You can’t get pregnant in the shower, right? That’s the thought I have as I put on the lingerie that’s laid out on the bed for me.

Harris has left me in here all day while a team of people came over to make me beautiful. I had my body scrubbed even though he already did a thorough job of that earlier, then I was buffed and polished within an inch of my life. I look down at my perfect nails that are a soft gray color and see that they match the undergarments I’m supposed to wear tonight. I’m sure this is not by coincidence.

My sex clenches when I think about Harris holding me up against the shower wall as he pounded into me. He came twice before he put me down, and then he licked me between my legs because he wanted to see what we tasted like together. At one point he slipped a finger in my ass and I thought I was going to break into a million pieces. I can’t believe I was so innocent only a day ago. I never thought sex could be like this, and from what friends told me in high school, they must have been doing it wrong. The first time didn’t even really hurt, and then after that it was nothing but ecstasy.

There’s a soft knock on the bedroom door and I hear one of the assistants, Luna, ask if everything is okay.

“Just a second,” I say as I slip on the bra and panties and matching garters and slip. This seems like a ton of things that Harris is just going to have to peel off me later. The thought makes me dizzy with lust and I ache for him to fill me again. He filled an emptiness that I hadn’t know was there.

Once I’ve got everything on, I open the door and Luna comes inside with a garment bag held high. This is the dress Harris wouldn’t let me try on and now I’m excited to see it. She hangs it up on the closet door and unzips it. She takes the dress out and I’m shocked at how beautiful it is. It’s top to bottom lace that’s a deep plum color and I can’t wait to try it on.

I stand in front the mirror as I step into it, and Luna helps me with the buttons. It’s got long sleeves that are snug the whole way down and the front plunges low between my breasts. The back is the same and there is a small clasp at the back of my neck holding the delicate material together. The dress hugs me all the way to my feet, where it cascades onto the floor. From the way the dress is made, the entire thing looks see-through and the lace is strategically placed in the all the right places.

“Harris is going to die,” I say as I turn from side to side in the mirror and admire myself.

My blonde hair is down with just one side of my hair pinned back. My skin is glowing and I’ve never looked more beautiful. I want to cry.

“Don’t do that. You’ll mess up the makeup,” Luna says as she brings over a tissue. “You look—”

“Breathtaking,” Harris finishes for her, and I turn around to see him at the doorway. “Thank you, Luna, I think I can take it from here.”

I look down and see he’s holding a pair of heels and I smile at him. I give Luna a quick hug goodbye and thank her for her help. Harris closes the door after her.

“Maybe you should stay on that side of the room,” I say when he comes prowling closer to me. He gives me an evil smile and I hold my hand out. “I mean it. This is the nicest I’ve ever looked and I want to enjoy it for five more minutes.”

“Is that all?” he says as he leans in close and kisses me on the bare skin of my neck. “I think I can come up with something to do in the meantime.”

He presses his body against mine and his hard cock makes me wet instantly. He has broken the flood gates, because apparently I’m just turned on all the time now. I was interested in sex before, but there was never an opportunity for it. Now that I’ve given myself to Harris the only thing I want to do is get back in bed.

“Quit looking at me like that. One of us has to have some self-control.”

“Not it,” I say quickly, and he laughs and shakes his head.

“Come here and let me help you.” He takes my hand and leads me over to the bed where I sit on the edge and he kneels in front of me.

He takes one foot and slips on my shoe and then buckles it before he moves to the next. It’s so sweet and personal and I love how he smiles up at me when he’s finished. I lean down and kiss him softly on the lips, careful I don’t get the dark plum lipstick all over him.

“I don’t know if I’m going to make it through tonight.” He stands up and pulls me to him as he looks at me in the mirror. His finger traces down my naked back and to my ass, which he grabs. “I’m going to go insane with people looking at you.”

“I’m sure there will be a lot of people there. I’ll blend in.” At least I hope I will. I’m anxious about possibly running into people from my past and causing problems for Harris.

He takes my chin and makes me look up at him. “You could never blend in, but especially not in this dress. Now stop worrying about what’s to come. You’re on my arm tonight and the only thing you need to worry about is if your feet hurt.”

