Page 43 of Promised Vows

“I’m not that delicate.” My breathing was as ragged as hers.

Her hands slid down my chest and around my back, pulling me closer. Swift, soft, and gentle. “Are you okay?” she asked through a moan, tilting her head so I had better access to her neck.

“Yes.” To prove it, I wrapped my arms around her as I brought my lips back to hers. Long and hard. Branded. I was going to do exactly that.

I don’t know how long we stood there kissing. By the time I was forced to pull away, I could barely catch my breath. I ached to the point where I was holding on to her for support.

“Can I ask what changed?” My face was buried in her neck, and I spoke the words against her skin. I smiled as the tiny action made her tremble.

“Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. You were standing there, and you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I couldn’t stand it any longer. I think I would have gotten on my knees if I had to. I simply…wanted you.”

I was unable to mask my delight as I leaned back while the admission sparked another blaze in my gut. I plunged both hands into her hair, pulled her head back, and softly bit down on the delicate flesh. “You’re mine, Anna. Don’t ever take that ring off again. If you do, I’ll drag you to a tattoo shop and have my name written where that ring should be. Do you understand?”

“Yesssss,” came her throaty reply.

I freed one hand, slid it down her back, and pressed her flush against me. “Look at me.”

Her eyes drifted open.

“Say it. Say you’re mine. I want to hear it.”

“I’m yours.”

This time, there was nothing hurried or hungry about the way I claimed her mouth. I wanted a slow burn. When I pulled away the next time, I wanted to see in her eyes that she belonged to me. I’d own her the way she owned me.

What that meant in terms of our relationship from this point forward and our marriage was unknown, but our fates were sealed. Pledging my heart and soul to her two weeks from now would be a formality. In my mind, it was already a done deal.

Chapter Nineteen

ANNA

The man could kiss. I hated to admit it, but it was worth every single please. I think I short-changed him. Perhaps I’d make another deposit the next time and kneel as I begged. It was better than any kiss I ever had. When I told him I wanted him to brand me, he’d taken that command seriously. When I woke up, my lips were still sensitive.

Those pools of blue had gazed into mine as I confessed my inexperience. He’d been understanding. When he assumed I expected him to take anything from me on our wedding night, it felt like a kick in the stomach.

The depth of his character had dissolved all my resistance. He wanted me to beg, and I did. I’d never wanted anything so badly in my life. He’d ruined me for life. Another man would never be able to live up to him. It was mind-blowing and powerful and everything a first kiss should have been.

It started hard and hungry and moved to soft and languid. He’d held me captive, demanded I surrender as his, and I’d be danged if I didn’t do it. I wasn’t even sorry. The moment I wanted you slipped from my lips, his hands found my hair and his mouth was against my neck. I couldn’t hold him tight enough. You’re mine. He’d growled it, laying claim to me.

His lips were brushes and he’d used me like a canvas. I’d never been happier to have a man’s hands in my hair, holding me still, telling me what to do. And the bites along my neck had my skin sizzled even now. I had to be careful because thinking about it made it a little difficult to sit still.

Sleep had eluded me long after we’d lain down. That intimate act had been life-changing for me. I was still nervous, and I still had doubts, but I had a newfound faith that Ari wasn’t a man to give up. If something needed work, he’d get his hands dirty. As long as I was willing to get elbow deep too, maybe this whole thing had a good shot of working.

“Uh, ma’am?”

I snapped to attention and smiled at the cabby giving me a get-out-lady look. “Sorry,” I said, handing him the fare, I pushed out of the cab.

That morning, Papa had texted and asked to meet at a coffee shop across town. I was millimeters from telling him to buzz off, but Ari needed to go into the office. I hoped maybe if I met with Papa, he’d back off a little.

As I stepped inside Latte Love, I immediately spotted my father.

“Hey, Papa.” I smiled as I reached his table.

He stood and kissed my cheek, waving his hand toward the chair for me to sit. “What would you like to drink?”

“Coffee, four sugars, and one-third cream.”

“I’ll be right back.”

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