Page 36 of Justice

"Little?" He raises an eyebrow, slowly withdrawing. I bite back a wince, not wanting him to worry.

"Fine, Big Christopher," I concede with a grin.

He snorts, torn between amusement and mortification. His cheeks flush as he fights to keep a straight face.

"Just let it out," I tell him, and he loses it, clutching his stomach as he howls with laughter.

As his mirth subsides, Christopher gazes at me with such tenderness it makes my chest ache. He brushes a stray hair from my face.

"You're incredible," he murmurs. "I've dreamed of this moment for so long."

Tears prick my eyes at the raw emotion in his voice. "Me too," I whisper.

He pulls me close, enveloping me in his strong arms. I rest my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat as his fingers trace patterns on my skin.

"You okay?" he asks softly. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

I shake my head against his chest. "No, you were perfect. I feel… cherished. Safe."

He kisses the top of my head. "Good. That's all I want."

In one fluid motion, he scoops me up. I cling to him eagerly as our lips meet, my body molding to his as he carries me to the bathroom.

He sets me gently in the empty tub before joining me, snuggling me into him. His legs on either side of mine, arms wrapping around me as his hands rest on my stomach.

Every touch sends shivers through me. I bask in the feeling of being completely enveloped by his love and protection.

I lay my hands over his, relishing the familiar comfort. My heart swells as I voice my thoughts. "This feels surreal," I murmur, unable to hide the emotion in my voice. "Like a dream come true."

He presses a soft kiss to my neck, making me shiver. "I'm fucking thrilled you're mine," he whispers against my skin. "I always knew we were meant to be. Not a single doubt."

In that moment, I feel utterly his.

I tilt my head back, meeting his gaze. "And I am yours," I say, my voice steady despite the intensity of my feelings. "I'd do anything for you. I may not be a fighter, but I'd claw the eyes out of anyone who tried to come between us," I declare, surprising even myself with the ferocity in my tone.

Christopher's eyes darken at my words, a primal hunger evident in his stare. He pulls me flush against him, his grip on my hips tightening possessively.

"Fuck, angel," he growls, his voice low and filled with heat. "You have no idea what it does to me, hearing you talk like that. My sweet girl with such a vicious streak."

He claims my mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue exploring, dominating. When he finally pulls back, we're both breathless.

"If anyone ever tried to hurt you," he says, his face deadly serious, "I'd tear them apart with my bare hands. They'd regret the day they were born."

His words send a shiver through me, a mix of fear and desire. The raw power emanating from him should terrify me, but instead, it only fuels the heat building between my thighs.

"I love it when you get all protective," I whisper, my voice husky. "Makes me feel safe, knowing you'd do anything for me."

I roll my hips against him, gasping as I feel his hardness press against me. He groans, fingers digging into my flesh as he holds me close.

"You drive me crazy," he rasps, nipping at my ear. "But we can't. You're too sore."

I want to argue, but deep down, I know he's right. We sink into the warm water, his arms around me as we catch our breaths.

His hands roam my body, from my stomach to my thighs and up my arms. The feeling of his touch on my skin is intoxicating.

His tattooed hands stand out against my pale skin. We sit in comfortable silence, savoring the moment.

As the water cools, we dry off and head to bed. The TV hums softly in the background. "Good night, angel," he murmurs, pulling me close. I yawn and snuggle into him, relishing his warmth. "I love you."

---