Her words are touching and finally, I let my guard down. Taking Allie into my arms, I plant a soft kiss on top of her warm head.
“I love you so fucking much,” I confess. “And I think I have since the first time I saw you.”
Allie melts in my arms. As I hold her close, I sigh deeply. For the first time in my life, I truly feel like I have everything. But the only thing that matters is the powerful love that Allie and I share. She’s a perfect goddess, and I could never want another woman.
Finally, I know what it’s like to be happy.
Chapter Nineteen
Allie
“Are you going to be okay?” Dane peers down at me with concern written on his face. “This might be traumatizing. Those reporters outside the courthouse are vicious, baby girl.”
Inside, I’m nervous and queasy, but I don’t want Dane to know.
“I’ll be fine,” I say softly. “I think I’d feel worse not going.”
Dane nods. “I understand.” He reaches for my hand and laces his fingers with mine. “I’ll be right here the whole time. And you’d better believe that if someone gets in your face, I’ll make them wish they’d never been born.”
His words make me smile despite my anxiety.
“I know, baby,” I reply. “I love you.”
Dane grins. “And I love you, Allison Amanda Jean Carter.”
“Then kiss me.”
When Dane’s hot lips touch mine, a thrill of arousal shoots through my body and makes my clit tingle. I’m tempted to pull him close and fuck him right now.
“I want you,” I whisper.
Dane chuckles. “I never get tired of hearing that,” he says. “But if you’re serious about going to the sentencing today, we should go. Hanson is waiting downstairs.”
I swallow and nod. “Let’s go.”
Dane and I are silent as we descend from the penthouse to the parking garage. Even though I’ve been living with him for a couple of months, it only feels like days have passed.
“I think today might give me some closure,” I venture timidly. “Everything has been such a rollercoaster.”
Dane nods. “Yes,” he says. “I’m hoping for that as well.”
By the time Hanson pulls up in front of the courthouse, I’m a nervous wreck. True to Dane’s word, the steps are covered with reporters. The car hasn’t even slowed to a stop before they swarm us.
Dane takes off his blazer and hands it to me. “Here, wrap this around your head and shoulders. I’ll guide you inside.”
I take a nervous gulp of air and shake my head. Squaring my shoulders, I turn to face Dane.
“No, Dane. I appreciate it, but I’m an adult. And I need to act like one.”
Dane nods. “Okay,” he says. “I won’t push you, baby, but I’m right here if you need me. Ready?”
I nod nervously. Dane pushes open the door and we crawl out into the blinding sunlight. The reporters swarm us, but I keep my lips clamped shut as they hurl questions and insults in my direction.
“Allie! Allie! Did you know your father was guilty?”
“Allie! Over here – tell me about your family life!”
The questions are relentless, but Dane wraps an arm around my shoulders and guides me safely inside. With the crowd behind us, I breathe a sigh of relief.