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  “You were always an uppity bitch.” He looks me up and down and he doesn’t like what he sees. “My sister was good to you and now you’re acting like you’re better than us. You’re nothing but trash.”

  “Get your fucking hands off her.”

  When I hear Harris’s voice, relief washes over me and I’m able to move. I struggle to get out of Lance’s grip, but he only holds me tighter. A whine leaves my throat and Harris comes closer until he’s right behind me. I think the reason he hasn’t lashed out is because I’m in between the two of them and he can’t get to Lance without me possibly being a target.

  “You really want to fight over this bitch?” I can feel the anger rolling off Harris to the point that he’s shaking. Lance is a lot dumber than I gave him credit for. “Fuck this dumb cunt, she’s not worth it.”

  Lance pushes me into Harris and tries to make a run for it, but I won’t let that happen. Harris grabs me before I can fall and I kick out, tripping up Lance and sending him face first into the tile. I hear a loud pop and blood pours from his nose where he face-planted. Harris releases me and goes over to him and grabs him by the scruff of his neck. I gasp as he throws him against the wall then holds him up by his throat until Lance looks up at him.

  “If you ever so much as think about my woman again I’ll hunt you down and cut that part of your brain out.” He leans in close and squeezes his neck until Lance starts to turn blue. I hear Lance mumble some words as he grabs at the hands holding his neck, but Harris just knees him in the balls before he lets him drop to the ground.

  Lance makes a crying sound as Harris stands over him, daring him to get up. I walk up behind Harris and put my hand on his back. He turns around to hold me.

  “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asks. He then calls for security to come over and take Lance away.

  “I’m okay thanks to you,” I answer, leaning into his warmth. I watch as the cops carry out a crying Lance, who is mumbling about suing Harris and every person in this place.

  “Hey,” Harris says and makes me look at him. “Are you ready to go?”

  We haven’t been here that long, but I’m already uncomfortable with the crowd that’s forming nearby. I see a few people I know and I realize they know me, too. I want to run out of here and hide as quick as I can before the embarrassment gets all over Harris.

  “Yeah, let’s go.” I duck my head and go to walk away, but I feel Harris tug on my arm. I look back and see he’s staring at the crowd and all of the people whispering. “Why don’t I go? I don’t want to ruin your big night.” I try and tug my hand from his, but his grip only tightens.

  Harris steps towards the growing number of people with me by his side and I have no choice but to follow him.

  “Good evening, everyone. Sorry about that back there, but Lance Rich and another member of his family are not welcome in my buildings or in my presence.” Harris speaks loud enough for everyone to hear and the crowd goes so silent you could hear a pin drop. He pulls me against his side and brings my hand to his mouth. He grazes his lips across the knuckles and my face burns as I realize everyone is watching. “This is Sloan Martinez,” he announces, and then the mumbles in the crowd grow. “Yes, she’s the daughter of Nicholas Martinez,” he tells them, answering the question that I know they are all whispering, “but that doesn’t mean she is to blame for his crimes. She’s here with me tonight and she’s going to be by my side from now on. If there is a problem with that, then the exit signs point the way out.” His tone is diplomatic but final. Unapologetic.

  His declaration feels like fireworks exploding inside of me and my heart is ready to burst with love and happiness. He’s claiming me in front of everyone without a care of what they think.

  “That’s all I’m going to say on the matter, but if I hear one word against the woman I love, I’ll come after every last person that speaks against her.” He looks to me again and I can feel the tears begin to form. “She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met and I’m lucky that she’s mine.”

  With those words he walks from the room and I have to double step to keep up with his long strides. Before I can think about what I’m doing, I jerk on his arm to stop him and then leap into his arms. He catches me and continues to walk out of the music hall and to the waiting car outside. The snow is everywhere now and it’s made everything so beautiful and perfect. Just like my Harris.

  We get in the backseat and he pulls me onto his lap as the car pulls away from the curb.

  “I love you, too,” I say, and he smiles, tucking my hair behind my ears. “I’m lucky to have you, too.”

  “Well, it sounds like we’re on the same page,” he says before he kisses me so thoroughly that I forget we’re in the back of a car with someone else driving us home.

  “I love you, Sloan, and I meant every word. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for. But I’m going to be here every day to remind you of just how perfect you are.”

  When the car comes to a stop we nearly run out and into the elevator to take us up to the penthouse. We are both impatient as the big metal box takes us up to the top where we can finally give our bodies what they’re craving.

  As soon as the doors open, he’s carrying me inside and tugging at my dress. Thankfully I manage to get the buttons undone so it’s not ruined, but it ends up in a heaping pile on the floor just by the front door.

  We create a trail of clothes as we kiss our way over to the couch. One we’re next to it I push him down on it and then straddle his lap. He’s completely naked and I’ve still got my garters on as I sit up and take his hard length into my hand. I guide his wide girth between my lips and I moan when he enters me. He grips my hips so tight it should be painful, but I love his possessive touch.

