Page 36 of The Rancher's Jilted Bride

That was what he thought of earlier.

So why was he now starting to feel guilty for all the wrong reasons?

His chest tightened with pain as he watched her sleep, but he had no fucking idea why he was hurting.

Her long blond hair was like silky strands of gold against the dark pillow covers, and it was hard not to see her as a young innocent princess trapped in an eternal slumber, with her hands even pressed together under one rose-tinted cheek.

Four years, dammit.

In those four years, he had thought of her as the enemy and a deserving recipient of his cruelty.

But now...

He just didn't fucking know what to believe at this point.

His mind refused to trust her completely...while his heart felt as if it was about to burst out of his chest every time he remembered what he had done.

And what he had asked her.

You lost your fucking mind earlier.

Just admit you made a mistake.

Or pay the price of tying yourself to her for life.

Heaven's sleepy sigh yanked him out of his thoughts, and the sight of her tiny, bow-shaped lips parting slightly was a temptation he more than welcomed.

Since work clearly wasn't enough to make him forget, then at least he still hadthis.

Heaven slowly woke to the feeling of someone gently nibbling on her lips, and her breathing hitched as she felt her nipples tighten in response.

Her eyes opened, and it became much harder to breathe upon finding herself the object of his silvery gaze.

"Good morning..."

Heaven's tone was soft and sleepy, but her smile was still like seeing the sun shine on him.

This was how it would be every morning...if she was his wife.

The mere thought made his pulse quicken, but it also made him feel sick as fuck.

Just fuck, don't think.

Because no damn way did he want her to realize he was having thoughts about marrying her.

Heaven gasped when Hale suddenly dragged her up, and then she was gasping again as she found herself on his lap, and the powerful evidence of his arousal throbbing violently against her belly.

"H-Hale—-"

She wasn't able to say anything else, with his mouth already claiming its first kiss for the day. He heard her whimper a moment later, and then she was wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him back.

Earnestly, sweetly, but just as hungrily.

His fears finally faded, with desire fueled by his sudden need to claim her.

Mine.

She's mine.

---