Page 121 of Dearest Protector

My life was full of people I loved, and who loved me back, but none as much as this man did.

My wedding day had been like a dream come true, and my life after that was even better.

My career had reached heights I could only dream about a few years ago.

Despite the distance, my relationship with my uncle Ernest and Olivia was extremely close. It was almost like we’d known each other our entire lives.

Ben’s mother had become just like the mom I’d never had.

Katie was still like a sister to me, and Ian, no matter how overwhelming he could be at times, was like a protective older brother.

My family circle was beyond complete.

I had exactly what I’d yearned for a few years ago: a lot of people who loved me unconditionally that I could love back without reservations.

I stroked Ben’s jaw lightly, not wanting to wake him up.

And Ben? Well, there really weren’t words to explain how connected the two of us had become over the last few years.

I couldn’t even imagine my life without this incredible man anymore.

He was my best friend.

He’d been my biggest fan when it came to my career.

He was a hotter lover than I could even fantasize about.

He supported me in everything I wanted or did.

We were tightly bound in body, heart, and soul, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I couldn’t say things werealwaysperfect.

We butted heads, occasionally, especially on matters of my safety, but we always managed to compromise.

“I love you so much,” I said in an almost inaudible voice as I let my hand rest lightly on his bare shoulder.

“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he said in a sleep-roughened voice, his eyes still closed.

“Crap!” I said remorsefully. “Did I wake you up?”

He opened his eyes and our gazes locked.

We’d been married for two years now, but my heart skipped a beat, just like it always did when our eyes met.

The man was so breathtakingly gorgeous and so dear to me that I couldn’t stop my heart from reacting when I looked into his eyes.

He grinned. “If you’re already awake, it’s probably about time I woke my lazy ass up.”

I shrugged. “We are on island time. We don’t have to get out of bed early.”

It wasn’t the first time Ben and I had escaped our busy lives to concentrate on each other and what really mattered.

We’d spent an idyllic honeymoon at this private island retreat, which was probably why we loved to return here so much when our lives got too chaotic.

This particular vacation had been planned because both Ben and I had experienced some busy months at work.

But we’d also escaped to our quiet place a few times on short notice when we realized that our lives had gotten a little too chaotic.

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