"Morning," she whispers, voice husky with sleep.
I brush hair from her face, marveling at how soft she is. Everything about her is soft—her skin, her voice, her heart. Complete opposite of me. "Morning, sweetheart."
She stretches slightly, her body pressing against mine in ways that make my cock stir to life. Christ. Been hard off and on all night just from holding her. Like a fucking teenager who can't control himself.
"The storm's stopping," she observes, glancing toward the window.
"Yeah." I don't look away from her face. Don't need to see the weather when everything that matters is right here in my arms.
She blushes under my scrutiny. "What?"
"Just looking at you." My thumb traces her lower lip. "Trying to figure out how I got so fucking lucky."
Her smile is shy, uncertain. "I think I'm the lucky one. You protected me last night."
I shake my head. "Would've killed for you if I had to." The words are blunt, honest. Want her to know exactly who she's dealing with. "Would do anything to keep you safe."
Instead of the fear I half-expect, her eyes soften. "I believe you."
Three simple words, but they hit me like a punch to the gut. She believes me. Trusts me. After knowing me for what—three days? Four? Most people take one look at my scarred face, my hulking size, and cross the street to avoid me. Not Julia. She sees past the beast to whatever's left of the man inside.
"I need to tell you something," I say, voice rougher than intended. "About the first day. When I walked into your store."
She waits, those innocent eyes watching me.
"I saw you on that ladder, reaching for books, and something happened." I struggle to find words for a feeling that bypassed thought entirely. "Something snapped into place. Like I'd been walking around with a missing piece all my life and suddenly found it."
Her lips part in surprise. "Love at first sight? Like in books."
"It’s more than love." I correct her, needing her to understand. "Obsession. Possession. Something primal. Something that said 'mine' the second I laid eyes on you."
Most women would run screaming from such a confession. Julia just listens, her eyes wide but not afraid.
"I was going to find reasons to come back. To install more security. To check the system. Anything to be near you." I brush my knuckles against her cheek. "Then the storm hit, and I got what I wanted. Time alone with you."
"And the break-in?" she asks quietly.
"Wasn't part of the plan." My jaw tightens at the memory. "But it showed me something important. Showed me what I'd do to protect you."
She swallows, her pulse visible at her throat. "What happens now? When the storm ends completely? When the roads clear?"
I've thought about nothing else all night. "First thing, I'm taking you out to pick a ring."
Her eyes widen. "A ring? But we just?—"
"Don't care how long it's been." My voice leaves no room for argument. "When something's right, it's right. And this—" I gesture between us, "—is right. You feel it too. Know you do."
She doesn't deny it, just bites her lip in that way that drives me crazy. "People will think we're crazy."
"Fuck them. This is between you and me. They don’t get a vote."
"They'll say I'm too young for you."
"You are." No point lying about it. "But I don't give a fuck. I'll spend the rest of my life proving I deserve you."
Her cheeks flush pink. "I'm not…I mean, I'm just a bookstore owner. Nothing special."
The words hit something deep and raw inside me. She really doesn't see it. Doesn't understand her own worth.
