Salty Travels in Ireland

CHAPTER 1: A FRESH START

The rain drummed steadily against the train window as Salty watched the blurred green fields rush past. It was the kind of rain that seemed never-ending, the kind that soaked into the bones and whispered of far-off adventures. Salty leaned his head against the cool glass, exhaling slowly. He had dreamed of this trip for months—an escape, a fresh start, and maybe, just maybe, a chance to break free from the solitude he had wrapped himself in for too long.

Ireland had always called to him. Something about its misty cliffs and coastal winds felt like a promise, a place where he could shed the weight of his past and step into something new. He had arrived in Cork two days ago, expecting the city to embrace him, to change him. But so far, all he had done was wander the streets, duck into warm pubs, and nurse pints of Guinness in dark corners, observing rather than engaging.

That had to change. He wasn’t just here to see Ireland—he was here to experience it, to connect.

The train jostled slightly as it curved along the tracks, and Salty adjusted his worn backpack beside him. The scent of damp wool and coffee filled the carriage, passengers murmuring in quiet tones as they watched the scenery roll by. Just as he was about to reach for his book, a presence made itself known beside him.

A striking blonde with a wild, carefree energy slid into the seat next to him, her dripping coat leaving dark patches on the seat. She smelled faintly of rain and something sweet, like vanilla and mischief. With the kind of confidence that suggested she belonged anywhere she chose to be, she turned to him with an easy grin.

"You look like you need a partner-in-crime for this journey," she said, her full lips curling playfully.

Salty blinked, caught off guard by her presence. "Uh—what?"

She smirked, shaking out her damp hair before pulling it into a messy bun. "Name’s Ellie. And you?"

There was something disarming about her, a kind of effortless charm that made it impossible to ignore her. Salty hesitated before answering, still adjusting to the sudden shift in his solo journey. "Salty," he finally managed.

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Salty? What kind of name is that?"

"A nickname," he admitted. "Stuck with me."

"Intriguing. I like it," she said, leaning back in her seat as if they had known each other forever. "Well, Salty, you’re in luck. I happen to be an excellent travel companion—when I’m not causing trouble, that is."

He let out a short laugh, despite himself. "And how often do you cause trouble?"

"Oh, daily. Sometimes twice on Sundays. But I promise, it’s the fun kind."

She winked, and just like that, his solo journey became something more.

The train continued its steady trek toward Dublin, raindrops racing down the window in chaotic patterns. Salty glanced sideways at Ellie, who was already pulling out a small travel journal and scribbling something inside. Who was she? What had brought her here? And why did it feel like, for the first time since he’d stepped off the plane, the adventure was truly beginning?

---

CHAPTER 2: STORMY BEGINNINGS

Their next destination was a tiny fishing village just outside of Dublin, a place Ellie insisted was a must-see. "Trust me," she had said, grinning as she tugged him onto yet another rain-drenched bus. "You haven’t truly seen Ireland until you’ve spent a night in a village where everyone knows each other’s name."

The ride was long, and the rain continued to fall in sheets, making the windows fog up. Salty leaned his head against the cool glass, listening to the hum of the bus engine and Ellie’s occasional chatter about the best seafood spots along the coast.

"So, what’s your story?" Ellie finally asked, her voice softer than before. "Why the fresh start?"

Salty hesitated. He wasn’t used to opening up, but something about her made it easier. "Needed a change. My life back home felt... stagnant. Like I was watching it from the outside instead of living it."

Ellie nodded as if she understood completely. "Been there," she admitted. "Traveling helps. It shakes things up, forces you to adapt. You meet people, and suddenly, you’re not the same person you were when you left."

Salty glanced at her, curiosity tugging at him. "And you? Why are you traveling?"

She smirked. "Because life’s too short not to. And maybe, just maybe, I’m looking for something too."

The bus lurched to a stop in the heart of the village, where cobblestone streets glistened under the streetlights. The scent of salt and fish filled the air as they stepped out, rain still pattering against their coats. Ellie stretched, breathing in deeply. "Welcome to adventure, Salty. Hope you’re ready."

