Page 94 of Virtuous Vows
“Okay, show me.”
“You have to be gentle because it’s still sore.” I lift my free-flowing yellow dress. His gaze darkens when he realizes I’m not wearing any panties. “I haven’t been able to wear anything because of where it is.”
He leans over and sucks in a small breath as he admires the artwork. He brushes a thumb close to its edges. “You got a little bear,” he says quietly.
I drop my dress suddenly, too embarrassed. “Well, I figured since you got my lips tattooed on your cock, then maybe I could do this. But also, you know… if this doesn’t work out between us, I can laser it off. It’s no biggie and—”
He cuts me off as his hand grabs my jaw, and he pushes his lips to mine, claiming me. I melt into him immediately. His kiss is tender, then demanding and possessive. His grip is firm on my jaw as he devours me, and I let him.
He picks me up, his hands on my bare ass, and he places me onthe counter.
“No!” I snap. “We are not letting this pizza go cold. Dinner first.”
Dawson dips his head to my shoulder with a grumble, and I laugh when he nips at my exposed shoulder. He perks back up, his gaze meeting mine. The desire is still a real and burning thing, but there’s something else there that I don’t yet entirely understand.
“What do you think your father would say if we told him we were getting married?”
I freeze at his insinuation. I haven’t really thought about marriage since my arranged disaster with Crue. And it seems like a sudden conversation with Dawson since we only just decided to be what? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Exclusive?
“You just want me to sign a contract,” I reply with an eye roll.
“Nope. No prenup, no contracts. Just you and me.”
I’m shocked because Dawson loves contracts, and I can’t tell if he’s serious or still playing. Dawson also knows how serious a commitment like marriage is to me—to my family and our name.
After the Crue and Rya incident, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get married. But as I thought about it more, I realized it was still something I sought. Something I want. I don’t ever plan on divorce. I’m not saying that divorce is a sin. Some people need to be divorced from their partners for any number of reasons, and that’s why I plan to take my time and be careful with who I pick as my permanent partner. I want to make sure myinstincts are correct and that I’m marrying the right person.
“Are you serious?” I ask, pulling back from him.
“I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Thinking about you,” he tacks on. “I have never once felt anything for any other woman the way I feel for you. When I told you I wasn’t willing to give you away, I meant it. The only way you’re escaping me is if you shoot me. So, in due time, prepare for it because it will come. I will ask you to marry me, Honey Ricci, because I literally cannot see myself with any other person in this world but you.”
“But…” I shake my head.
“I know you aren’t sure. But by the time I ask you, you will be,” Dawson confidently says.
My heart is racing, and I feel hopeful joy and confusion at how quickly it’s come up. Is everyone’s relationship like this?
“How are you so sure?” I ask, my hand pressing lightly on his chest.
“Because it’s you,” he says simply as if that explains everything. “Andyouaremine.”
I smile at his words, but I’m unsure of them. However, having someone claim me as theirs does feel nice. And the fact he isn’t afraid of my father? I like that too.
It might be just a moment because of whatever pressure or stress he’s having at work, but if I can be the person here waiting for him, reassuring him, andstealing kisses for myself all day long, then doesn’t that make me the selfish one?
“Wow! Maybe I put special mushrooms on this pizza,” I joke to lighten the intensity of the moment.
He laughs and rests his head on my shoulder, and I feel the tension ease out of him as I comb my fingers through his hair.
“I brought something for you for dessert as well,” he says into my chest as he presses kisses along it.
“And what’s that?” I ask, hugging him. Embracing this powerful man and claiming him as mine, even if it’s only for now. But hopefully, it’ll be forever.
“Shall we try some anal beads tonight, dear?” he asks and looks up from beneath thick eyelashes. His smile alone promises all the sweet and new things. Exciting things. My clit pounds, and I start to feel too hot in this dress. The idea of trying something new excites me. I know Dawson is introducing me to his world bit by bit.
But I want it all now.
Fuck the pizza.