Page 46 of Owned In Misty Mountain

I thought the hard part would be talking to her family.

I was wrong.

The hard part is this—sitting across from her while she’s curled up in my flannel, legs tucked under her, reading a damn book like she doesn’t already own every inch of me.

She’s soft. Glowing. Wrapped in my clothes, in my house, and still looking at me like she doesn’t know I’m about to ruin her.

I talked to her dad and uncle today. Told them the truth. Told them I’m not walking away.

They didn’t tell me no.

Now I need to make sure she understands: I’m not giving her a choice either.

Not about us.

—-

She glances up. Smiles. “You good over there?”

I don’t answer.

I stand. Cross the room. Hold out a hand.

“Put the book down.”

She blinks. “Excuse me?”

“Down. Now.”

She bites back a smile, sets it aside. Takes my hand. “What’s got into you?”

I pull her to her feet, crowd her body with mine. I don’t kiss her yet. Just stare.

She softens under my gaze. “Mike…?”

I cup her jaw. “No sass. No jokes. Just you listening.”

Her lips part. She nods.

I lean in, breath brushing her ear. “You’re mine.”

She shivers.

“You’ve been mine since the second I saw you again in that library. But today, I made it known.”

Her brows lift.

“I talked to your uncle. Your dad. Said everything I needed to say.”

Her breath catches.

“They gave me their blessing, Shanay. And now, I’m about to make sure you understand what that means.”

—-

I don’t wait.

I lift her into my arms, carry her to the bed, and lay her out like a gift I’ve earned.

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