"Erm…" James clears his throat, and I place my hand on his leg.
"Answer Paulette, James," I instruct.
Yes, Miss
His eyes flash with defiance, but then he calms as he gives a subtle nod.
He turns to Paulette, who is transfixed watching our interaction. She sits back and fans her face with a coaster from the table. "I bet the sex is hot as fuck between you two… Look at you both!"
I let out a full laugh, finding myself relieved at being able to joke and talk about it.
"We’re both at Purgatory, and no, it’s all still fairly new to me," he mutters, his voice low to avoid anyone overhearing his admission.
My heart swells with pride at seeing him talk about it to someone else.
"Well, I’m at Vipers in the next town. We hold munches every other month. You should come along and make some like-minded friends!"
James looks at me, confused. "Munches?"
"They're gatherings, like a lunch, picnic, or a club day with mini lessons, things like that. Totally safe space to be who you are," I explain, resting my head on his shoulder.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
Chapter 51
James
I stroll along the river with Isabelle on our way home, deliberately taking the longer route just to enjoy the walk. Our fingers are laced together as we chat about this evening's events at the pub.
Excitement churns in me; I've got a surprise waiting for her back home—but there's something I need to do first. I slow my steps until we come to a natural stop, leaning against the rail as the sun dips below the horizon and the air cools with the approaching night.
I take a deep breath, summoning the courage to just ask her. Turning to face her, I gently tuck a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.
Her eyes search mine, a slight frown creasing her brow. “What’s up, James?” she asks, her fingers brushing my forearm as her gaze flicks over my face.
Yes, Miss
“Isabelle, having you by my side these past few months has brightened up my life in ways I never thought possible. Your mere presence has stoked the dying embers of my very soul into a ferocious inferno of passion.” My heart races as I consider my next words carefully. “I know we haven't been together a long time, but I love you. I don't ever want to be without you. I want to forever worship at your altar, devote my entire being to you, my queen. I want to walk by your side through every challenge life has for us, I want to stand beside, and watch over you every step of the way, as a king would guard his queen.”
I clear my throat as I take in her beautiful soft face. Her plump lips parted open, hair whipped round from the wind, and her cheeks blushed with a pink glow that makes her look like she has just been truly fucked. I promise us both silently that I’ll personally make her look like that before the end of the night.
“Isabelle, please, stay with me. Move in with me. I want to wake every morning to your hair splayed across my chest, your soft breathing tickling me. I want to forever hear your singing as you wander around the house. I want to love you for the rest of my life. I want to be yours.”
Her eyes brim with tears, and she sniffs and looks away. My heart falls. She’s not going to agree to move in. Panic surges through me. I went too far. Shit!
Alexandra Ravensbrook
“James, that was beautiful, but before I answer, I want you to make me a promise.”
“Anything.” I would do anything for this woman,mywoman.
“I would love to live with you, James. I want to be yours, but I want you to promise me that you will be kind to yourself. That you will always talk to me about your needs. I want you to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with the amazing, loving, thoughtful man looking back at you. I want you to promise that you will love yourself as much as I love you. Will you do that for me?”
“Well, I was hoping you would ask me to promise to be the one to take the bins out every week,” I laugh as she swats my arm.
“I’m being serious, James,” she says. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I want to be the one to help you get that, but you must believe you deserve it. That you are worth it, because, baby, you are worth everything in this world.” She leans up and plants a soft, warm kiss on my cheek.
“I promise I will do my very best.” I pull her in close, her head tucked onto my chest, my chin resting on her crown.
