Page 250 of Now and Forever

Cruz tensed, as though I had said something offensive. “It’s highly insulting that you’d even dare question me. How often do I have to remind you that you’re the only one I have eyes for? No one else matters. No one else comes close. No woman alive can compare to what you mean to me.

“Ivy and I were comfortable with one another. I thought it was enough to marry someone since she and I rarely had arguments and since my father was heavily hinting that I marry, I felt compelled to propose just to please him. It was never for me, not really. Ivy wanted nothing more than marriage and my father’s yearnings simply made it easier for me to do it. We weren’t in love—and I hoped that someday she could find a man that would truly love her because that man isn’t me. She would thank me one day.”

His words gave me hope there was something for us in the future.

“I don’t know how we’ll do this knowing that we’re hurting someone. I feel so guilty. I can’t even look your mother in the eyes most of the time.”

Pulling me close to him, he held me as he bestowed a kiss on my forehead. “My mum will understand. They all will eventually. This is where I want to be. I want to be with you … officially. I want to tell everyone that you’re mine. I want you to be proud standing next to me as my partner, as my equal, and not hiding me as if you’re embarrassed to be seen with me.”

He tugged at my heartstrings. How could he even think of such insane things?

“Oh, no…” I drawled before reaching out to entwine his hand with mine. “I will never be embarrassed of you. I had considered the possibility of it being the other way around, but never me of you. You’re too hot for anyone with eyes,” I teased.

“You’re only showering me with compliments because I’m the boss.”

“Yeah, right. I do love bosses. There’s nothing I adore more or find any sexier than some grumpy, heavy panting, sweaty, and balding man with some serious fat rolls,” I said before I realized I was the only one laughing at my own joke. “What?” I asked then stuck my tongue out.

“Grumpy man, yes, I am. But sweaty, heavy panting, balding of a man with fat rolls?” He tsk-tsked. “You ought to be punished for saying such heinous things,” He declared before launching a full-on tickle attack, driving me into seriously mad hysterics.

I was in tears, barely breathing as I laughed. “I’m waving the white flag! I surrender!”

“You bet your bloody arse you’re surrendering. Now turn on your stomach so I can fuck that tight cunt of yours.” He then palmed my cheek before smacking it a few times and did what he had promised to deliver.

---