Tough Love

Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three

Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three

Eli's P.O.V.

The last six months have been a whole load of crazy wrapped up in a ball of busy. Dani has been so very different since the day I told her Ivankov was gone. The change in her has been remarkable. It's almost like hearing he can't get her again has taken a burden off her and has allowed her to be a bit more free.

Dani is a lot more affectionate with me and she even sometimes instigates the contact. She still struggles with the memories but she's finding ways to push them aside when we're having our moments. We've even had some heavy make out sessions, making me feel like I'm a teenager in High School again.

This woman drives me crazy in all the right kinds of ways. I'm managing to control myself, but I'm not going to lie and say it's easy. I keep my control for Dani's sake and for the sake of our relationship. I know that losing that control will ruin everything we've worked so hard for.

Dani has officially been promoted to our operations advisor. She still does the threat analysis, but she also runs technical support for our operations from the precinct. She's amazing at the job and I think her confidence has increased because of it. She's not as confident as she could be or I'd like her to be, but she's a far cry from the scared girl I first met.

So much has changed in the last few years and I'm proud and privileged to have been a part of the process. She truly is an amazing woman and I love her more now than I ever did, if that's even possible.

It's Sunday morning and I'm laying in bed, with Dani curled against my side. She's still fast asleep, so I allow my mind to wander back to last night. I can't help the stupid grin from forming on my face. I feel the smile change my whole face because it's so wide.

Last night was, hands down, the most amazing night of my entire life. Dani finally gave herself to me completely. There was no warning or planning involved, which made it surprizing and even more amazing.

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Dani's settled in bed for the night, so I quickly grab a shower. As I settle in beside Dani, I place a kiss on the top of her head. She looks deep in thought, so I ask, "Everything ok?"

"I'd like to try."

I frown, "Try what, baby?"

"Try... you know..."

My eyes nearly fall out of my head and I my whole body goes rigid. Is she saying what I think she's saying? Judging by the look on her face, she is.

"Babe, if you're not ready to say it, then I really don't think you're ready for this. I can wait, Dani. I already told you that. I'm ok with waiting..."

"No, I want to try. I don't want to make it difficult for you any more. I want you to know how much I trust you and I want you to show me it can be different. I want to try..."

We've tried to push the boundaries before, but we've never been able to get that far. The most I've been I've been able to do is let my hands roam.

I try to look her in the eye, but she's averting her gaze. I can see the red flush on her cheeks. She's so embarrassed right now.

"Dani, look at me, please? I don't want you to think you have to do this. I know you trust me, you don't have to sleep with me for me to know that..."

She frowns and I know exactly what thought is running through her head. She thinks I don't want her.

I let out a groan, "I want you more than you can possibly imagine, baby. Believe me. I just want to be sure that's what you want too. I don't want to scare you or ruin what we have right now."