"Like it? I love it!"
I glance around at the roses, the candles, the soft shadows dancing across the walls.
"I can't believe you did all this for me," I say and pick up one of the roses.
"They're your favorite. Of course I'd get them," he says and kisses me again. "I'll cover your world in them every day if it'll make you smile."
"You being in my life every day is all I'll need to smile," I say.
My heart is full like I've never felt before.
This man.
He's mine.
And now, I'm his, completely.
He runs a hand down my arm, his touch featherlight until it reaches my wrist. He raises it to his mouth, presses a kiss there. Then his mouth moves to my collarbone, the base of my throat, the hollow behind my ear.
"Theo…" I gasp.
"You're wearing my ring now, Stassi," he says. "You know what that means."
I nod, breath trembling.
"You belong to me."
"Yes, Sir."
"Good girl."
He lifts me effortlessly and playfully tosses me onto the bed. Rose petals fly into the air and rain down on me.
He climbs on top of me and kisses my neck.
"We'll take our time tonight," he says against my skin. "I want to remember every sound you make when you wear this ring."
As we start to kiss, I know our fates are sealed forever.
And if the world ever tries to come for me or Xander again, they'll learn what happens when you touch what belongs to Theo Kastaris.
31
STASSI
His mouth is on mine before I can catch my breath, and I don't want to. I want to drown in him. The taste of him claiming every inch of me is intoxicating. His body presses against mine in such a way that I've never felt so fully wanted, so fully his.
The kiss is deep, hungry. His fingers tangle in my hair as he presses me into the bed, rose petals crumpling beneath us.
The candles flicker around us, making this moment more special, more intimate.
His hands slide up my thighs and rubs me right where I want him most. I arch, needing more.
"You're wearing too many clothes, Stassi," he says. "Maybe I should make a rule that you must be naked when you're in here with me."
I smile and lift my head to find his lips. "Maybe that's a rule you should follow too."
His eyes narrow, and then his face relaxes. "I'll allow it," he says and rises to his knees, taking his shirt off.