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She looks up at me through her lashes. “Why don’t you come inside and find out?”

With a wicked grin, I take her hand and lead her back into the bedroom, intent on making the most of our first night as husband and wife.

The next morning I wake up and prop myself up on an elbow, gazing down at the woman who has somehow become the center of my entire fucking world. Gemma. My wife.

The early morning sun streams through the open balcony doors, casting a warm glow over her bare, golden skin. Sheets tangle around her hips, exposing the gentle swell of her breasts and the long, lean lines of her body. She sleeps on, oblivious to my hungry stare, her lashes fanning across her cheeks, full lips parted softly.

Fuck, she’s breathtaking.

I reach out, tracing the delicate curve of her jaw with my fingertips, marveling at how soft and flawless her skin feels beneath my calloused touch. My little gem, so strong and fierce, yet still so fragile. I’ll never get used to the way she surrenders that iron will to me, trusting me to keep her safe.

Slowly, her eyes flutter open, the emerald depths hazy with sleep, and a lazy smile spreads across her face when she sees me. “Morning, husband.”

“Morning, wife.” I lean down to capture those sinful lips in a slow, languid kiss. Gemma hums in pleasure, arching up into me.

“Sleep well?”

“Mmm, like the dead.” She stretches, the sheet slipping lower to reveal her breasts. My fingers itch to touch her.

We’ve got all the time in the world now.

“Good. You deserved the rest after that killer show last night.”

“I still can’t believe you bid half a million dollars for that ring.” She holds up her hand, the Alexandrite glittering in the sunlight. “You really know how to make a girl feel special.”

I catch her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “You’re worth every penny, Gem. And that ring is just the beginning.” My eyes drop to her left hand, admiring how the alexandrite sparkles.

My wife.

The words still feel like a dream.

Gemma is my wife. Mine.

Getting here has been a long, hard road, but every second has been worth it.

“What are you thinking about?” Gemma props herself up on an elbow, her hair tumbling over one shoulder.

I reach out, twirling a silky strand around my finger. “Just how goddamn lucky I am.”

“Oh yeah? And why’s that?”

“Because I get to wake up next to the most beautiful, talented woman in the world every single morning.” I lean in, nipping at her lower lip. “And she’s all mine.”

“Am I?”

“Yes.” I roll us over, pinning her beneath me. “You’re stuck with me, little gem. Forever.”

“Well then, I guess you better make the most of it, Mr. Milton.”

I crush my mouth to hers in a kiss, my hands roaming over her curves. Just as things are starting to heat up, a sharp knock at the door interrupts us.

I groan in frustration, pressing my forehead to hers. “Fucking timing.”

She giggles, pecking me on the lips. “Duty calls, husband. Better see who that is.”

With a resigned sigh, I pull myself away from her tempting body and snatch up a pair of sweatpants, pulling them on as I cross the room.

I yank open the door to find a young boy with a food cart standing there, shifting from foot to foot.

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