Falling into Exposure by A. Zavarelli Page B

word, I mount her, my cock stirring against her belly. I untie the strings of her bikini bottoms, flinging them aside.
    “Time to repay the favor,” I murmur.
     
    ***
     
    We spend the rest of the afternoon napping and fucking on the hammock. I never would have thought of putting it to that use before, but Victoria seems to be very fond of it.
    It’s dark now, and noticeably cooler. She’s tucked into my arms, staring up at the night sky with a strange expression on her face.
    “What is it?” I ask.
    She points up at the stars nervously. “It’s just that constellation, Orion. I remember learning about it in school when I was young. It’s always stood out to me for some reason. And when I left home, it seemed like no matter where I was, whenever I looked up at the stars, there it was. I always thought it must have some sort of significance to me. I’ve seen the other constellations a handful of times, but this one was always so prominent to me.”
    “Hmm,” I murmur, kissing her temple. “That is strange. We’ll have to figure out what that means.”
    “I think I already know,” she says softly.
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, I looked it up once. Orion was notoriously handsome, and he was known as the hunter.” She grins up at me and makes my heart do a weird little flip.
    “Anyway, the myths vary as to what his story was, but one of them was that he fell in love with the beautiful Artemis. But she unknowingly killed him and was so deeply saddened by what happened, she immortalized him in the stars.”
    “Well, that’s a bit depressing.” I laugh. “So what significance do you think it has to you then?”
    “It’s not depressing,” she says stubbornly. “Just hear me out.”
    “Please by all means, continue,” I tell her. “I’m dying to know where you’re going with this.”
    “So anyway, the Sumerians called Orion the light of heaven. And I know it sounds kind of silly, but in some of my darker times, I used to sit out and look up at the stars. And I thought that because Artemis couldn’t be with the man she loved, she made him a guiding light for others. And I knew that someday she would guide me to…. well, I guess to where I needed to be.”
    I watch her carefully, her cheeks flushing in the soft moonlight, and it occurs to me what’s she’s trying to say in her roundabout way.
    “I don’t think it’s silly at all.” I pull her a little closer. “I think that I’m glad that the star- crossed lovers sent you to me.”
    She grins at me appreciatively, nuzzling into my chest. 
    “I read a Chinese proverb once that said there is an invisible thread that connects those who are destined to meet,” she whispers. “And that no matter what happens, it never breaks. I think that’s true. If someone is meant to come into your life, they will. I mean you were so persistent…”
    I laugh at her teasing little smile and squeeze her tight. “Yes, I was very persistent. But look at where it got me.”
    “That’s true,” she says. “I can’t imagine never having met you now that I know you.”
    “Me either, beautiful.”

 
     
    Chapter Eleven
    Victoria
     
     
    By the time we head inside, I’ve got netting marks all over my body and I’m exhausted. But the memories I’ll carry with me from this day are worth every imprint.
    I change into one of my silk night dresses and walk into the bedroom to find Gabriel sitting on the bed. He looks anxious, and I’m not sure why.
    “What’s up?” I ask, sitting down beside him.
    “I really liked your gift today.” He smiles softly. “I got you something too, but I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”
    I study his beautiful blue eyes, wondering what could be bothering him so much. I’ve never seen him this nervous. I can tell he wants my approval right now, so I try my best to reassure him.
    “I’m sure whatever it is, I’ll love it.”
    He stays still for a few more moments, searching my face again. Then with a deep sigh, he