He always has the ability to read me so well, and while it could be aggravating, it’s kind of a blessing. I like that I can’t hide from him and he’s already at the ready to make me feel my best.

I smooth down the lapel of his tux and straighten his bowtie. “Did I mention you look devilishly handsome?” I ask, and I love his cocky grin.

“I’m here as your arm candy tonight,” he says and holds his hand out for me to take. I shake my head and roll my eyes as we walk out of the room.

It’s so easy being happy with him. He’s playful and relaxed and I’ve fallen completely for him. I know it’s soon, but I’ve lived my life on the other side of this coin and I’m not taking anything for granted anymore. I’m seizing my moment, and being with Harris is what dreams are made of. No matter what happens tonight or in our future, we’ll figure it out. I feel his strength beside me and I know he’s not going anywhere.

The ride to the music hall is quick, but it’s nice to be in the backseat with him. This way I don’t have to drive and think about where we’re going. I get to look at Harris as he tells me excitedly about his work and this project that means so much to him.

When we get to the event, there are paparazzi set up outside with a red carpet. I’m instantly nervous, but Harris takes my hand and we walk right down it without stopping. He waves at a few people, and I can hear the cameras going off, but he doesn’t pay them any attention. I try to draw from his strength instead of focusing on my anxiety and I take a deep breath once we’re inside.

“Let’s get you a glass of champagne,” he says when a waiter walks by with a tray. Harris snags two of them and passes me one.

“There you are, and I see you’ve brought this stunning beauty with you,” Simon says, walking over and taking my hand.

Harris immediately takes my hand out of his, and I laugh as Simon pretends to be offended. Simon introduces me to his husband and I laugh when Dean gets just as protective with Simon as Harris is with me.

Harris takes me around the concert hall and shows me all the work they’ve done. There are pictures showing the progress and I’m shocked at what it looked like before. Harris is so passionate as he speaks and I find myself asking tons of questions. This is something I’d never heard of and didn’t know was possible. But suddenly I’m looking at it through Harris’s eyes and I’m interested. When I point out a couple of things, he seems impressed that I thought of it.

“You have a good eye for things like this. Maybe you should take a look at one of my next projects,” he says as he pulls me close to his side.

The building is packed now and a few people come over to talk to Harris. He plays the role of the host, but he doesn’t engage people for long. As soon as he gets a window to dip out of a conversation, he takes it and we move along. I’m surprised when I realize I’m having fun, but it could be the two glasses of champagne kicking in.

“I need to use the ladies’ room,” I whisper to Harris and try to ease away from his side while he’s talking to someone. He stops mid-sentence and comes with me, and I have to hold back my laugh. He didn’t even see the look on the guy’s face as he just left him standing there. “I’m sure I could have found my way,” I say as we walk to the hallways in the back of the theater.

“I know, but I like being by your side. I’m arm candy remember?”

He gives me a quick kiss and I walk around the corner to where the restrooms are located. There are no signs on the door, and I stand there for a second unsure of which one is the ladies’. I decide to try the first one and I push the door open slightly. When I do it’s jerked out of my hand and I run into a man coming out.

“Excuse me,” I stammer, trying not to fall over on my heels.

My arms are gripped painfully tight and when I look up, I see I’m face to face with Lance. Cara’s brother is scowling at me with a look of disgust on his face. I think he’s going to release me, but instead he pulls me closer to him. I want to scream, but panic has bubbled up in my throat and I can’t talk.

“Cara told me you fucked Harris Hill. Is that the only kind of dick you’ll spread your legs for?”

His eyes are big and his pupils are the size of quarters. He’s sweaty and red-faced, like he’s been running, and his tuxedo is a mess. The door opens behind him and I see a man walk out and I recognize him. He was one of my parents’ friends and I used to play with his daughter when we were kids. Recognition dawns on his face, but instead of stopping to see if I’m okay he speeds up to get away. He knows Lance, too, and he doesn’t want to get involved. I want to scream for Harris, because it’s clear no one else is going to come to my rescue. Fear has me rooted to the spot and my mouth closed tight. I need to push past the fear, but I can’t.