---

CHAPTER 3: SECRETS AND STOLEN MOMENTS

The rain had finally eased by the time they arrived in Dublin, but the streets still glistened under the dim glow of the city lights. Salty and Ellie stepped off the train, their shoes splashing against puddles as they made their way through the bustling station. Dublin was alive, the air thick with the scent of roasting chestnuts, damp pavement, and the distant hum of street musicians playing for wandering tourists.

"Welcome to the heart of Ireland," Ellie said, stretching her arms above her head. "What do you think?"

Salty took it all in—the towering historic buildings, the laughter spilling from nearby pubs, the chatter of late-night travelers. "Feels… different. In a good way," he admitted.

Ellie smirked. "That’s the magic of Dublin. It sneaks up on you."

They found a small, cozy pub just off Temple Bar, the kind of place with wooden beams and dim candlelight. A crackling fire warmed the air, and the bartender, a stout man with a thick accent, greeted them with a knowing nod.

"Two pints?" Ellie asked, sliding onto a stool.

Salty hesitated before nodding. "Sure. Why not?"

As the beers arrived, Ellie lifted her glass toward him. "To new adventures," she said.

Salty clinked his glass against hers. "To not missing another train."

Ellie laughed, the sound warm and inviting. "No promises."

For the first time in a long time, Salty felt lighter. There was something about Ellie’s presence that made the world feel less heavy, as if she carried the weight of adventure in her back pocket and was more than willing to share it.

They talked for hours—about travels, dreams, and the places they wanted to see. Ellie told stories of her wild road trips across Europe, of getting lost in the backstreets of Barcelona, of sleeping under the stars in Greece. Salty, in turn, spoke about his reasons for coming to Ireland, how he had felt stuck back home, how he longed for something—someone—to shake up his world.

"You ever feel like you’re just… waiting for life to start?" he asked, swirling his drink.

Ellie studied him for a moment before nodding. "All the time," she admitted. "That’s why I keep moving. If I stop too long, I start thinking too much."

Something flickered between them, an unspoken understanding. Salty wasn’t sure if it was the warmth of the fire, the rhythm of the rain outside, or the way Ellie’s gaze held his just a little too long, but something was shifting.

As the night stretched on, Ellie pulled him onto the dance floor when a local band started up. The music was lively, the energy infectious. She spun under the glow of the lanterns, her laughter filling the space between them.

"Come on, Salty! Loosen up!" she teased, grabbing his hands.

He let himself be pulled into the rhythm, moving awkwardly at first but slowly finding his footing. She pressed close, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, "See? Not so bad."

Salty wasn’t sure if she meant the dancing or the company, but either way, he wasn’t complaining.

As they stumbled out into the quiet streets, the rain had stopped entirely, leaving the city slick and glistening under the moonlight.

Ellie sighed, stretching her arms out. "Dublin never sleeps, but I do. We should find somewhere to crash."

Salty nodded, though part of him didn’t want the night to end. "Lead the way."

She shot him a playful look. "You trust me?"

He smirked. "No. But I’m following you anyway."

As they wandered toward their lodging, a thought settled in Salty’s mind—this wasn’t just another stop on the map. This was something more. And for the first time in a long time, he was okay with that.

 

 

---

CHAPTER 4: DREAMS, DESIRES, AND A NIGHT OF FIRE

The small guesthouse in Dublin had the kind of old-world charm that made everything feel a little more magical—the flickering candlelight, the scent of burning peat, the rain pattering steadily against the windowpanes. Salty and Ellie had managed to stumble in after a night of drinking, laughter, and reckless flirtation that had been building since they met.

Their rooms were across the hall from each other. Separate beds. Separate doors. But the tension between them had been crackling like a live wire all evening.

Salty lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his body restless. He could still hear Ellie’s laughter from earlier, the way she’d pressed against him when they danced, the way her fingers had lingered on his arm when she grabbed his hand to lead him out of the rain.

