I watch him walk around the front of the car, the duality of him really sinking deep into my gut.
How he is so gentle with me, with his mother, even seeing him treat his dogs like they are babies now compared to how rough and hard he looks on the outside. He looks like he doesn’t have a forgiving bone in his body, but his words and actions towards those he loves tells a different story.
——————————————————
He was right, this place is beautiful. I can’t believe I have never thought to come here before. The aquarium has brought a sense of peace and tranquility over me that I never knew I could achieve. It’s also made me think of what was going on in his lifeat the time he would come here to clear his head and what he was like then.
I’m a little envious of anyone who has known him for so long, then I’m reminded of our age gap and the fact that I would have been a literal child when he was coming here and I cringe to myself then realise I’m thankful to have met him when I did.
“I can’t believe we are the only ones here today. I thought it would have been so busy considering it’s a major tourist attraction.” I say as we sit on a bench surrounded only by the lights illuminating the giant tank in front of us.
“I may have pulled some strings.” He replies casually and I turn to him in shock.
“You didn’t…” I say, mouth agape and taken aback.
“I told you I would do anything for you and I meant it. I knew you needed something calming and in an environment where you wouldn’t be looking over your shoulder with everything that’s been going on. This is the least I can do for you.” He replies shrugging his shoulder as if booking out an entire aquarium just for us is as casual as booking a table in a freaking restaurant.
“You are absolutely insane do you know that?” I tell him while shaking my head in disbelief and laughing lightly.
“Insane for you, yes I do know that.” He replies as he rests his arm over my shoulders and pulls me into his side.
I bring my hands up to cup his face, feeling empowered to make the first move, and when I do, he looks down at me before bringing his own hand up to tilt my head back a little further forcing me to drop my hands back down.
“I have never felt this way about anyone before and I know I never will again. You are smart.” He says as he leans down and kisses me on my jaw.
“You are beautiful.” Another kiss to my neck.
“You are kind.” He kisses his way to the other side of my throat.
“You are passionate about the things you love.” He gently bites my neck and I let out a whisper of a moan.
“You are just you… Everything I never knew I needed or wanted and I will do everything in my power to show you that, every single day for as long as you will allow me to.” And with those words he captures my lips in a kiss so soft yet demanding, so overwhelming yet peaceful and so powerful that I feel the meaning behind every single word he spoke.
Chapter Twenty Six
Willow
“Yes I know mom, but you know me. I wouldn’t do something like this on a whim. He’s amazing, like seriously amazing.” I sigh down the phone to my mother.
“And he treats you good?” She asks suspiciously.
“So good, better than I probably deserve.”
“Oh Willow, you deserve to be treated like a Queen. I just want you to be happy. Are we a little shocked about how old he is, yes of course, but only because we are your parents, it’s our job to worry.”
“I just don’t know what I’ve done to end up with someone like him mom. He’s like something out of one of the books I’ve read and I just feel like how did I, a completely normal girl, end up with him.”
“Because you’re amazing honey. Despite the age gap, I’m glad you’re being treated well. He does sound lovely and as long as he continues to treat you with respect, then we are happy for you.” I can almost see the smile I know she has on her face right now.
When I fist called my mom to tell her about Dragna I wasn’t nervous, but then when I told her his age and the fact he’s a millionaire, or billionaire, I actually don’t know yet, I got worried. Her silence was telling, but I knew when she knew how happy I was, she would be okay.
“Now, are you being safe?”
“Oh my god mom! I’m not sixteen, you don’t need to ask me that!”
“Oh yes I do, you’re still my baby regardless of how old you are and I want to know you’re being safe when this is all so new.”
I repress a gag at the thought of this conversation even beginning to happen.