  When I’m fully seated on him, we hold each other for a few moments, just breathing a sigh of relief that we’re joined once again. This is what my body has been aching for all night, and finally it has what it wants. After a moment I can’t stand it anymore and I begin to rock on top of him. He grabs my ass and leans forward to suck on my nipples as I work up and down his length.

  His thick cock stretches me so there isn’t a place inside he isn’t touching. The friction against my clit and the feel of his mouth on my nipple are enough to have me on edge within seconds. I want to wait and savor my climax, but I’m too excited.

  “I love you so much, sweetheart. Don’t hold back.”

  He can always tell when he’s not getting everything from me, and I can’t deny him what he wants. He’s so good to me that if all he wants is my pleasure over and over again, then surely it’s not too much to ask.

  I rock my hips a few more times and then my climax hits. I arch my back and cry out his name as he thrusts up, and then I feel his warm seed inside me. I clench around him, desperate for every drop as my body tightens and then relaxes. I’m relieved, but it’s not enough and my body is already demanding another.

  “I’m taking you to bed, and you’re not getting up until I say so,” he says, standing up with me still on his cock and carrying me in the direction of the bedroom.

  My pussy tingles with every step and I agree completely with his demands. “Anything you want, just don’t stop,” I beg. He puts me down on the mattress and begins to thrust in and out.

  “Never,” he growls while he moves faster and harder inside me. “You’re all mine now, no going back.”

  “Never,” I agree, wrapping my body around him and holding him tight.

  We might both be brand new at this, but I have a feeling we’re going to turn out just fine. Our happily ever after is waiting for us, and all we have to do is lie back and enjoy the ride.

  Epilogue

  Sloan

  A few months later…

  “What do you think?” I ask Harris as he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me. I’ve finally finished putting the last touches on the tree. I’m excited to spend this Christmas somewhere that I actually want to be. I’m both excited and a ball of nerves because I want everything to be just right.

  “It’s perfect.” He kisses the top of my head. “Like you,” he adds, making me smile even bigger than I already am. A happy buzz floats around me as I look at the dancing lights on the tree, really taking it in.

  “It’s not…” I search for a word. “Extra?” I bite my lip and look over my shoulder at him. His eyes are back on the tree. I see him fight a smile. He’s trying to spare my feelings, or maybe spare himself so I don’t make us start all over again.

  “It is, isn't it?” I let out a long sigh and glance around the rest of the living room that was once bare of human touches. “It looks like Christmas exploded in here,” I admit. Owning what I’d done in here. Harris’s body shakes as he tries to keep his laugher in. After a moment I can’t help but join him because it’s so over the top in here. I’m pretty sure some of the stuff like the giant light-up candy cane I sat next to the fireplace was meant for outdoors.

  “This is your fault!” I try to defend my decorating abilities. “Who closes down a store and tells someone to get whatever they want?” I remind him of his ridiculousness in indulging me. For Thanksgiving we flew out to his parents’ home and we met and spent time together.

  They called not long after everything happened at the music hall. Like everything in this city, the news about us had spread like wildfire. We still keep making the papers here. Unlike I feared, our story was made into a sweet love tale. Neither one of us was dragged through the mud. The only downside has been my mother crawling out of the woodwork. It was jolting when she strolled right up to me outside our building. As quick as she was there, she was gone again from my life. I have a feeling it was Harris’s doing. I didn't ask. I tasted a life too sweet. Had met parents that were truly kind and loving. I wasn’t going back to that life.

  “I wanted to put you at ease. Besides, who wants to fight the holiday crowds?” I snort at his ridiculous reasoning and throw my hand over my mouth to muffle the sound. I don’t care how many times Harris tries to tell me it’s a cute sound coming from me. I’ll never buy it. “I didn't hear you complaining as you ran up and down the aisles grabbing everything,” he reminds me right back.

  I can’t even argue that point saying he’s exaggerating. When we left his parents’ we all made plans for them to come to us for Christmas. They’re going to stay into the new year. They both want to get to know me better. His mom was already hinting at grandchildren not even ten seconds after I met her in person. I was shocked with how easily they both welcomed me into all of their lives without question. You would have thought I’d been there for years.

  I’d come up with the nerve to finally ask Harris’s mom the second night we’d been at their house why she so easily took to me. She looked at me and simply said, “If my son chose you, then I know you’re the one. That boy of mine has always known what he wants and goes for it.” I understood what she was saying. If Harris told me something, I took it as gold, too. Then she’d added, “It doesn't hurt you’re the first girl he’s ever brought home or talked about, for that matter.” If Harris hadn’t already made me feel special every day and I wasn’t already madly in love with him, that would have sent me over for sure.

  Now they’re coming here and I’ve been wanting everything to be perfect. As perfect as the Thanksgiving they shared with me. I want to show them I care.

  When I started talking about how we needed to do something about his condo to make it festive, Harris hadn’t missed a beat in making that happen. The next day I was running through a holiday store like I was on a shopping spree show, finally putting the credit card Harris gave me to use.

