Page 58 of Forbidden Pawn

Fuck, yes. I’ve never wanted anything more. I thought our time together when she was staying with me as a pawn was fun, but I had no idea how magical it all would become once there were no more lies and barriers between us. Once I really had the chance to get to know her, this beautiful, intelligent and strong woman who knocked me off of my feet. She’s everything I could ever ask for, and then some.

“Of course,” I say, before I clear my voice and look out the window to evade her curious gaze. “I like my new life, but you’re definitely the best part of it.”

I’ve left it all behind. The entire business. I’m using my skills in a better way now, for something that doesn’t taint what I care about. I’m managing a private wealth firm—socially responsible investments, financial consulting with no strings attached. Everything clean, everything aboveboard. In a way, it’s like what I did before, but legit — and no one ever gets hurt. I’m good at it, and quite successful. The money is not as great and easy as it was before, but it’s still more than we will ever need, and most of all, it’s not tainted.

Enzo drives us through quiet, scenic neighborhoods, the kind surrounded by green trees and winding roads. My heart pounds a little faster as we get closer, anticipation building with each turn. When June glances out the window, her eyes widen.

“This isn’t where you live,” she says, her gaze scanning the peaceful landscape. “But it’s beautiful out here!”

Relief floods me at her words, a weight lifting from my shoulders.

We round a last bend, and the mansion comes into view. It’s a classic New England estate with white clapboard siding and a fir green roof surrounded by lush gardens. High oak trees line the driveway, casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. Ivy creeps up one side of the house, softened by large windows that hint at a spacious interior. The entry path is bordered by flower beds with seasonal blooms, adding splashes of color to the greenery surrounding the house.

As we come to a stop in front of the entrance, I jump out of the car to open the door for June. She steps out, her mouth dropping open as she takes in the view. Her awe-filled gaze moves from the gardens to the pristine white façade, and a sense of pride is swelling in my chest.

“Wow, what a beautiful house,” she breathes, looking at me in surprise. “Why are we here? Who lives here?”

“We do,” I say, smiling as I watch the disbelief cross her face. “It’s ours.”

“What?” she stammers, looking from me to the house and back. “Wait… what are you saying?”

We’ve talked about moving in together, but unlike me, June assumed she would simply move into my old home. I never wanted that for her. It didn’t feel right to make that place our home, after all the trauma that’s attached to that house. We needed something new, a fresh start for both of us.

But what if…

“Do you like the other house better?” I ask, suddenly nervous.

She shakes her head quickly; her face lighting up. “No, not at all. It’s just… you bought me a house!”

She squeals, throwing her arms around my neck, and I laugh as she hugs me tightly. “You bought me a house! I can’t believe this!”

I grin, holding her close. “You said you wanted to leave the city. This is secluded, but not too far. Boston is not far away, and there’s a village down the road with everything we need and—”

“You really thought about this, didn’t you?” she cuts me off, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Of course,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I wanted to make sure you wouldn’t feel too alone out here.”

She laughs softly, looking at me with a warm smile. “I’d never be lonely with you.”

Her gaze returns to the house, and she grins. “Show me! I want to see the inside.”

June’s fingers squeeze mine, her joy contagious as we step into what will be our shared life. Hand in hand, we walk through the wide double doors into a grand entryway with high, arched ceilings. Wooden floors stretch through the entire space, polished to a soft sheen that catches the sunlight streaming through the oversized windows. To our left, a large living room opens up with a stone fireplace, surrounded by built-in bookshelves that climb to the ceiling. The windows here are tall and wide, letting in a flood of natural light.

We walk through the kitchen next, a beautifully renovated space with marble countertops and high-end appliances. A wide staircase winds up to the second floor, where I show her a series of spacious bedrooms, each with views of the gardens and the sprawling backyard.

We walk back down and step out through the French doors at the back of the house, the evening air warm and still as we enter the garden. June’s eyes widen in surprise, and I watch her face light up as she takes it all in—the sprawling lawn, the rows of roses, and the swimming pool gleaming under the setting sun. She laughs, her joy infectious, and I can’t stop grinning.

“This… this is so unbelievably beautiful,” she breathes, looking back at me, her eyes glassy. “I can’t believe this is going to be our home.”

“This is the surprise I had in mind,” I say, catching my breath, “A home. A life. Together.”

Her lips part in awe, and I see the glimmer of tears as she whispers, “I love you, Ryker.”

My heart swells when I reply: “I love you too, June.”

I pull her close, my voice low and steady. “I want this place to be ours, where we’ll build a life together, where we share everything.”

She stares up at me, her expression soft and full of wonder.

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