Across the hall, Ellie tossed and turned. Her body ached with unspoken need, her skin burning from the way Salty had looked at her. And when she finally drifted off into sleep, the dream came.

It was vivid.

She and Salty stood on a vast Irish cliffside, the wind howling around them, the waves crashing below. The sky was dark, stormy, and she could feel the electricity in the air. He reached for her, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her against him, his breath hot against her lips.

Then he kissed her.

Not soft. Not tentative. It was a hungry, desperate kiss—like he had been starving for her. Her body melted against his as he deepened it, his hands roaming, exploring, claiming. She moaned into his mouth as his grip tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against him. Heat coiled through her, fierce and undeniable.

Then—BANG.

Ellie shot awake with a gasp, her heart hammering against her ribs. The dream had felt so real—her skin was still burning, her lips tingling. She swallowed hard, trying to calm herself, but then she heard a thud from the hallway.

Then Salty’s groggy voice. “Ellie? You okay? Are you being attacked?”

Oh, sweet Jesus.

She squeezed her eyes shut, willing the earth to swallow her whole. "Uh, no! Just—uh—had a weird dream!"

A long pause. Then, through the thin walls, his amused voice. "Must’ve been one hell of a dream to make you scream like that."

Ellie buried her face in her hands. If only he knew.

But Salty did know. He wasn’t stupid. He had heard the way her breathing had hitched, the way her voice had been just a little too flustered. And maybe it was the whiskey, or the fact that he had wanted her since the moment she sat beside him on that train—but something inside him snapped.

He got up.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he knocked on her door.

A pause. Then soft footsteps.

Ellie opened it, her hair a wild mess, her oversized sleep shirt hanging loose over her curves. She stared at him, her lips slightly parted, her breath uneven.

Salty stepped inside without a word.

The air between them was thick with something neither of them could deny any longer. Ellie swallowed hard, stepping back until she felt the edge of the bed against her legs.

"You’re playing a dangerous game, Salty," she whispered, though there was no resistance in her voice.

He took another step closer, towering over her. "Am I?"

Her pulse pounded as his fingers traced up her arm, slow, teasing, before finally cupping her jaw. "Tell me to leave," he murmured.

She didn’t.

Instead, she grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him down into a kiss that was all teeth and heat and pent-up desire. Salty groaned, lifting her effortlessly as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Their bodies pressed together, heat searing between them as he carried her to the bed.

Clothes were peeled off in a desperate frenzy, lips never breaking apart for too long. Ellie gasped as Salty’s mouth moved down her neck, his hands roaming, teasing, making her shudder beneath him.

"You’re driving me insane," she whispered, nails digging into his back.

"Good," he growled against her skin before capturing her lips again, deeper this time, more demanding.

Then there was no more talking—only breathless moans, tangled sheets, and the sound of rain hitting the window as they lost themselves completely in each other.

By the time morning light filtered through the curtains, Ellie stirred, her body deliciously sore, her limbs tangled with Salty’s. He was still asleep beside her, his arm draped lazily over her waist.

She smiled, pressing a kiss to his shoulder before whispering, "Well... that escalated quickly."

Salty cracked one eye open, smirking sleepily. "Told you I was fun twice on Sundays."

Ellie laughed, rolling onto her back, staring at the ceiling. This trip was turning into something she had never expected. And, for once, she didn’t mind at all.

---

CHAPTER 5: LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND A LITTLE MAYHEM

The morning after their night of passion, Ellie and Salty found themselves in a tiny café in Dublin, nursing steaming cups of coffee and trying to act normal—like they hadn’t just spent the entire night tangled up in each other.

But subtle things betrayed them.

The way Salty’s fingers absentmindedly traced circles on Ellie’s thigh under the table. The way she bit her lip when he looked at her a certain way. The way they both kept bursting into random fits of laughter over absolutely nothing, as if they shared some secret the rest of the world would never understand.

And maybe they did.

"So," Ellie said, stirring her coffee, her voice laced with amusement. "Do we talk about it?"

