Page 106 of Of Vows and Betrayal

I close my eyes and hold on to him with all my strength. “Don’t restrain yourself,” I beg. “Give me all of you.”

“God, you were made for me,” he moans, his voicedeep and rough, as he starts thrusting harder and faster. The intensity builds, an explosion brewing within me. I clutch his hair, pulling him closer, our breaths mingling. His hands find my breasts, his touch electrifying as he pushes deeper, faster.

“Javier,” I gasp, my body trembling. He responds with a need that matches my own, his movements powerful and precise.

Finally, I scream his name, my body contracting around him as waves of pleasure crash over me. His hands find mine, our fingers intertwining. His thrusts become erratic, his breath catching in his throat. He stills, body shuddering as he calls my name, and we both find release together.

He falls on top of me, and despite the weight, I wrap myself around him, loving the closeness, the connection. I kiss his throat and rub his back as we both catch our breath.

He finally rolls over but keeps me in his arms, and I end up with my cheek resting on the center of his chest. I wrap my arm around his middle, and when my eyes land on his alarm clock, I sigh.

“I wish we could stay like this all day.”

His fingers trace patterns at the bottom of my spine. “Why don’t we?”

I smile and kiss his bee tattoo. “Because I have a shop to run, and you have an empire to rule over.”

“We need to look into getting staff for the shop so I can keep you in bed for days.”

I chuckle. “What about your empire?”

“Who cares about an empire when they are holding their whole world in their arms?”

I lift my head to look at him, my heart swelling at his words. “You always know the right thing to say,” I whisper, leaning in to kiss him softly.

His arms tighten around me, his eyes filled with love. “Because it’s the truth. Youaremy world.”

We lie there in comfortable silence, savoring the moment. The world outside can wait just a little longer.

He sighs and releases his hold on my waist, and I roll onto my back.

“We should probably take separate showers,” I say, turning toward him.

He chuckles, one arm over his head, the other resting on his hard stomach. I love this carefree version of him. “It’s a shame, but yes, if we need to go out, I need to limit my time with your nakedness. Just give me a minute.” He stands, and I follow him with my eyes, admiring his naked form.

I still can’t believe this man is all mine.

He reaches his dresser and opens the first drawer. He slips into boxers and comes back to the bed, sitting down. When he opens his hands, I see a small black velvety box.

“Ophelia, sunshine, I love you, and I know the circumstances were not optimal, but?—”

“No.” I rest my hand on his before he has a chance to open the box. “If it’s what I think it is…”

Pain flashes in his eyes, but he nods. “I understand. It’s?—”

I rest my fingers on his lips. “No, you don’t. I don’t want to wear this ring just because of the situation we’re in. I want the real deal—the proposal we can tell our grandchildren about one day.”

His face softens, and he kisses my fingers on his lips.

“I don’t want to cancel what Lucchese has done, but I will pretend it doesn’t exist, and I hope we’ll have that proposal and wedding.”

He smiles, taking my hand in his. “We will. I promise you, we will have the proposal and wedding you deserve.”

“The one we both deserve,” I echo, kissing his lips before getting out of bed and retrieving my nightshirt from the floor. “Okay, I’ll go shower?—”

“What changed your mind?” he interrupts.

I frown. “What do you mean?”

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