Princess. No more of that shy shit. And no more misbehaving.”
Her head dropped, her breath hitching as she nodded. “Okay,” she cried, her voice trembling but full of surrender.
“That’s my Princess,” I said, my lips brushing her ass, my fingers slipping down to the curve of her hip. “Now, take that thong off.”
She obeyed without hesitation, her fingers hooking into the waistband of her white lace thong, sliding it down her thighs with a slow, deliberate motion. Her hips swayed as she stepped out of it, the movement hypnotic, teasing, meant to drive me out of my mind. She glanced back at me, her eyes half-lidded, a silent dare, before bending over again, presenting herself like a masterpiece painted in shades of red and heat.
Her skin was flushed, her ass swollen and tender from the punishment she’d begged for, glowing under the low light of the room. I ran my hand over the curve of it, my palm gentle now, soothing what I’d just laid claim to. Leaning in, I pressed my lips to the marks, a kiss of reverence and ownership, tasting the salt of her skin, letting her feel every ounce of devotion behind it.
But I wasn’t done. Not yet.
I buried my tongue between her ass cheeks again, exploring her like she was the sweetest thing I’d ever tasted. I French kissed back there like I couldn’t get enough, my tongue moving slow, deliberate, savoring her, worshiping her.
“Derek… what… ohhhhhhh,” she whimpered, her voice a soft, breathless melody that sent a shiver down my spine.
“This ass is so sweet, baby,” My voice low, dripping with possession.
“It’s yours, only yours…” Her words came out broken, breathless, like she was struggling to find the air to say my name.
I wet my thumb with her juices, taking my time, watching every little twitch, every shiver that ran through her body. Then, with deliberate care, I pressed it against her asshole, easing it inside her tightness, feeling her gasp beneath me.
“Shit,” she hissed, her head dropping forward, her fingers gripping the edge of the bench like it was the only thing holding her steady.
“Open up for me, Princess,” I said, my tone low, coaxing, full of that dark promise I knew she couldn’t resist. Her head turned slightly, her eyes meeting mine over her shoulder, wide and glassy, lips parted.
Her eyes stayed locked on mine as she looked at me, wide and full of something that danced between trust and pure, unfiltered need. I tightened my grip on her hips, pulling her back onto my thumb just a little deeper, watching as her lips parted on a gasp.
"That's it, baby. Let me in," I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her neck. "You trust me, don’t you? You know I’d never hurt you."
“I trust you,” she breathed, her voice trembling, her words laced with something so raw it made my chest tighten.
“Good,” I whispered, pulling back just enough to look at her, my hand slipping to her lower back to soothe her, to anchor her. “I told you, Princess—I want you to feel how much I love you, every damn inch of you.”
“I feel it,” she said softly, her voice breaking.
“You’re my wife,” I said against her shoulder as I fingered her ass while rubbing her clit, my voice rough but steady. “Ain’t nobody ever gonna know you like this, touch you like this. You’re all mine, Destiny. Every single part of you.”
Her moan was soft, almost like she was trying to hold it back, but I wasn’t having that. I placed another kiss along her spine, my free hand trailing over the curve of her ass, soothing where I’d left her skin hot and red.
“Don’t hold back on me,” I commanded gently, but firm enough that she knew I meant it. “I want all of you, Princess. Let me hear you.”
She tilted her head, glancing back at me with those wide, pleading eyes, her body pliant under my hands, her trust laid bare in a way that made my chest swell.
"I love you," she whispered, and it wasn’t just words—it was everything. Her soul, her heart, her trust. “I’m right here… I—”
I didn’t let her finish. Instead, I knelt behind her again. Then, with a reverence that came from loving her so deeply, I pressed my mouth to her center, my tongue working her clit from behind with a deliberate, gentle rhythm. My hands held her steady, grounding her as I worshipped her body as I added a second finger to stretch the new territory.
“Derek… oh my God,” she moaned, her voice breaking into a shaky cry as I slid my hands up her thighs, holding her closer, pulling her deeper into the moment.
“My wife tastes so good,” I murmured against her, the words vibrating through her. “Let me make you feel everything.”