Salty smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Talk about what?"

She shot him a look. "Oh, come on. You know exactly what."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make her stomach flip. "You mean the part where you screamed my name so loud last night that the innkeeper gave me a knowing look at checkout?"

Ellie groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh my God, I’m never showing my face there again."

Salty chuckled, reaching over to pull her hands down. "Relax, sweetheart. I don’t think they minded."

She narrowed her eyes at him but couldn’t help the smile playing at her lips. "You are way too pleased with yourself."

"Wouldn’t you be?" he teased, winking.

Ellie rolled her eyes but felt the heat creep up her neck. How was it possible that this man could make her flustered with a single look?

Before she could fire back a witty response, a loud crash erupted behind them.

They both turned just in time to see a waiter slip on a puddle of spilled coffee, sending an entire tray of plates and mugs flying. It was chaos—cups shattered, food splattered on the floor, and the poor waiter landed on his back, groaning.

Ellie gasped, but Salty? Salty immediately burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Salty!" Ellie scolded, elbowing him.

"I—I'm sorry—" he wheezed between laughs. "It’s just—the way he flailed! It was like slow motion!"

Ellie tried to keep a straight face, she really did, but then she caught the way Salty was mimicking the waiter’s flailing arms, and she lost it. Laughter bubbled out of her until she was doubled over, tears streaming down her cheeks.

The waiter, thankfully, started laughing too. "Oh, feck off, you two," he muttered with a grin, waving them away as he was helped up by another staff member.

Still chuckling, Ellie grabbed Salty’s hand. "Come on, we better get out of here before they make us clean up."

They paid quickly and stepped back out into the drizzly Dublin streets, where the sky was still heavy with grey clouds.

"Alright, where to next?" Salty asked, stretching his arms.

"Galway," Ellie said without hesitation. "It’s got music, energy, and a coastline that’ll take your breath away."

Salty grinned. "And you, Miss Ellie, seem to have a knack for taking me on unforgettable adventures."

She shrugged playfully. "Well, what can I say? Life’s too short for boring."

With that, they made their way toward the bus station, laughter still lingering between them, unaware that their journey to Galway would test them in ways they never expected.

---

 

CHAPTER 6: THE ROAD TO GALWAY—AND A HERO IN THE MAKING

The bus to Galway was packed, humid, and smelled vaguely of wet raincoats and crisps. Ellie and Salty squeezed into the last two seats near the back, brushing against each other in a way that sent a shiver of awareness between them.

Ellie smirked as she nudged him. "I hope you're ready for three hours of thrilling views, questionable bus suspension, and at least one old lady falling asleep on your shoulder."

Salty chuckled. "Sounds like luxury travel at its finest."

As the bus rumbled out of Dublin, winding through the emerald countryside, the rain started up again. It streaked across the windows, creating a blurry, dreamlike effect on the world outside. Ellie pulled her jacket tighter around herself, resting her head on Salty’s shoulder with a sigh.

"Cozy?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly toward hers.

"Mmm. You make a good pillow," she muttered sleepily.

Salty smiled, letting her rest. For the first time in a long time, he felt… settled. Like maybe, just maybe, this journey wasn’t just about running from his past but about finding something—someone—worth holding onto.

Just as he was about to close his eyes, a flash of movement caught his attention.

A car sped past the bus, overtaking recklessly on the narrow road. Not five seconds later, a motorbike came roaring up behind them, weaving dangerously between traffic.

Salty tensed.

And then—it happened.

A deafening crash.

The motorbike clipped the speeding car, sending it veering sideways—straight into the path of an oncoming truck. The sound of metal against metal was sickening. Tires screeched. Horns blared. The bus driver slammed the brakes, and suddenly, passengers were thrown forward with startled cries.

Ellie jolted awake as Salty grabbed her instinctively, shielding her.

"Shit," she breathed.

Outside, chaos unfolded. The car had flipped onto its side, the motorbike lay wrecked in the road, and a small fire had started near the engine. People on the bus gasped and whispered in panic.

