Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
"Things are going to be changing around here, Beauty," I murmur. "Things are going to be changing quite a lot."
"What does that mean?" she asks.
"You'll see," I say, smiling.
Chapter Twelve
Dahlia
It's dark by the time I pull up to the security gate outside the mansion. I put the Hummer in park, and the car idles while I swipe the fob across the sensor and wait for the electric gate to open. The security camera light turns on, and knowing he's watching, I play up to him by finger-combing my curls, fluffing my hair, and pouting into the rearview mirror.
Draven loves it when I wear my hair loose instead of braided. The way he looks at me when I do what he wants drives me wild. Not to mention the way he makes me feel when he calls me his good girl. That man could make me do anything he wants with the snap of his fingers.
When the gate swings open, I wink into the camera and blow him a kiss, then rev the engine and drive into the compound. Draven wanted to install a moat around the entire property to protect me, but I considered it overkill. We compromised by installing security cameras and an automated gate.
Draven strides towards me, his long legs closing the distance in no time. I bite my lip, watching him prowl toward me; his eyes are dark pools of desire. My spine tingles just imagining what he's going to do to me.
He plants his meaty paws on the edge of the rolled-down window and pokes his head in. His lips are pulled into a thin, taut line, and his eyes are blazing.
"Why the long face?" I ask.
"Because you left me," he growls theatrically.
Sometimes I think he missed his calling in life. He would have made a fine actor. "I didn't leave you, silly pants. I went to work. That's not leaving you. It's only temporary, and now I'm home. Same as I am every day."
"Any time you're not by my side is too long for me."
"Well, you can miss me all you like, and you have the whole day to think of ways to make it up when I get home."
His eyes light up, ideas buzzing around in his head. I'm glad I could give him a project to help occupy his time. Draven has way too much energy for one person.
"What took you so long anyway?" He's trying so hard to remain stern, but his lips curve into a sexy smile when our eyes meet.
I love him with every fiber of my being, but I also love teasing him, and part of that means being mysterious. We trust each other implicitly, but I don't need to account for every movement. Although I don't answer him directly, I do address the heart of the issue.
"I missed you too, bossy pants." It's true. I miss him when we're not together. "But it's your fault. You're the one who encouraged me to go find a job outside of the house, remember?"
Draven understands that I need friends outside our home. Since I am naturally sociable, I can't exist online like he does. I tried making friends in online forums, but nothing beats sitting with a girlfriend in a coffee shop or meeting new people, however fleeting the contact may be. However, Draven is, and always will be, my top priority. Sometimes, he joins me in town. He isn't entirely comfortable going out yet, but he's trying for me.
He is overprotective, jealous, and absolutely adorable. He growls, turning his face away as though he regrets suggesting the idea.
As we walk to the house, hand in hand, he pulls me aside. "Do you have time for a walk before dinner? There's something I want to talk to you about."
"Of course."
It's a clear, moonless night; the stars shine bright overhead as he guides me to the bench seat under the willow tree. He takes my hand and turns to face me, his eyes glittering in the dim light.
"What is it? Is everything okay?"
"I love you, Dahlia," he whispers, pressing the sweetest kiss to my temple. "I love every minute of my life with you. You are my everything. My whole world."
Tears spring to my eyes at the raw emotion in his voice. He never misses an opportunity to show me how much I mean to him and how thankful he is to have me in his life. I didn't think it was possible to experience this much love, but he surprises me every single day. He is the ideal blend of passion and tenderness.
"I love our life too, Draven Asher Woodburn."
"Marry me, Beauty. Let my family be your family, and let's create a family of our own." He presses his hand against my belly. "Say you'll be mine forever."
His love and confidence in me make me feel special, like we are equal, and I'm giving him something he needs as well. I sniffle, offering him a wobbly smile as I savor this precious moment. "Yes," I breathe. "I love you so much."