“Baby… please…” The words fell from her lips, soft and desperate, like she was holding on to the last thread of control.
“You’re so close, Princess,” I coaxed, my voice low and thick with promise, my hands gripping her thighs like I was grounding her to this moment. “Don’t fight it. Let go for me. Be mine. Cum for me, Destiny.”
And then it hit. She shattered beneath me, her body arching, her cries breaking free as she gave in completely. Her legs trembled, barely able to hold her up, and she collapsed forward onto the bench, her forehead pressing against her crossed arms. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, her body shaking as she rode out the last waves, her voice a soft, broken whisper that sent a shiver through me.
“Derek…” she whispered, her voice soft and shaky, her body still trembling under my hands.
“That’s it, baby,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to the small of her back, my hands soothing over her hips. “That’s all I wanted…this is exactly how I want you.”
I reached for the bottle of lube on the shelf, the soft clink of glass against wood cutting through the quiet hum of the room. Every movement was deliberate, calculated, designed to draw her in and remind her of exactly who was in control. My eyes stayed on her, watching the way her chest rose and fell, how her fingers gripped the edge of the bench. She was waiting for me, trusting me, and that trust meant more than anything.
I let her feel my presence, the weight of my gaze as I unbuckled my belt, the sound of leather sliding through loops echoing softly in the room. My pants dropped to the floor in a quiet rustle, and I stepped even closer, running my hands over her hips. Keeping her grounded in the moment, reminding her she was safe.
"Relax for me, baby," I murmured, flipping the cap open on the bottle, the cool gel spreading over my length as I worked it in, the warmth building almost instantly against my skin. "You're gonna feel everything, but I’ve got you. Like I always do."
Her body tensed for a moment, a subtle shift I caught right away. I stilled my hands, leaning closer so my voice brushed against her ear, low and reassuring.
"Don’t be scared," I said, tilting my head to catch her gaze. "Daddy got you…you know that, right?"
She nodded, her lips parting as if to say something, but the trust in her eyes told me everything I needed to know.
I pressed a soft kiss to the curve of her lower back, taking my time as I unzipped the wedding gown that had cost more than some people’s cars, the fabric parting with a whisper. I left it on, draped over her like a crown, letting the moment feel as intimate and indulgent as it was meant to be.
My breath lingered against her bare skin, the warmth of it drawing a shiver from her as my lips trailed down the curve of her back.
“Breathe for me, Destiny,” I murmured, my voice a low rumble, steady and full of promise. “Nice and slow. You’re safe with me. Your husband’s got you. Always. You remember your safe word?”
Her response was soft but sure, the single word falling from her lips like a vow. “Peonies.”
“You never use your safe word, Destiny,” I said with a grin.
She glanced back at me, her eyes catching mine, her own smirk playing on her lips, unspoken trust written in the arch of her brow and the curve of her smile.
“How did you survive all those years without me touching you?” I asked.
Her eyes softened, glassy with something unsaid, and her voice broke the silence with a rawness that made my chest ache.
“I didn’t,” she whispered.
I reached out, my hand brushing over her hip as I murmured, “And you’ll never know life without me again.” The promise hung heavy between us, unshakable.
With deliberate calmness, I reached for the lube, my hands steady as I moved with careful precision, easing her open inch by inch. Every motion was intentional, every touch designed to remind her that she was safe, that I had her. When her hips jerked slightly, the tension rippling through her body told me more than words ever could. I didn’t rush, didn’t push. Instead, I let my hand find her lower back, tracing slow, soothing circles against her skin, grounding her in the moment and in me.
“You’re doing so good for me, Princess,” I murmured, my tone warm and filled with pride, each word meant to anchor her. “I love seeing you like this—letting go, trusting me, giving yourself to me.”
Her head tilted to the side, a soft moan escaping her lips, the sound so vulnerable it made my breath hitch.
“I belong to you,” she whispered, her voice trembling but steady, like she was giving me a piece of her soul. “Just take care of me… be gentle.”
“I’ve got you,” I assured her, my free hand sliding up her side, holding her steady, grounding her in the heat of my touch. “We’ll take it slow, baby. Always. It’s time… just you and me.”
