Page 82 of Mine to Ruin

“I don’t forget teasing, angel.”

My grin stays on my lips all the way to my room. Inside the small bedroom, he takes everything in with a reverent look.

I climb in bed and pat the spot next to me. It’s surreal to have him in my former childhood home. I scoot over so he can squeeze in bed with me.

“So, about my parents. Was it too much?”

“They love you, and this would have been reason enough to like them.” He lies me on top of him, caressing my back.

“I have no idea how, but they know your grandfather, or it’s the impression I get,” I say and he runs his hand through my curls.

“He’s a known businessman. Do you think they approve of me?” His eyes flicker with doubt and the need for my parents’ approval, and my heart warms to the melting point.

“They do, because they would have asked you to go to a hotel, otherwise.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Nothing could keep me away from you. But your father asked me to join him at a shooting range tomorrow.”

I place my head in the crook of his neck and laugh. “I am sure he just wants to brag.”

“Or remind me he can use one.”

“Then let’s not give him a reason to.” I push him on his side of the bed, ignoring his protests.

“You’re such a good angel, but when we go back home… Will you be a good girl for me, too?”

One of these days my ovaries will burst.

Chapter 24

Ellia

A month passes in a haze of nights spent together, stolen moments during the day, and my feelings for him are rooted in every cell of my being.

I pat the black dress in the mirror, and he appears behind me, his index finger gliding down my open back. My need for him has increased over the weeks.

“You’re beyond beautiful.” He pulls something from his suit pocket, and I blink at the diamond choker. He locks it around my neck, and I pat the cold, perfectly smoothed surface while it sparks in the light.

“Thank you, but…”

He presses a finger on my lips and says, “You’re my woman, are you not?” I nod and he adds, “Let me spoil you in every way I can think of.”

I turn in his arms and let my eyes roam over him, dressed in an immaculate white shirt and custom-made black suit.

“Are you nervous?” he asks and I offer a small nod. He pulls me to his chest, murmuring words of encouragement, and his support means everything. The intercom blares with the voices of my girls, and I rush to open the door as he laments from behind me.

“Just like that, am I forgotten?”

“Don’t be a baby.”

He pouts, and I’m still laughing when I let Aubrey and Tara in the penthouse. He had them flown in for my gallery opening, this perfect man of mine. We share a fierce hug, happy to see each other again.

Aubrey waves at him and Tara’s jaw drops. I scowl at them. “Did you two have a stroke or something?” I whisper.

“You’re one lucky bitch.” Aubrey sighs dreamily.

Tara says, “He’s handsome, but I like him for how he gazes at you.”

They both continue to ogle my boyfriend.

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