Page 103 of Done Waiting

“It’s just… You’re one of the best men I’ve ever met.” She stirs beneath me, and I lift my head so she can raise hers. Her fingers move to my face, stroking my jaw. “You’re the best person I’ve ever met, Jagger. After everything you’ve been through, there’s a huge heart hiding beneath your gruff, very hot exterior.”

I can’t help the chuckle that comes from my lips. “At least I’m hot.”

“Oh, you’re the hottest.” Her grin is wide, making the pain inside of me disappear. “When you first approached me with that look in your eyes like you were desperate to kiss me, I…” her face is scarlet. “I wasn’t sure why you seemed interested in kissing me. I mean, look at you.” She gestures at me. “I don’t usually call men beautiful, but after hearing you talk about your past, witnessing how you protect and care for me, and the outside package that just screams pure hotness, you’re a beautiful man, Jagger.”

My mouth drops open at her words. Her eyes are full of awe, love, and… gratitude. “My beautiful baby girl. There’s no one in this world more stunningly gorgeous than you.”

She sucks in a breath, face brimming with gratitude. “I’m so damn lucky.” Shaking her head, she exhales a long breath, cheeks turning scarlet. “I still can’t believe you chose me.”

I push her away slightly, studying her face. “Baby girl. Are you grateful for me?”

Maddie’s hands planted on my cheeks, her eyes sparkling. “Hell yes.” She presses her lips against mine, taking my breath away from the reverent way she explores my mouth with hers, showing me how much she loves me.

My hands tighten around her, pulling her so tightly against me I feel her heartbeat against my chest. My heart starts pounding perfectly with hers, as though they are dancing together. I inhale her vanilla and honey aroma, all my stress and negative thoughts and experiences from my past obliterated. There’s only her and me in the present, perfect moment.God, I’m so damn lucky to have her.

When we part, we stare at one another, content to be together.

I shake my head. “I’m grateful as fuck that I have you.” Rubbing my nose against hers, I whisper, “You’re my forever.”

Her breath hitches, and goddamn, the smile that blooms over her face is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in my life. She tilts her head, eyes sparkling like jewels. “You’re my eternity.”

Fuck. My obsession and love for this woman, which I thought I knew the depth of, proved me wrong. My love has no bounds when it comes to her.

Maddie grows serious, biting her lip, hands rubbing over my chest. I nudge her so she’ll look at me, patiently waiting for her to talk to me. I see the question in her eyes. “Go ahead, baby girl. Ask me.”

Her face clouds over, her honey eyes darkening. “Umm… How did…” She swallows audibly, fingers trembling as her hands slip down my chest. “How did your dad—”

“I killed him.” I’m completely honest with her when I utter those words, despite my heart stuttering from the fear I’ll lose her. There’s no other option, though. I can’t lie to Maddie.

Focusing on her with laser-like precision, my gaze roams over her face, expecting to see consternation, disgust, and revulsion on her face. Instead, her honey orbs shine with sympathy and openness.

“If I tell you the story… your opinion of me won’t… change?” Even I can hear the fear tinged in every word I spoke, my heartbeat racing so fast inside my chest I’m afraid it will explode.

“Of course not, Jagger.” Her brows furrow as she stares at me like that’s preposterous. “I love you. Nothing will ever change that. I’ve told you.”

“You’re a rare gem, baby girl.” Turning to her, I cup her face reverently.

“So are you, Jagger…” Her brows furrow, a question in her honey eyes.

“Ryan. My middle name is Ryan. And my last name is Brandt. Legally changed after I was adopted.”

Maddie’s smile is wide and warm. “Jagger Ryan Brandt. I love it.”

“I love you, Maddie Rose.” I kiss her deeply, then slowly pull back. “I refuse to say your last name until it’s Brandt.”

Her breath catches, eyes lighting up as I chuckle.

Raising my brows, I say, “Did you think I wasn’t going to marry you and give you my last name?”

She giggles. “I hadn’t thought about it.”

I chuckle, planting a kiss against her lips. “There’s no thinking involved. You’re mine, I’m marrying you, you’re taking my last name.”

Giggling, she pushes me away. “Fine. Now quit stalling and tell me what happened.” Her smile takes the sting from her words. Growing serious, she says, “Tell me how you killed your father.”

41

THE STALKER

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