“I read books and watch movies.”
“Sounds like you’ve been reading and watching porn.”
“Maybe a little.” Bram is twenty-three. As much as I hate it, he’s sexually experienced. I’m not. I’ve never done anything with a boy other than kiss, and even that was nothing like the way Bram devours my mouth. As much as he seems to like my inexperience, it means I didn’t know how to pleasure him. “I wanted to turn you on. And I wanted our first time to be perfect, so I did a little bit of research.”
“It was perfect, baby. Don’t ever think you don’t turn me on. I’m reduced to nothing but a horny bastard when I’m around you. Totally addicted. I’ll never get enough of you.”
I know the feeling. “I’ll never get enough of you either.”
“Then it’s a good thing we’ll be together forever.”
I roll to my back when Bram pulls away and sits up. Instead of getting on top of me for round two, he opens the drawer on his nightstand. “Time for your birthday surprise.”
I touch the diamond pendant at my throat. “You shouldn’t have gotten me anything else. I know this necklace must have cost a fortune.”
“It didn’t. But this… this was two months’ salary.”
Two months’ salary? Oh mercy.
He holds out a black velvet box and snaps open the top to unveil the most beautiful engagement ring I’ve ever seen. White gold. A square solitaire in the center surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds. My dream wedding ring.
He goes down on both of his knees and takes the ring out of the box. “Our story began with a love and connection neither of us could label or understand. That’s because we’re a fucking living-and-breathing fairy tale. I don’t want to chase any more false happily-ever-afters. I want to start living the true one with you. It’s time for us todo lifetogether.”
I wasn’t expecting any of this. I’m stunned speechless.
He holds the ring between his thumb and index finger. “Say you’ll be my wife, Claud.”
Zero hesitation. “Yes, yes, yes. I want to be your wife.”
Bram takes the ring from its box and slides it on my finger. “It’s your birthday but I’m the one receiving the greatest gift of all.”
I hold out my hand in awe. “It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.”
He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses the top. “Claudia Laine Windsor. It sounds good.”
“It doesn’t just sound good. It sounds perfect.”
“When do you want to tell everyone?”
“Now?” I want the world to know that I’m going to be Mrs. Windsor.
“You can forget that. Neither one of us is leaving this bed anytime soon.” He gets up and climbs over me. “It’s just you and me tonight, Mrs. Windsor.”
“Whatever you say, Mr. Windsor.”