Without thinking, Salty sprang into action.

"Stay here," he told Ellie firmly, then bolted toward the front of the bus, pushing past stunned passengers.

"Lad, where you going?!" the driver called after him.

But Salty was already out in the storm, running toward the wreck.

The motorcyclist lay sprawled on the ground, groaning, his helmet cracked but intact. The car driver—a man in his forties—was trapped inside, his face pale with shock. Smoke curled from the hood of the car, and the fire was growing.

Salty didn't hesitate.

He yanked the car door. Stuck.

"Shit," he muttered, then braced his foot against the wreckage and ripped at it with everything he had.

It gave way just enough.

"Come on, mate, I got you," he grunted, reaching in and dragging the man free just as the fire whooshed higher.

Ellie had scrambled off the bus, ignoring Salty’s command to stay put. She reached his side just as he pulled the driver clear, her face full of worry and awe.

"Jesus, Salty," she breathed. "You just—"

He panted, adrenaline still coursing through him, but he managed a smirk. "Yeah, yeah. I’m a hero. Let’s get these guys back to safety before something else explodes."

Ellie helped him move the injured to the side of the road, where others from the bus had finally come to assist. Sirens wailed in the distance. The paramedics would take over soon, but Salty had done it—he’d saved lives today.

As the rain soaked them both, Ellie grabbed his face, eyes searching his. "That was the most insane thing I’ve ever seen."

Salty gave her a lopsided grin. "Yeah? Impressed?"

Instead of answering, she crashed her lips onto his.

Hard. Hungry. Full of something she couldn’t put into words.

The world around them buzzed with sirens, flashing lights, and rain, but for that moment—it was just them.

"You," she murmured against his lips, "are absolutely ridiculous, you know that?"

Salty smirked. "And yet, you’re still kissing me."

"Shut up," she muttered, kissing him again.

As the paramedics took over and the scene settled, the bus driver clapped Salty on the back. "You, my friend, ride for free next time."

Ellie laughed, looping her arm through Salty’s as they made their way back onto the bus. "I think you just earned your Irish hero badge, love."

Salty exhaled, glancing down at her. "Does that come with a pint?"

"Oh, absolutely," she grinned. "And maybe… another night of celebration?"

His grin widened. "Now that sounds like a reward worth fighting for."

As the bus finally continued toward Galway, Salty leaned back in his seat, Ellie nestled beside him, his hand wrapped protectively around hers.

This trip had started as an escape.

Now?

Now it felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

---

CHAPTER 7: GALWAY NIGHTS & UNDENIABLE DESIRE

By the time they arrived in Galway, the storm had finally begun to ease. The city lights shimmered off the damp cobblestone streets, and the air smelled like rain, the sea, and the promise of something exciting.

Ellie stretched as she stepped off the bus, sighing. "Well, that was an eventful ride."

Salty smirked. "Could've been worse. We could’ve crashed into a pub instead of saving lives on the way."

She nudged him playfully. "Wouldn’t have been the worst thing. At least we’d be close to the beer."

They made their way to a small, family-run inn Ellie had booked last-minute. The old stone building had flower boxes in the windows and a warm glow spilling out from the entrance. Inside, the smell of turf fire and home-cooked food made Ellie sigh in contentment.

"God, I love this place already."

Salty chuckled. "You love anywhere that serves Guinness and has a bed."

She grinned. "Guilty as charged."

After checking in, they headed straight for a lively pub down by the river. Music poured from inside—lively traditional Irish tunes played by an old man with a fiddle and a younger one hammering away on a guitar.

Ellie grabbed Salty’s hand and pulled him inside. "We are drinking to your heroism, mister. No arguments."

"I wasn't going to argue," he said with a laugh, following her to the bar.

She ordered two pints, pushing one into his hands before raising hers. "To reckless bravery and ridiculous luck!"

