Page 134 of The One
My forehead crinkles. “What do you mean?”
“Well, as I said before, Tiero and I were waiting for our One. We knew the chances she’d be from our circles were slim, just like the chances she’d still be untouched by the time we found each other.
His eyes turn serious and yet at the same time so loving.
“So you see, I hit the jackpot.” He kisses me tenderly.
“Unlike Ella, who wants nothing to do with our life and is giving Tiero a serious run for his money, you understand the world we live in.
“And you’re giving me the gift of all your firsts. You can’t even comprehend what that means to me.” He kisses me again, hungrier this time.
“I never thought being someone’s first would matter to me. But with you, it’s everything. Because it means you’re truly and wholly mine, and mine alone.”
I pull away from his teasing touch and stare into his eyes.
“So just like that, I’m your fiancée now?” I ask.
Mateo’s brows knit together as he considers my question, the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. His lips curve into a soft, utterly disarming smile.
“Yes and no,” he says, his tone warm. “I’m going to marry you, which makes you my fiancée, I suppose. But it’s not official until I propose properly. You deserve better than this,” he gestures around us, a rueful chuckle escaping. “And certainly not right after we’ve argued, and you slapped me.”
“Oh God, I really did that,” I mutter, cringing.
Mateo takes me in his arms, laughing. It’s a deep, rumbling sound that rolls through me, leaving heat in its wake.
“You did,” he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “While I’m not exactly eager for a repeat, I love that you stood up for yourself and put me in my place. In my excitement, realizing you’re it for me, it didn’t even occur to me to share that epiphany with you. In my mind, you and I, we’re a given now.”
Seriously, somebody pinch me.
In a move I didn’t see coming, Mateo scoops me up into his arms and carries me bridal style up the stairs. I yelp and throw my arms around his neck, giggling.
That tight knot in my stomach is replaced with a kaleidoscope of bliss, and there’s a lightness in my chest that’s spreading warmth through my entire body.
When we reach the top landing, the door stands open and we enter into a large open space. Mateo strides through it with purpose, leaving me only a moment to take it all in.
A comfortable-looking oversized couch and matching armchairs sit comfortably arranged, a massive TV dominates one wall, and another is lined with books.
Hmm. Unexpected. I wouldn’t have pegged him as a reader, but judging by the collection, he’s an avid one.
“You like to read,” I say, nodding toward the full bookshelves.
“A bit.”
“Let me guess, romantic comedies,” I tease. “No, I know, Mafia romances.”
“Very funny. I’d rather have one than read about it.”
All jokes about what kind of books he enjoys vanish the moment Mateo pushes open the door to the master bedroom. Cream plush carpet, rich mahogany furniture, it’s elegant yet surprisingly cozy. Especially the king-size bed dominating the center of the room.
My breath catches, my body registering how long it’s been waiting for this very moment, for this space.
So this is where I’m sleeping from now on.
How is this real?
“I hope you like this room.” Mateo’s voice is husky as he puts me down, his hands settling on my waist. “If not, we can change it.”
Oh, this man!
