I was on the edge of Rowan’s bed, staring out his window, watching as the sun rose above the horizon. Rowan slept beside me, his deep, even breathing almost hypnotic. I look over my shoulder at him, looking at his face and then lowering my gaze to his bare chest. The sheet is pooled around his waist, his washboard abs clenching in stark relief with every exhalation he makes.

I still can’t believe what we did last night, but the product of that is a heady reminder. I’m sore between my thighs, and when I look down and spread my legs slightly, I can see pinkness smeared across my flesh, my virgin blood the proof. I can see fingerprint-sized bruises on my hips, and the memory of his hands on me makes me flush in need once more.

He is mine the same as I am his.

I can’t believe I’ve given my virginity to Rowan. All this time, that’s all I’ve ever wanted, to be his, for him to love me the way I love him. And he told me as much. It felt a little surreal, but here I am, sitting naked on the edge of the bed, him just an arm’s-length reach away, his words replaying in my head.

“Once I claim you no other man will have you.”

“We’ve waited long enough.”

“I’ll take care of you.”

He loves me, he really does. He stirs and blinks his eyes open, our gazes holding. He gives me a genuine smile, one filled with so much emotion. He turns on his side so he’s facing me, his abdomen clenching and showing off his six-pack.

“You weren’t planning on leaving, were you?” His expression is somber, sincere. The corner of his mouth picks up and I can tell he’s just teasing, although underneath it all I truly believe he’s worried that I was about to leave.

I smile and shake my head, although I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it did cross my mind, just briefly. Not because I want to get away, but because I am so confused right now. We both said some incredible things last night, but was that from the heat of the moment? Do they still ring true for him this morning? I know I mean them … meant them.

Before I can say anything, he props his upper body up on his elbow, reaches out with his other hand, and wraps it around my waist. He pulls me back on the bed and is on top of me seconds later. I spread my thighs to accommodate his body but there is nothing sexual about this moment. He has his elbows on either side of me, holding his upper body up, his hands by my head. I can feel the steady rhythm of his thumb moving back and forth along the shell of my ear as he looks into my eyes.

“I hope you weren’t thinking of running from me?” He leans down to brush his lips along mine. “Because even if you ran I’d follow. I’d come after you, because you’re mine now.” He kisses me harder, with more passion. He strokes his tongue along the seam of my lips and I open for him. “I love you,” he whispers against my lips.

“I wasn’t going to run. I’m just afraid things might have changed for you. Maybe you just said those things in the heat of the moment, as emotions were running high.”

He shakes his head, his expression serious.

“No fucking way. I meant every word I said. You’re mine, always have been, and I was a fucking fool not to say something to you sooner.”

I wrap my arms around his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin. I can feel how hard he is for me, his erection pressing right against my slit.

“I love you so much it hurts,” he says. “Too much time has already passed where we could’ve been together. I was stupid, a fucking idiot for never saying anything before now.” He pulls back and the expression he wears is almost wounded. “I want this to be the first of many. I want you to be by my side always. Say you’ll be mine.”

He kisses me again before I can say anything, and I give myself over. All that worry and doubt, all the wondering that I had over the years, fades away. I love this moment, where we are both bared mentally, physically, but most importantly emotionally.

My heart is thundering, my pulse beating rapidly right beneath my ear. “I’ve always been yours, Rowan, and I always will be.”

He reaches between us and places his cock at my entrance, slowly thrusting forward until he’s seated fully inside of me. He makes love to me, slowly, gently, kissing me like he doesn’t want to stop, like he’s afraid to let me go.

“I love you. I love you so much, Marie.”

And I let myself go, just close my eyes and fully give myself to Rowan. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.