Page 28 of Claiming His Student

“You do everything you can for them, baby. Schools apply pressure on kids, it can’t be helped. They know that we always have their backs no matter what,” I say, pulling her into me. “And you’re way too harsh on yourself too. You’re a perfect mother. Just because you can’t protect them from everything doesn’t mean you’re doing a bad job.”

She smiles. “I guess so. Celeste told me about the music club. I can’t believe she thought she couldn't go for it just because of me. It just makes me feel a little guilty.”

“It’s not anything you’ve done, she just desperately wants to make you happy. That’s because she loves you so much because you’re a damn good parent,” I tell her sternly. “No more doubting yourself, baby okay.”

She nods, but she doesn’t look at me. I know that even after all these years, Cora sometimes doubts herself, that she’s not sexy anymore, even though I rip off her clothes at any opportunity I get. She sometimes thinks she’s not a good parent even though our kids are amazing. I know she even feels like her book club isn’t good when a member leaves or someone makes a negative comment. But she’s the most incredible woman in the world, and if I have to remind her of that every single day, then I will.

“Cora...you need to know just how amazing you are,” I growl. “You’re the most beautiful woman on the planet. You’re strong and sexy and driven and smart. You’re an amazing mom, an amazing daughter, and an amazing wife...and you’re the center of my whole world. I’d have nothing without you. Everything that really matters, our marriage, our kids, our livelihood, that all comes from you. Never doubt yourself, baby, because I know I couldn’t live without you. I know I’d never love again if something took you from me. You’re everything.”

Cora reaches over to cup my cheek. “Dylan…”

“I mean it,” I growl. “I don’t want to see you doubting yourself anymore. I know it’s not as simple as me telling you these things, but I’ll say them every single day until you finally believe me. You’re the light of my life, Cora, and I hope I’m the same to you.”

“Of course you are, baby,” she whispers. “And you make me feel so so special. I know that no other man could ever make me feel this way. I know I’d doubt myself so much more if I didn’t have you cheering me along all the way. You remind me that I have a better version of myself that I can’t always see. You always see the best in me. And you know just how to wipe away all the misconceptions I have about myself and make me feel amazing again.”

I lean in to kiss her. I can’t hold back from her beautiful body any longer. We abandon our wine and she falls into my arms, giving me everything in one single kiss. We don’t need wine. We’re constantly drunk on one another.

“I love you,” I growl. She kisses me, biting my bottom lip and making me moan.

“I love you too,” she murmurs against my lips. I scoop her up into my arms and carry her towards the stairs. Now that the kids are asleep, the adults get to have their fun. We might do this every single night, but I’ll never get bored. I’ll always want everything her body has to offer me.

I lay her down on our bed and undress her quickly. I want to see her beautiful naked body. As I strip her of her clothes, I admire her. She has stretch marks now and her body has changed since we first met, but she’s just as beautiful, if not more so. Even though she’s ten years older now and she’s changing with every passing day, I’ll love every change her body makes for the rest of our days. She catches me watching and sighs.

“I know it’s not sexy…all these stretch marks...”

“Yes, you are,” I growl. “Your body is amazing. It gave us three children. Every night when I fuck you it lets me go wild without hurting you, only your body can handle the beast you’ve woken inside me. You’re incredible and I love every inch of your skin.”

She looks sad for a moment, but then she smiles. I undress for her and she watches in awe. The fact that she still wants me after all this time lets me know that this love is forever. Even as we age, even as we change, we still want each other unconditionally. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted or needed.

And now I’m going to let her forget it.Happily Ever AfterTwenty years later...CoraThis day is truly blessed. I knew it would come at some point, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotions I’m feeling today. Our youngest daughter, Ariel, is getting married today.

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