I wake up warm, soft. Feeling safe.
Aslan’s arm is heavy over my waist, pinning me to the mattress like his body’s decided I’m not going anywhere. His chest is solid and warm against my back, his breath deep and steady on my neck.
I stretch slightly, just to ease the ache in my muscles, but even that’s enough to make him stir. His grip tightens, and I feel the drag of his stubble on my shoulder as he presses closer.
“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice is a gravelly rasp, thick with sleep.
“Nowhere,” I mumble, snuggling deeper into the warmth of his chest.
“Good,” he mutters. His arm flexes, dragging me even closer, his hand splaying possessively across my round stomach.
I smile to myself, eyes still closed. I love him like this, groggy and soft, and still completely obsessed with me. Filling me to the brim like he already wants to put another baby inside me, before this one is even born.
Under all that hardness and control, he’s nothing but heat and hunger when it comes to me.
And I belong to him. Completely.
“You’re smiling,” he murmurs. His lips brush my shoulder. “What’s funny?”
“Just thinking,” I say, rolling over to face him.
He’s gorgeous in the morning, all messy hair, sleepy eyes, and scratchy scruff.
I trace a finger down his chest.
He catches my hand, threading his fingers through mine. His thumb strokes over my knuckles.
I grin wider.
His smile fades, replaced with something darker, heavier.
“Tell me you’re happy,” he says quietly. “Here. With me.”
I blink, caught off guard. “Of course I am.”
“You sure?” His gaze sharpens. “Because if you’re not…” His fingers flex against my skin. “I’ll fix it.”
“You don’t need to fix anything, big guy,” I say softly. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
His eyes darken, and suddenly I’m on my back, pinned under him.
“Good,” he growls, voice low and fierce. “Cause you’re not going anywhere I can’t keep my eyes on you.”
I gasp as his hand slides down my thigh, dragging my leg over his hip.
“You think I’d let you walk away?” he mutters, pressing hot kisses down my neck. “Not fucking happening.”
“I know, Aslan,” I whisper, tilting my head back as his teeth graze my skin. “I don’t want to leave,” I murmur, brushing his hair back from his face.
His features soften, then his lips crash down on mine.
The kiss is slow but deep, full of heat and promises.
“You’re mine,” he growls against my lips. “Forever.”
“Forever,” I breathe back.
He kisses me again, harder this time, like he’s sealing the deal.
And I know, no matter what comes next, no matter how crazy life gets, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
With Aslan.
His sassy girl.
His to love.
His to ruin.
His to keep.