As I began to ease the tip in, her whimper shifted to a soft, shuddering cry, her body trembling under my touch. The grin tugged at my lips before I could stop it, full of satisfaction and something deeper—reverence.
This was…God damn.
“You okay, Princess?” My tone softened, my lips brushing against her shoulder as I leaned over. I pressed a kiss there, letting her know I was right there with her.
Her body trembled beneath me, her breath coming in shaky gasps as she clung to the edge of the bench like it was her lifeline. I stayed still, deliberately, giving her time to adjust, to take me in.
“You’re doing so good, Destiny” I murmured, my voice rough, filled with a reverence I couldn’t quite hide. My hand slipped up her back, soothing her, grounding her as I leaned down, my lips brushing against her ear. “You trust me?”
She nodded, her breath hitching as she whispered, “I trust you.”
“That’s my girl,” I said, the words low and steady, my free hand sliding down to tease her clit. She gasped, her body jolting in response, and I smiled feeling the tension melt away little by little.
“Breathe, baby,” I coaxed, my fingers working in slow, deliberate circles. “I’ve got you.”
Her head dipped forward, her hair falling over her shoulders as her body softened, relaxing into me.
“I’m okay,” she murmured, her voice soft but sure, her words laced with trust.
“You’re better than okay,” I growled, my lips trailing a line of fire down her spine.
Her hips shifted, pressing back against me, a soft whimper escaping her lips. “It hurts,” she admitted, her voice trembling but steady.
I froze, my hands stilling as I held her close.
“Want me to stop?” I asked, my tone gentle but firm, ready to pull back if she needed me to.
She shook her head, her response immediate, breathless.
“No… it hurts so good,” she whispered, her voice breaking with a mix of pain and pleasure.
Her words set something off inside me, an unrelenting heat that burned through every ounce of patience I thought I had. I leaned in, brushing my lips over her shoulder, letting them linger there for a beat as my hand found its way between her legs again. My fingers moved with purpose, coaxing her higher, pulling her deeper into the moment until her soft, breathy moans were the only thing I could hear.
“I’ll make it feel even better,” I murmured against her skin, my voice thick with need, each word a promise. “Let me take care of you, baby. Just let go.”
I eased in, careful, inch by inch, until she pushed back instinctively, a cry escaping her lips, sharp and unfiltered.
“Uh-uh, Destiny,” I said, my voice low but firm, the weight of my words grounding us both. “You gotta stay still for me. This ain’t the time to get greedy. I know what you need, how much you need, and I’m gonna give it to you. But let me lead, Princess. Let me take care of you.”
Her body trembled beneath me, and I could feel her surrender in the way her muscles relaxed, in the way her breath evened out, though her moans came softer now.
With each careful movement, inch by inch, we found a rhythm till I was halfway in. The world outside seemed to fade, the ticking of time stilled as if the moment itself demanded reverence. My eyes drifted shut, and all I could feel was her—her heat, her softness, the way her body opened up to me, trusting me completely.
It wasn’t just the sensation of being wrapped in her—it was everything beneath it. The unspoken surrender, the vulnerability she offered me without hesitation, on our wedding night, no less. The magnitude of it hit me square in the chest, threatening to steal my breath.
She wasn’t just letting me in physically; she was handing me her trust in a new way, her heart, her everything. And in that moment, I knew with absolute clarity that I’d spend the rest of my life proving I deserved it. She was mine, and I was hers. Not just in the vows we exchanged earlier or the rings we wore, but in this unbreakable, undeniable bond we were building right here, right now.
“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, pressing a kiss to her shoulder as I tightened my grip on her hips. The reality of her allowing me to explore her like this, to share this moment, wasn’t just overwhelming—it was everything. She was everything I ever wanted.
“Why didn’t we do this before?” she asked, her voice soft, tinged with wonder, like she was just realizing something profound.
I paused, letting the question settle, my hands still cradling her waist as I leaned in, brushing a tender kiss along her shoulder.
“Because I needed you to be ready,” I said, my voice low, filled with a kind of reverence that I couldn’t fake if I tried.
She looked back at me, her eyes shining with something that felt like the purest kind of trust, and it hit me all over again—this was my wife. My partner. My forever.
