Page 71 of Saddle and Bound

"Shhh" Alex saves me, silencing me.

Alex pulls me into his embrace, and I let myself melt into it, finally feeling safe. His scent, a mix of leather, pine, and something uniquely Alex, envelops me, calming my nerves.

Suddenly, I feel his arms tighten around me even more. I look up at him, and before I can say anything, his lips are on mine. The kiss is sweet and passionate at the same time, charged with all the emotions we've held back these past few days. I lose myself in that kiss, feeling my heart race and the world around us disappear.

When he finally pulls away after what feels like an eternity, I'm slightly dazed but also more at peace.

But before I can catch my breath, I see that familiar, cocky smile spread across his lips.

Oh no, I know that look.

"Princess..." he says, his tone a mix of amusement and tenderness, "you said you're not good at relationships. Does that mean we have one?"

The question catches me off guard. I feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I realize what I've said. The words came out without thinking... I didn't mean to say too much, to go too far. But now that I think about it, it's exactly what I want.

For a moment, I feel the familiar panic start to grow within me. Is it too soon? Am I moving too fast? But then I look at Alex, see his smile, his eyes full of hope and love. I remember his words, his offer to follow me to Los Angeles if necessary.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart. "I... I suppose so," I finally respond, my voice a bit uncertain but with a smile starting to form on my lips. "I mean, if that's what you want too."

Alex's smile widens even more, if possible.

"If that's what I want?" He repeats, shaking his head slightly as if he can't believe my question. "Princess, it's all I've wanted since the moment I laid eyes on you."

His words fill me with a joy I never thought possible. I laugh lightly, feeling suddenly lighthearted.

"Well, then I guess we officially have a relationship, cowboy," I say, leaning in slightly to give him a quick kiss on the lips.

Chapter 43

Alex

The world around us seems to pause as I look at Rosie, her face aglow with the first rays of dawn. Without hesitation, I stand and sweep her into my arms in one fluid motion. She lets out a soft gasp, instinctively wrapping her legs around my waist. My heart races at the feel of her body pressed so intimately against mine.

“Alex!” she exclaims, surprise laced with laughter that melts me from the inside out.

I hold her close, savoring the warmth and weight of her in my arms. There’s no space between us—just the heat of our bodies and the shared rhythm of our hearts. Slowly, I turn so she can see the view unfurling before us. The sky is a breathtaking canvas, painted with streaks of pink, orange, and gold, each hue brighter than the last. It’s a masterpiece that takes my breath away—almost as much as she does.

“Look,” I whisper, tilting my head toward the horizon. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Rosie nods, her gaze fixed on the sunrise. “It’s incredible,” she murmurs, her warm breath brushing against my neck.

But I can’t take my eyes off her. In the golden light, her profile glows, her eyes shining with wonder. She’s beautiful in every way—not just in how she looks, but in the way she moves, laughs, and loves. Her strength, her vulnerability, her fire... every part of her pulls me closer.

My heart feels so full I think it might burst. I know it’s too soon. I should probably wait, hold back. But right now, with her in my arms and the world waking around us, I can’t stop the words from spilling out.

“I love you,” I say softly, my voice rough with emotion.

Her head snaps toward me, her eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, I panic—but then her lips curve into a radiant smile, one that rivals the sun rising behind her.

“I… I love you too, Alex,” she whispers, her voice trembling but sure.

The world freezes. Those three words I’d only dared to hope for are now a reality. A wave of emotion crashes over me: joy, relief, desire. I feel weightless and anchored all at once, and I can’t stop the incredulous grin that spreads across my face.

Our lips meet again, this time with an intensity born of shared love. My hands tighten around her hips as the kiss deepens. Her fingers weave into my hair, pulling me closer, until there’s nothing between us but heat and need.

Still holding her, I turn and walk toward the cabin, each step purposeful. The door swings open easily, and I carry her straight to the bedroom. The room is bathed in the soft glow of morning light, warm and inviting, just like her. I lay her gently on the bed, her arms still looped around my neck. For a moment, I just look at her: hair tousled, eyes dark with desire, lips swollen from our kisses. She’s perfect.

I lower myself beside her, and our lips find each other again. Each kiss is electric, igniting a fire deep inside me. My hands move over her body with a hunger I can’t contain, tracing the curves that have haunted my dreams. Her skin is warm, impossibly soft, and she responds to every touch with a shiver that drives me wild.

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