“I never will,” I scoff. “Just know, I expect a proper engagement and actual wedding ceremony.”
“If you want that, it’ll happen tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes, putting some distance between us. I want to look at him properly while we talk, and he gets the hint immediately, shifting his body better, his legs sprawled in front of him. He pulls my own over his lap, softly massaging me while looking at me.
“No,” I breathe out. “I don’t want it immediately. There are other things I want done before that.”
“Okay,” he smiles. “I won’t do anything before you’re ready.”
“I know,” I take his hand, kissing it softly. “But since we’re on the topic, I need to get something off my chest.”
“Yes, Butterfly?”
I take a big breath of air, swallowing a knot that forms in my throat. I know that Arlo is a parental kind of person, and that he wants children in the future. It’s the only thing that is not compatible between us.
“I don’t want children.”
“You don’t want children,” he repeats.
“No,” I try to keep my eyes glued on him, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking right now. “I don’t want to be pregnant, I don’t want to give birth, and that won’t change.”
He swallows. “Okay, then we won’t have kids.”
I blink. “Pardon?”
“Blair, you’re the only person I need. Aria will have kids for sure. I’ll just be the fun uncle. I don’t need a child of my own. I do, however, need you… more than anything in the world.”
I fight back a smile. “Really? You won’t change your mind?”
“Never,” the immediate response makes me clutch his hand tighter. “If this is your final decision on the matter, I will never, ever bring it up again. If you do change your mind down the line, let me know and we’ll discuss it. But I won’t bring it up.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, Butterfly,” he brushes a strand of my hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear. “You’re all I need. I don’t want you doubting that, ever.”
“I’m open to adoption, though.”
Arlo raises a brow. “Really?”
I nod. “Not now, of course. There’s too much work that needs to be done before I can even dream of it. I need to finish high school.” I pause, giving him a dirty look, which he promptly ignores, “I need to help Kaya. Of course, I need therapy, too. Until I’m in a better space mentally, I don’t want to be a wife, or a mother. And although it’s a possibility, it’s not a guarantee.”
Arlo pulls me by my waist, and I straddle his hips. His arms wrap around me, holding me tightly. “The decision is yours. I’m fine with whatever you end up choosing, Butterfly because no matter what, I’ll always choose you.”
I smile, leaning in and pressing my lips against his.
“I love you.”
“I love you more than words could ever describe, Butterfly.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
My lips are all over her throat. The sound of Blair’s soft moans filter through the sound of the dark night, my cock throbbing almost uncomfortably in my pants. Her hands threading through my hair, pulling and tugging on the strands.
And fuck me, does it feel good.
My teeth graze the sensitive skin of her throat, her entire body shuddering. Her eyes are closed, and she allows herself to feel every single touch, every single kiss, everything I have to offer her.
“Arlo,” the sweet whimper slips her lips, and I groan, barely containing myself. “We shouldn’t do it here.”