Her lips parted, a soft moan slipping out, and she whispered, “More… please.”
The sound of her voice—so raw, so full of need—sent a shiver straight through me. I tightened my grip on her hips, easing in just a little deeper, her body gripping me like it never wanted to let go. The way she moved beneath me, trembling and arching, made it damn near impossible to keep my control, but I wasn’t about to rush this.
“So greedy, baby,” I groaned, my voice dropping into that low rumble she always said did something to her. My hands tightened on her hips, steadying her, grounding both of us. “So tight. You feel so good, Princess.”
I let out a low chuckle, inching in just a little more, careful and deliberate. I wasn’t about to let her memory of our wedding night carry anything but joy. Every move I made was measured, tuned to her every reaction. I knew her—knew what she could handle, what would push her but not break her.
"I'm gonna cum!" she screamed, her voice raw and trembling as I worked her over, my strokes measured, deliberate. I hadn’t even bottomed out yet, couldn’t her first time, but she was already on the edge, her body begging for release.
“Easy, Princess,” I murmured, my voice rough but full of control, my free hand gripping her waist, keeping her steady. “Cum for your husband.”
She gasped, her back arching, her hips pushing back against me.
"I love you," she whispered, her voice breaking, vulnerable and raw.
"I love you too, baby," I rasped, my words spilling out like a prayer. "And I love it when you let go for me, when you let me have all of you. Come for me, Princess. Let me feel it."
Her body trembled, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps as I kept my rhythm slow and steady, drawing her closer to the edge. My fingers worked her clit, circling slow, then fast, keeping her right there, hanging between control and surrender. The way she moved under me, the way her moans filled the air, made me feel like I was the only man alive. Like we were the only two people in the world.
“Derek, oh my God!” she cried, her voice breaking as her body locked up, her legs shaking uncontrollably. Her release hit her hard, waves crashing over her as her hips bucked against me. I kept her steady, one hand gripping her waist while the other continued its slow, torturous movement.
“That’s it, baby,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, my own breath uneven as I watched her fall apart for me. “That’s my baby…look at you…”
Her body responded like it was built just for me, trembling, shaking, her breaths turning into desperate gasps. My fingers found her clit again, circling it with purpose, the rhythm perfect, relentless, pushing her right to the edge. Her moans filled the room, raw and unrestrained, the sound echoing off the walls, weaving into the air like music meant just for us.
She collapsed forward, her arms no longer able to hold her, her head buried in her hands as she trembled, her body still caught in the aftershocks. I leaned down, my hands running over her back in soft, soothing strokes, my lips finding the damp curve of her neck.
Her voice came muffled, a soft whisper that made me chuckle low in my chest. “You didn’t even… you’re not done…”
“I’m not going anywhere, Des,” I said, my tone teasing but full of promise.
She turned her head, her eyes heavy-lidded, her lips curving into a soft, wicked smile. “Keep going, till you finish for me.”
My grin widened, “You sure, baby?” I asked, my voice dipping low, the question more about her comfort than her willingness. I could see it in her eyes—she was ready for anything.
"Don’t make me beg," her voice trembled just enough to let me know she was already on the edge, that delicious vulnerability slipping through her bravado and tightening something deep in my chest.
I smirked, leaning closer, my breath warm against her ear as I murmured, "But I love it when you beg."
Before she could respond, I pulled out, slow and deliberate, watching as confusion and discomfort flickered across her face. Her brows knitted together, her lips parted to ask what I was doing, but I cut her off with a quiet, steady voice.
“I don’t wanna do too much too soon, baby. The last thing I want is to hurt you,” I said, my tone low and thick with honesty as I guided myself inside her pussy, my left thumb slipping into her ass again.
“Ohhh,” she breathed, her head dropping forward.
I reached over for the paddle nearby, the smooth, cool leather fitting perfectly in my hand.
“It’s a lot going on at once,” I said, my voice calm, almost coaxing, as I ran the paddle along the curve of her ass before letting it rest there. “But you deserve it, huh?”
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice shaky but sure, the word spilling out like a confession.