They clinked glasses and drank, the dark beer smooth and rich. Ellie’s eyes sparkled under the dim lights as she leaned in. "You know, I haven’t stopped thinking about what happened back there."

Salty raised an eyebrow. "The crash?"

"No, you idiot. You." She smirked, tracing the rim of her glass with her finger. "The way you just jumped in, no hesitation. That was… sexy as hell."

He let out a breath, leaning closer. "Oh yeah?"

She nodded, her voice dropping. "Yeah."

The energy between them shifted. The pub seemed to blur into the background—the music, the laughter, the clinking of glasses. It all faded as their eyes locked.

Ellie reached across the table, her fingers brushing his. "Come back to the room with me."

Salty’s throat went dry.

"Now?" he asked, his voice rough.

She leaned in, her lips just a breath away from his. "Right now."

He didn’t need any more convincing.

---

A NIGHT OF FIRE & PASSION

The moment the door shut behind them, Ellie was on him.

She kissed him with raw hunger, pressing him against the wall as her fingers tangled in his hair. Salty groaned, grabbing her hips and pulling her flush against him.

"You’ve been driving me crazy all night," he murmured against her lips.

She grinned, breathless. "Good."

They barely made it to the bed. Clothes were lost in a heated blur—his shirt, her dress, the soft gasp she let out as his hands explored her curves.

Ellie’s skin was warm beneath his touch, her breath ragged as he kissed down her neck, his hands tracing every inch of her. She arched into him, nails digging into his back as his mouth travelled lower, teasing, tasting, claiming.

"Salty," she moaned, gripping his hair as he set her body ablaze with pleasure.

He took his time, savoring her reactions, memorizing the way she trembled under his touch. When he finally slid inside her, she gasped, clutching onto him as their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm.

It was wild. It was intense. It was unlike anything either of them had experienced before.

They lost themselves in each other—desire turning to something deeper, something neither of them dared to name just yet.

Afterward, tangled in sheets and each other, Ellie traced lazy circles on his chest. "So… I’m thinking we stay in Galway an extra night."

Salty smirked, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I like the way you think."

She smiled against his skin, her fingers lacing with his. For the first time in a long time, neither of them felt the need to run.

Because maybe, just maybe, they had finally found something worth staying for.

 

 

---

 

 

CHAPTER 8: A HERO IN GALWAY

The morning after their wild, passionate night, Salty woke to the scent of Ellie’s hair and the feeling of her body draped over his. Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting golden patterns on her bare shoulder. He traced his fingers lightly over her skin, a slow smile creeping onto his lips.

Ellie stirred, blinking up at him with a sleepy smirk. “You’re staring.”

“Can you blame me?” he murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.

She sighed contentedly, stretching like a cat. “Mmm, I could get used to waking up like this.”

Salty chuckled, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear. “Same. But knowing you, you’ve already got an adventure planned for today.”

Ellie grinned, rolling onto her side. “Damn right I do. We’re catching the bus to the coast—Salthill. It’s supposed to have the best seafood and a view that’ll knock your socks off.”

Salty raised an eyebrow. “Can’t say no to food and views.”

She tapped his nose playfully. “That’s why we get along so well.”

With that, they reluctantly dragged themselves out of bed, got dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast. The inn’s owner, a rosy-cheeked woman named Maura, greeted them with a knowing smile as she served them a full Irish breakfast.

“Sleep well, lovebirds?” she teased, winking.

Ellie laughed, unfazed. “Like a dream.”

Salty just shook his head, amused.

After breakfast, they strolled to the bus station, hand in hand, feeling lighter than they had in a long time. But fate had other plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

CHAPTER 9: UNEXPECTED NEWS

Ellie sat alone in their hotel room in Galway, staring down at the small white stick in her hands. The two pink lines blurred as she tried to process the realization—she might be pregnant.

The night she and Salty spent together replayed in her mind, the passion, the way he made her feel alive. The electricity between them had been undeniable, and that night, under the dim glow of a firelit pub room, they had given in to something raw and unrestrained. Now, with the weight of this possible new reality pressing down on her, she felt a mix of emotions she hadn’t expected.

