Page 23 of Devoted Love: A BWWM Romance

“No, but a man likes to hear it.” He fiddles with my hair.

"I love you, Ryker." I kiss across his broad chest.

"I love you, Ryker." I follow the defined path down his stomach with a trail of kisses.

“Which way is the room?” he growls.

I sit back on my heels, pointing with my thumb over my shoulder. "That way."

It’s time for me to leave. The emotions raging in my chest are worse than missing her. I can’t leave her.

“Princess, come with me to the banquet.”

“Ryker, I want to but I—”

“Please…”

Jordan exhales. "Baby, I don't do well at those types of events. I get awkward and weird, and the last thing I want to do is embarrass you."

I settle between her gorgeous legs. I could make love to her all day and never tire.

“Jordan, I want you beside me. I need you beside me.”

"Okay. I'll go. But no high heels." She jokes, but I see the fear in her eyes. We genuinely are halves of the same coin.

“You can wear flip flops. I just want you with me.”

I chartered a private plane this morning. The stress of working out the final details and missing Jordan left me dazed. I tried to remain the supportive boyfriend because she's here working, but I never imagined I'd miss her so much. Several times I found myself calling out for her only to realize she was across the country.

Jordan packs an overnight bag, and we're ready to leave for the airport.

The driver waits outside her place. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

Chapter 9

Ryker, in a tuxedo, is criminal. His hair is freshly cut with a shadow of a beard. The dress he selected hugs my body. The neckline is high in the front and scoops deep in the back. I had the guys cover my dragon tail the dress exposes.

He had it all planned. We made love the entire flight, and the moment the wheels touched the tarmac, we hit the ground running. Ryker had the dress, my loctician, and my guys waiting.

The limo stops outside the banquet hall. It sort of feels like a Cinderella-type moment from the moment Ryker opens the door. We walk the red carpet, hand in hand, and enter the event hall. The staff is excited about my return. I hug most and shake hands with others. Erik steps forward.

“Welcome back.”

"Thank you, and congratulations."

He releases a nervous sigh. “Congratulate me after I give this speech.”

“Okay.”

Erik is a confident man, sometimes more than he should be. To see him nervously pacing and Ryker talking him down from the ledge makes me feel a little less freakish.

“We're going to rerun his speech. I have a surprise for you at our table." Ryker gathers me close.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know. Now kiss me and let me handle him.” I kiss him with a peck to keep from leaving lipstick on his lips. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

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