“Let me hear you say it,” I demanded, my tone firm but laced with heat, the edge of the paddle grazing her skin.
“I deserve it,” she said, her voice stronger this time.
I brought the paddle up then down with a sharp crack, her body jolting as a moan ripped from her throat. At the same time, I stroked her, deep and deliberate, my thumb still working her ass, the sound of her wetness making it impossible to think straight.
“That’s my fucking wife,” I growled, my hand steady on the paddle as I delivered another smack, watching the way her body arched, the way her moans filled the room. “So fucking wet, Destiny. You love this, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she cried, her voice breaking, her hips pushing back against me, begging for more without saying the words.
“That’s right, Princess,” I said, my strokes deepening, my rhythm unrelenting as I alternated between the paddle and my touch. “Take it all. Show me how much you can handle.”
And as my release crept closer, my strokes grew deeper, more relentless, each one hitting a spot that had her unraveling beneath me. Her moans turned to cries, raw and unrestrained, her body arching into mine as if she couldn’t get close enough.
“You feel me, baby?” I rasped, my voice cracking under the weight of everything building between us, the heat, the intensity, the rawness of it all.
“Everywhere!” she sobbed, her voice trembling, each word wrapping around me, sinking deep, pulling me further into her.
I slid my finger out, my palm coming down sharply, one smack on each cheek. The sound echoed, her soft cry following a beat later, fueling the fire roaring inside me.
“Fuck me, Destiny,” I growled, my tone rough and full of need, my hand gripping her waist like she might float away if I didn’t hold her steady. “You know what I need. Throw this shit.”
And just like that, she did. Her body moved with a rhythm that was all hers, the kind that had me gripping her harder, barely holding on to the last threads of control. I glanced down, catching sight of the thick, creamy whiteness coating my length, and that was it—my undoing.
"Baby, I—Destiny!" My voice cracked like thunder, and then it hit me—an explosion that emptied every bit of me into her, leaving me gasping, trembling, holding on like my life depended on it.
The paddle slipped from my hand, forgotten, as my body stiffened, my grip on her hips tightening, pulling her impossibly closer. I needed her to feel all of it, every ounce of what I was giving her.
My chest heaved, each breath ragged as I pressed against her, my forehead resting in the curve of her spine, her soft skin grounding me as the last tremors racked my body. Her cries, raw and unrestrained, mingled with my groans, her body trembling as she came again, right there with me. The sound of her falling apart beneath me—like a melody I’d spend my whole life chasing—was the only thing in the world that mattered in that moment.
And there I stood, in my wedding attire, pants bunched at my ankles, buried so deep inside my wife it felt like we’d fused into one. Her wedding dress hiked up, the fabric pooling around her waist, her skin flushed, her ass red and marked from the love we’d just made, in her high heels. The dim light bathed us both, glinting off the polished steel of the room I’d built just for us—a place where we could strip away everything except who we truly were.
I tightened my arms around her, my chest heaving as the weight of it all—the fights, the distance, the love that refused to quit—crashed down on me. Tears spilled down my face, hot and unstoppable, and I didn’t even try to hide them. Shit, I barely noticed them at first. All I could think about was the fact that she was here. She was mine. We’d made it.
I let out a shaky breath, trying to speak, but the words caught in my throat.
“Fuck,” I croaked, my voice breaking as the tears came harder.
She turned to look at me, concern flashing in her eyes, her body moving slow, unsteady. I could see her wincing as she eased herself off me.
“Baby,” she said softly. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head, the lump in my throat making it impossible to speak for a moment. She tried to stand, her legs trembling, her body clearly feeling the aftermath of everything we’d just shared for the first time, but she didn’t stop. She got to her feet, shaky but determined, and stood in front of me, her hands cradling my face, her thumbs wiping at the tears I couldn’t stop.
“I should be the one crying,” she joked, her voice light but filled with warmth. She chuckled softly, but the look in her eyes told me she felt the weight of this moment too.
“I hurt you?” I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper, rough with emotion.
She smiled, that soft, knowing smile that had always undone me. She was good.
“We’re married, Destiny,” I said, the words tumbling out like I couldn’t believe them, like I needed to say them to make them real.
