Page 160 of XOXO

“You never have to be sorry about this. You deserve to have as much time and space as you need. I won’t rush this.” His fingers clasped both her hands together and pressed them to his lips. “It’s too important.”

She lunged, throwing herself against him, her lips crashing into his. His response was to grunt gently, his body not budging an inch. Instead, he met her with fervor, his tongue parting her lips easily as she moaned.

“Tell me this means what I think it means,” he purred against her mouth.

“If it means we’re moving to that bed, then yes.”

He laughed, nodding eagerly. “That too. But you’re marrying me.”

“Marrying you?” She pulled away to stare up at him with wide eyes. “Where did that come from?”

“That came from years of patience. You’re mine and this is how we’ll make it official. We’ll get married next week.”

“Next week? Max–”

“We’ll figure it out later. Just say yes.” His eyes were brimming with a hope that she couldn’t bring herself to dash. Love for her ogre filled her chest as she thought about him becoming her husband.

“Yes.”

Every single muscle in his body seemed to loosen as she gave him the response he wanted to hear, but there was a fire building in his gaze that she wasn’t used to.

“Max?”

“You’re mine.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to give yourself to me, Cass? Tell me you’re ready for this.” His words were a growl and he leaned in, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.

She trembled where she stood, a drop of cream leaking down her thigh. She was soaking her panties through at this point. “Yes.” The word was so breathy, she was about to repeat it, but he dipped to meet her lips, walking her backward until her legs hit the bed. She fell onto it, bouncing on his huge mattress.

“Spread your legs for me,” he purred, reaching down to run his palm along her thigh, upward, taking her skirt with it. “I’m going to taste every single inch of you.”

Her face was flaming hot, but her body complied with his instructions. Her legs spread wide as she panted on the bed under him. Her eyes roved over his huge body, looming over her and it was everything she could do to stop herself from yanking him down to her. He was the one in control here.

“Tell me what you want me to do to you, Cass.” He unbuckled her shoes, pressing gentle kisses to her toes, smiling down at them before running his lips over the top of her foot and nuzzling her ankle. “I want you to describe everything you’ve imagined between us.”

She bit her lip, hiding a smile. “That’s going to be a long description.”

His eyes shone with pride. “How long have you wanted me?”

“As long as I’ve known you.” The words were whispered, but his grin told her he heard her.

“Cass,” he sighed and ran his tusk along her leg, “from the first moment I met you, I knew it was you.”

“You did?” She bit her lip, shivering as he moved lower, kneeling on the floor. His large hands wrapped around her hips and before she knew what was happening he was dragging her toward him. Her dress dragged up her legs until her panty-clad pussy was bared to him.

“My blood sang as soon as I scented you.” He leaned closer, running his nose along the silk, groaning deep in the back of his throat. “I knew you were my mate.”

She sat up abruptly, eyes wide. “Your what?”

“I should have told you.” He looked up at her, smiling guiltily. “I’m so sorry, Cass. I should have said it a long time ago, but I didn’t want you to feel the pressure of that. I wanted you to… fall in love with me on your own.”

Biting her lip, she leaned closer to him.

He eyed her warily, conflicted emotions playing across his perfect features.

"And I did fall in love with you. Thank you for waiting for me." A single tear leaked down her cheek as she kissed him softly. It wasn't long before it became heated and then she was flat on her back again.

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