Page 4 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

I love this woman. I love her more than life itself. She’s incredible and everything I was missing in my life. My family is caring but distant and they’ve let me do whatever I’d like since I’m not the heir.

So I never had anyone I was close to before. But Harper has opened up to me and let me open up to her as well. She’s let me be vulnerable with her and share parts of me that I’ve never shared before.

I have no grand ambitions in life, no great plans. All I wanted was a home and a family to call my own. And sometimes I think that I’ve found that with Harper. Our stations in life make that sort of thing difficult but that’s something to worry about down the line.

Right now I’m content with the exact relationship with her that I have. Playful, close, loving and caring.

I recall one of the first times we were together—taking a bath together. When she undressed for me, letting go of her shynessand her timid nature. The way she stood there, unashamed and reveling in her naked body...it was then that I knew that Harper had truly blossomed like a flower under my attention and love.

And I have become a better person with her around as well. I’ve become softer, more caring to the rest of my staff. I wouldn’t say I was cold but I was certainly not as welcoming with them as I am now.

Life has certainly improved with Harper Powell in it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. She brings light and laughter and happiness to my life.

“You are incorrigible!” Harper says, giggling as I twirl her around. “You have to stop! Someone might catch us!”

“So what if they do?” I ask, reaching out to tickle her again. “Maybe I want them to see. Because then everyone will know that you’remineand how much I like you.”

“It’s improper,” Harper chides me, though there’s a twinkle in her eye so I know she’s teasing me. “We could get caught and then you’ll be in trouble!”

“No, you will! When I catch you!” I tease, lunging for her. She squeals and rushes into my open office door, almost sliding the doors shut before I catch her and pull her towards me once more, hands around her waist. Her legs kick out and she giggles again, pretending to try to escape.

“I should teach you a lesson,” I whisper. “Make sure you know your place. Which is under me. Always under me.”

Harper laughs and leans her head back so it bumps my nose gently. “Let me go, you cad,” she says with a giggle. I love her laugh. It’s music to my ears.

“Never,” I tell her. “Not after I had to be gone for so long. I would never have left if I knew I was going to be separated from you for fourteen torturous days. Frankly, I should just quit my job so I don’t have to leave ever again.”

“No,” Harper protests, drawing the word out. “You can’t quit your job. What will people say?”

“I don’t care,” I shake my head. Work doesn’t matter. I missed this beautiful creature something fierce. I should leave my job and spend all my days with her in my arms, never to let her out of my sight again.

“Yes you do,” Harper grins. “You say that now but your family would completely disown you if you quit.”

“Let them,” I tell her, kissing her cheeks. “We’ll run away together. Live in the woods.”

“You can’t do that to your staff!” Harper says, acting scandalized.

“Yeah,” I say with a sigh. “You’re right about that. Who else would fetch my paper and make me breakfast. I’d have to learn to do that all on my own. And I’m far too spoiled and pampered for that kind of lifestyle.”

I sigh exaggeratedly. “Looks like I’ll just have to keep working and spend every moment of my free time with you instead.”

“Sounds good,” Harper grins. “And I’ll be here waiting for you when you get home every day.”

“Perfect. I love it.” I can’t believe how lucky I am to have this woman in my life. I’ve got no inheritance or impressive career to offer. I’m the second son of a lesser miou family. What I can offer though, is my love and my heart.

And I’ve given it to her. I’ve given her my mind, my body and my soul. I can’t ask for anything better.

“Gods,” I moan as she wriggles against me again. “You’re so amazing. I lean in close, breath ghosting over her ear. “There are so many illicit things I want to do to you. Shall I tell you them one by one?”

She goes quite red in the face once more and I grin. Before she can answer me though, Ivrir appears, lurching towards mein that way that he does. He’s quite elderly. He served my parents before me. They wanted him to retire but he insisted he could still serve so I took him in out of pity.

He doesn’t know that I know that he naps when I’m not around. Thirteen bless him. “Sir,” Ivrir says, holding a tray out. “A letter has arrived. It’s for you, and the messenger said it was quite important.”

I take it from the tray and hold it up. Probably work correspondence. What loathsome creatures they are there! “I must leave you,” I say, exaggeratedly bemoaning my fate.

“Go,” Harper says, using her hands to encourage me to take care of things.

“You can come with me,” I offer.

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