She took a shaky breath and placed the test on the nightstand. What would Salty think? Would he panic? Would he run? She knew him well enough now to believe he wasn’t the type, but still, this was uncharted territory for them both.

The door clicked open, and Salty stepped inside, shaking off the rain. "Ellie? You, okay? You’ve been quiet."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "Salty... I need to talk to you."

His brow furrowed, concern flashing in his eyes as he moved closer. "What’s wrong?"

She reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I think... I think I might be pregnant."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and uncertain. Then, instead of panic, Salty cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "Ellie," he murmured. "We’ll figure this out. Together."

Tears welled in her eyes, and she let out a relieved breath, nodding. "Yeah. Together."

A slow smile spread across Salty’s face as he exhaled, his grip on her hand tightening. "Ellie, that’s... that’s amazing news."

Her breath hitched. "You mean, you’re happy?"

"Of course, I am," he said, pulling her into his arms. "This is unexpected, sure. But it’s you. It’s us. And I can’t think of anyone else I’d want to do this with."

Ellie let out a small laugh, half relief, half joy. "Salty, you really are full of surprises."

The rain continued to fall outside, but for the first time in a long while, Ellie felt steady—because for once, she wasn’t facing this alone. And neither was he.

---

CHAPTER 10: TOGETHER INTO THE SUNSET

The sea air was crisp, carrying the scent of salt and adventure as Salty and Ellie stood on the rugged cliffs of Salthill, their hands intertwined. The Atlantic stretched endlessly before them, the setting sun drenching the sky in gold, crimson, and deep violet hues.

Ellie’s body had changed in ways she never expected—her belly had grown round and full, her curves even softer beneath the layers of Salty’s sweaters that she had stolen because none of her own clothes fit anymore. Her breasts were heavier, fuller, and every time Salty’s gaze lingered on her, she felt a rush of heat that made her weak all over again.

She leaned against him, his warmth pressing into her back, his arms wrapping around her, protective and firm. “Can you believe where we ended up?” she murmured.

Salty nuzzled into her neck, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin just below her ear. “I can believe it, because I never wanted it to end any other way.” His voice was low, rough, the kind that sent shivers down her spine.

Ellie swallowed hard, her knees wobbling as he tightened his grip around her waist. “You’re dangerous, you know that?” she teased, tilting her head to give him more access.

Salty smirked against her skin. “Dangerous? Nah. Just addicted.” He spun her gently to face him, his hands sliding down to cradle the curve of her stomach. “To this,” he whispered, “to you.”

Ellie’s heart thundered in her chest, her pulse skipping as she stared into his darkened gaze. Even after everything—the unexpected turns, the missed trains, the stormy nights—he still made her feel like she was standing on the edge of something thrilling.

His hands skimmed lower, fingertips brushing over the waistband of her leggings, teasing. She gasped, gripping his arms, her nails digging into his muscles as heat coiled deep inside her.

“You make me crazy,” she admitted breathlessly.

Salty leaned in, his lips hovering just over hers. “Good,” he murmured. “Because you drive me wild, Ellie.”

The kiss that followed was deep, consuming. His mouth moved with a hunger that stole her breath, his hands firm against the small of her back, pressing her into him. Her body melted, her knees weakening so much that he had to catch her, a low chuckle vibrating in his chest.

“Ellie,” he whispered against her lips, voice thick with need. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to have to remind you just how much I love you.”

She trembled, her head falling against his shoulder as she laughed softly. “Maybe I need the reminder.”

Salty’s grip tightened, his breath warm against her ear. “Then let’s go home, beautiful. And I’ll make sure you never forget.”

The wind swirled around them, but Ellie barely felt it. All she knew was him—his touch, his heat, the way he made her feel like she was the most desired woman in the world.

As the last rays of the sun slipped beneath the waves, they walked forward together, toward their future. And for the first time, Ellie knew with absolute certainty—she was exactly where she was meant to be.

 

The End