Her breathing stutters.
But she nods.
That’s my good girl.
“My Tiger knew the second I caught your scent,” I tell her. “Before I even saw you. Before I knew your name.”
I brush my thumb along her cheek.
Soft.
Reverent.
“I walked into that shop like I was being pulled in by an invisible line, and there you were—standing there like you’d always been part of my world.”
Her lips part.
Her eyes search mine.
“And I tried to ignore it,” I admit, a low huff of a laugh escaping me. “Told myself I wasn’t built for this. That I don’t get to have something like you.”
My hand slides down, over her shoulder, anchoring her to me.
“But I was wrong.”
The words feel heavy.
True.
Final.
“You’re not something I found, Hadley,” I say, quieter now. “You’re something I was missing. I fucked up today, and I’m gonna have to work to get my place back with the Pride, but I’ll do it. For you. For us. Because this is where I belong.”
Her breath catches.
“I feel it here,” I press a hand to my chest. “Like something in me finally settled the second you walked into my life.”
My forehead drops to hers.
My voice lowers.
Raw.
“You complete me in a way I didn’t think was real, Hadley Smith. I love you. You’re my everything.”
Her hands come up, framing my face now.
Mirroring me.
“Rob,” she whispers, whines a little.
“I love you,” I say it again, because there’s no point holding it back anymore. “Not just tonight. Not just because of this. I love all of you. Every part. Forever.”
My Tiger hums, satisfied.
Mate.
“And I need you,” I add, my voice roughening. “Not like a want. Not like something I want like pretzels or a beer. I yearn for you, Cookie.”