  “We never set them up. My mother always hired people. I like this way better.” I let out another small laugh. “Even if it looks extra.” It does look a hot mess and it’s growing on me quickly. No, it’s not perfect like a professional would have done, but it’s ours.

  “Told you, sweetheart. It’s perfect.” He turns and brushes his lips against mine. He’s right. It is perfect. “Thank you for caring so much about making this a perfect Christmas for my parents.”

  “I want them to want to come here,” I admit. Meeting Harris’s parents showed me what parents could really be like. I enjoyed being with his mother. She doted on me and made me feel like I was her daughter. I look forward to her phone calls every few days. His dad was just as sweet as his mom. He reminded me so much of Harris with how he treated his wife.

  “Oh, they’ll be coming. I think the only reason they haven’t come sooner is Christmas was so close and I told them I wasn't ready to share you yet.”

  “You’ll never be ready to share me, so you might as well get used to it,” I tease, breaking from his hold to go get my coat for our date night. I don’t make it two feet and he’s pulling me back into his body.

  “I won’t. Not even after I take my last breath on this earth. I’ll still want more.” His mouth falls onto mine as my heart gives a flutter. It always does when he talks about us as a never-ending love. That we would always be together. He hasn't asked me to marry him, but he tells people I’m his forever. I try not to think why he hasn't asked me. I know he loves me and that’s all that matters.

  I sigh when we pull apart, looking forward to coming back home and we haven't even left yet. “Sloan,” Harris warns. We both know where this is headed. It isn’t unusual for us to miss a date night because we end up in bed.

  “Then let me get my coat,” I sass.

  “I’ll get your coat.” He takes my hand and leads me towards the door. It doesn't take long and we’re in the back of a town car. It makes me think back to when I was driving people around. I didn't hate the job, though I wore myself out doing it. I was always on the go, trying to make every penny I could. Maybe I’d even miss it if it wasn't for Harris. The man keeps me busy in all ways.

  Our passion for the city has melded together. I love helping him here and there. I brought up finding another job since he hated me driving around and letting random people into my car. He was sure someone would just take me. I have to admit it doesn't hurt my ego that he thinks everyone wants me. It’s a nice change from feeling like no one wants to be seen with me. He always does that, though. He heals parts of me that I didn't know had been damaged.

  He told me he needed me at his side. I was happy being there, so I didn’t bring it back up. I wanted to be at his side, but I wanted to make sure he wanted that, too.

  Not to mention I'm pretty sure I’m pregnant. I haven't even told Harris yet. With Christmas only days away, I think I’ll do it then. I know he’ll be happy. His lack of care when it comes to protection makes that clear. So do all the dirty things he says when we make love. He said he was going to knock me up a dozen times while we made love. Every time it would send me over the edge of orgasm.

  My mouth falls open as we pull up to the old movie theatre. It’s one I drove past many times. “Harris?” I ask. He gives me a smile and pulls me from the car.

  “You said you thought it needed some love.” He shrugs. “So I bought it. If it needs some love, we’ll give it that.”

  “You just bought it? Just like that?” My eyes water. He stops walking and pulls me into him.

  “Sweetheart, you know what your tears do to me.”

  “They're happy tears. They don’t count.” I say the same thing I always do when he gets me all choked up.

  “Come. There is more.” When we enter the theater, I can tell someone has already started cleaning the place up. I gasp when we walk into one of the rooms. Rose petals are strewn on the aisle. The room is filled with light from candles everywhere.

  “Harris. You’re really not going to like this,” I tell him as the tears leak down my cheeks. He smiles at me before placing kisses on my cheeks to stop them. When I finally think I’ve got it under control, he does it to me all over again when he falls to one knee.

  “I’ve been dying to ask you something, sweetheart. The wait almost killed me, but I wanted to make this perfect for you.”

  “For me.” I repeat his words.

  “Always.” He slides the diamond ring onto my finger. “Tell me you’ll marry me,” he demands.

  I want to tease him, but I don’t have it in me. I throw myself at him. He catches me easily, kissing me deeply.

  “I’ll marry you,” I blurt out when our mouths finally part. “Now take me home and make love to me.” It’s me issuing the demand this time.

  “Are you sure? I had plans for us.” I start to respond but stop when the screen at the front of the theater lights up. A gasp leaves me when Annie starts to play.

  “You remembered.”

  “Remembered?” He barks out a laugh. “I don’t just remember when it comes to you, Sloan. I wanted you to see that I’ll spend my life making you happy. Tonight was a taste of what we’ll have together.

  “We’ll have it all,” I finish for him. “And maybe one more.” It takes him a moment for my words to sink in.

  “And then another,” he adds. I burst into a fit of laughter.

  “Let’s focus on one,” I say.

  “Or we could practice for more.” He lifts me off my feet, and we end up missing the movie. We’ll write our own happily ever after.

  Epilogue

  Harris

  Many years later….

  I stare at my wife as she hums to herself softly, gazing out the large window to our backyard. Her fluffy red robe falls off one shoulder as she stirs her coffee before taking a small sip and setting it down.

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