“We are,” she said, her smile growing, her hands still steady on my face.
“You came back to me,” I whispered, the rawness in my voice betraying just how much those words meant.
She shook her head, her eyes glistening. “You came and got me, Derek. You didn’t let me go. And I’m glad you didn’t.”
My chest tightened, my breath hitching as I tried to speak, my voice breaking again.
“I love you so much, Des. I’ve never loved anybody the way I love you—” The words caught, and I felt my throat closing up, the tears threatening to take over.
She leaned in, pressing her forehead to mine, her breath mingling with mine as the soft fabric of her dress slipped down, exposing her to me, raw and unguarded. Her eyes locked onto mine, unwavering, speaking volumes before her lips even moved.
“I know,” she whispered, her words grounding me. “You don’t have to say it. I know.”
I let out a shaky breath, holding her closer, needing her to feel how much I meant it.
“You’ll never have to take my ring off again,” I said, the promise slipping out like it had been sitting on my chest for years.
“Never,” she said, her voice unwavering, her eyes locked on mine. “I’m here, Derek. Always. We’re locked in. Forever. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”
I kissed her then, slow and deep, pouring every ounce of what I couldn’t say into that kiss.
I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the last trace of her tears, my own still falling freely. My voice was low, rough with everything I’d held in for years, everything I needed her to know.
“You saved me, Destiny,” I said, my words slow, deliberate, like I was carving them into the air between us. “Even when we were apart, even when I thought I’d lost you for good—you were still there. In everything I did, every move I made. You’ve always been my reason.”
Her breath hitched, her lips parting like she wanted to say something, but I didn’t let her. Not yet.
“I thought love like this wasn’t for people like me. I thought I’d ruin it, ruined you. But you… you showed me different. You showed me that love could be strong enough to survive it all. And now?” I paused, my voice dropping as I leaned in, my forehead resting against hers. “Now, I’m never letting you go. Not in this lifetime or the next. You’re mine, Des. Forever.”
Her hands covered mine, her touch warm, steady, grounding me in a way nothing else ever could. “Forever,” she whispered, her voice breaking, her eyes locking on mine.
I pulled her closer, “I swear to God, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that you didn’t just save me—you made me. Every part of me that’s worth anything is because of you.”
Destiny was curled into my chest, her breaths soft and even, her body relaxed in a way that spoke of safety, of home. My hand stroked her back, slow and steady, grounding me as much as it did her. The weight of her wedding ring pressed against my chest where her hand rested, and I couldn’t stop staring at it. Proof she was mine. Proof we’d made it.
I thought about everything it took to get us here—the heartbreak, the mistakes, the fights, the space we had to give each other to grow. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And real was all I’d ever wanted with her.
“Destiny?” I whispered, my voice low, careful not to disturb the stillness.
“Hmm?” she murmured, her face buried against my chest.
“I’m gonna love you better every single day. You know that, right?”
She smiled against me, her fingers curling into my shirt like she didn’t want to let go. “I know, Derek. And I’m gonna love you the same.”
I kissed the top of her head, my heart full, my soul steady in a way I’d never known before her. “You’re my beginning, my middle, and my end, Des. Always.”
She looked up at me, her eyes shining, no hesitation in them. “And you’re mine.”
As she settled back into my chest, I felt it—the weight of everything we’d been through finally lifting. We’d come full circle, two kids who didn’t know what the world had in store for them, now standing here as partners, as equals, as husband and wife.
This was our story—flawed, fierce, and built on a love that refused to break. Through every storm, every fight, every moment we chose each other, one thing never changed.
She was, and always would be, Derek’s Destiny.
The End.
Next Up In The Truth Series: Season 2 – Anthony’s Angel
The story continues, and trust me, you’re not ready for what’s coming. Anthony’s journey is about to take center stage, and it’s going to be unforgettable.
PS: A little birdie told me there’s an exclusive bonus chapter of Derek’s Destiny dropping soon—available only to paid subscribers. Don’t miss it! 👀🔥
This was a perfect ending, her story before, theirs during with the flashback, his after, the intimacy and the surreal moment they shared🥹😭😭😭