Xavier (Vigilance 4)

When I’d lost my parents, I thought the world had ended. When I was stuck with an abusive foster family, fighting to find a way to help my siblings and myself, I thought I’d be happy if I managed to make enough money to survive.

I’d done so much more than that. I’d built up my own business and stood on my own two feet, but now, I had X’s love and support and nothing had ever felt so good.

“I love you,” I said. “I think I love you even more than I did when we were here for the first time.”

He gave me a soft smile. “I feel the same way. I can’t believe I almost pushed you away because I thought I couldn’t make space for someone in my life. Having you as a partner has made everything easier, not harder.”

“Well, it’s made some things harder.” I worked my hips, feeling his still half-hard cock beneath me.

He growled and grabbed my ass to hold me still. “I’m good, but my recovery time isn’t quite that fast.”

“I guess since you aren’t actually a superhero, I can accept that.”

“Long-term?” he asked.

I frowned at him. “Yes. I thought we—”

“Marry me.”

Were my ears working right? “Are you serious?”

“Emilio, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

I wiggled against his hold. “Is this like the new version of going down on one knee?”

“Clutching my future fiancé’s naked ass while he lies on top of me?”

I nodded.

“It sure as hell should be.” He frowned then. “I have a ring, but it’s over there…” He lifted his chin to indicate his suitcase on the other side of the room.

“I can wait.”

“Does that mean your answer is yes?”

Oh fuck. I hadn’t answered him. “Yes. Absolutely yes, and I can wait as long as I need to because ring or no ring, marriage or no marriage, I’m yours forever.”

X cupped my face and pulled me down until our lips met. The kiss started out soft and achingly sweet, but it grew heated with the fierce passion that always sparked between us. Whatever the future held for us, I knew there was no safer place to be than in his arms.