Page 118 of Fierce Hearts

The possessive edge in his voice made heat pool low in my belly. "Then take me, Gray."

We said our goodbyes—Meredith hugging me tightly, Leo clapping Gray on the back, my mother kissing both our cheeks. The drive to the secluded lodge we'd booked was charged with anticipation, Gray's hand resting on my thigh, his thumb tracing circles that made my breath catch.

Daniel couldn't drive fast enough.

When we reached our honeymoon lodge, Gray swept me into his arms despite my protests.

"I will carry you, princess," he interrupted, carrying me across the threshold. "I'm not starting our marriage by failing to carry my bride properly."

I giggled, casting a look back to where Daniel was unpacking our overnight bags. Two nights we had booked here, then we were headed to another destination to continue our honeymoon.

Daniel and the other security men would set up their perimeter, and we had a guesthouse booked for them as well.

Gray set me down just inside the door, and I gasped as I took in the open plan studio lodge we'd chosen. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading to the bed where they formed a heart. Candles flickered on every surface, casting a warm glow over everything.

"When did you arrange this?" I asked, turning to him with a knowing smile.

"I have my ways," he said with a wink, closing the door behind us. "Do you like it?"

"It's perfect," I whispered, my throat tightening.

Gray stepped closer, his hands finding my waist. "You're perfect," he corrected, his eyes dark with desire. "Every inch of you."

His fingers found the zipper of my dress, slowly lowering it. "I've been wanting to do this all day," he murmured, pressing kisses to each inch of skin he exposed.

The dress pooled at my feet, leaving me in the delicate lingerie I'd chosen for tonight. Gray's breath caught as his gaze traveled over me.

"Look at you," he breathed, his hand tenderly caressing my rounded belly. "My wife. Carrying my child."

I reached for him, undoing his tie and working on the buttons of his shirt. "Your turn," I said, pushing the fabric from his shoulders.

We undressed each other slowly, savoring each revelation. When we were both naked, Gray led me to the bed, the rose petals soft against my skin as he laid me down.

"I love you," he said, hovering above me, his eyes serious. "I need you to know that. I love you more than I thought possible."

"I love you too," I whispered, pulling him down to me.

His kiss was gentle at first, then it deepened as our bodies pressed together. His hands explored me with care, lingering on the places that made me gasp and arch against him.

When he finally eased inside, it was with a gentleness that brought tears to my eyes. I knew he was being mindful of our growing baby, taking care with me, and it only heightened my love for him.

We moved together slowly, savoring each sensation, each caress and kiss. This wasn't the desperate passion of our first night together, nor the fierce claiming he'd done countless times since. This was something deeper, a promise made with our bodies as well as our words.

Before I knew it, I was hurtling off that orgasmic cliff, crying out his name with bliss.

"Mine," he growled against my lips between soft grunts. "Forever mine." He groaned and shuddered, finding his own release.

"Yours," I gasped, holding him close as we trembled in each other's arms. "Always yours."

As we lay tangled in the sheets, rose petals clinging to our damp skin, Gray's hand rested protectively over our child.

"Mrs. Donati-Savoca," he murmured sleepily, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "I like the sound of that, oddly enough."

I smiled, covering his hand with mine. "So do I."

We'd chosen for me to take on both names, to show the union of the two families, which most of the Savoca were on board with. Those who weren't, we'd deal with at a later date. For now, I was going to enjoy this.

From a one-night stand to husband and wife in just a handful of months. It wasn't the path I'd expected my life to take, but as I drifted to sleep in my husband's arms, I couldn't imagine wanting anything different.

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