“You were always an uppity bitch.” He looks me up and down and he doesn’t like what he sees. “My sister was good to you and now you’re acting like you’re better than us. You’re nothing but trash.”

“Get your fucking hands off her.”

When I hear Harris’s voice, relief washes over me and I’m able to move. I struggle to get out of Lance’s grip, but he only holds me tighter. A whine leaves my throat and Harris comes closer until he’s right behind me. I think the reason he hasn’t lashed out is because I’m in between the two of them and he can’t get to Lance without me possibly being a target.

“You really want to fight over this bitch?” I can feel the anger rolling off Harris to the point that he’s shaking. Lance is a lot dumber than I gave him credit for. “Fuck this dumb cunt, she’s not worth it.”

Lance pushes me into Harris and tries to make a run for it, but I won’t let that happen. Harris grabs me before I can fall and I kick out, tripping up Lance and sending him face first into the tile. I hear a loud pop and blood pours from his nose where he face-planted. Harris releases me and goes over to him and grabs him by the scruff of his neck. I gasp as he throws him against the wall then holds him up by his throat until Lance looks up at him.

“If you ever so much as think about my woman again I’ll hunt you down and cut that part of your brain out.” He leans in close and squeezes his neck until Lance starts to turn blue. I hear Lance mumble some words as he grabs at the hands holding his neck, but Harris just knees him in the balls before he lets him drop to the ground.

Lance makes a crying sound as Harris stands over him, daring him to get up. I walk up behind Harris and put my hand on his back. He turns around to hold me.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asks. He then calls for security to come over and take Lance away.

“I’m okay thanks to you,” I answer, leaning into his warmth. I watch as the cops carry out a crying Lance, who is mumbling about suing Harris and every person in this place.

“Hey,” Harris says and makes me look at him. “Are you ready to go?”

We haven’t been here that long, but I’m already uncomfortable with the crowd that’s forming nearby. I see a few people I know and I realize they know me, too. I want to run out of here and hide as quick as I can before the embarrassment gets all over Harris.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I duck my head and go to walk away, but I feel Harris tug on my arm. I look back and see he’s staring at the crowd and all of the people whispering. “Why don’t I go? I don’t want to ruin your big night.” I try and tug my hand from his, but his grip only tightens.

Harris steps towards the growing number of people with me by his side and I have no choice but to follow him.

“Good evening, everyone. Sorry about that back there, but Lance Rich and another member of his family are not welcome in my buildings or in my presence.” Harris speaks loud enough for everyone to hear and the crowd goes so silent you could hear a pin drop. He pulls me against his side and brings my hand to his mouth. He grazes his lips across the knuckles and my face burns as I realize everyone is watching. “This is Sloan Martinez,” he announces, and then the mumbles in the crowd grow. “Yes, she’s the daughter of Nicholas Martinez,” he tells them, answering the question that I know they are all whispering, “but that doesn’t mean she is to blame for his crimes. She’s here with me tonight and she’s going to be by my side from now on. If there is a problem with that, then the exit signs point the way out.” His tone is diplomatic but final. Unapologetic.

His declaration feels like fireworks exploding inside of me and my heart is ready to burst with love and happiness. He’s claiming me in front of everyone without a care of what they think.

“That’s all I’m going to say on the matter, but if I hear one word against the woman I love, I’ll come after every last person that speaks against her.” He looks to me again and I can feel the tears begin to form. “She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met and I’m lucky that she’s mine.”

With those words he walks from the room and I have to double step to keep up with his long strides. Before I can think about what I’m doing, I jerk on his arm to stop him and then leap into his arms. He catches me and continues to walk out of the music hall and to the waiting car outside. The snow is everywhere now and it’s made everything so beautiful and perfect. Just like my Harris.

We get in the backseat and he pulls me onto his lap as the car pulls away from the curb.

“I love you, too,” I say, and he smiles, tucking my hair behind my ears. “I’m lucky to have you, too.”

“Well, it sounds like we’re on the same page,” he says before he kisses me so thoroughly that I forget we’re in the back of a car with someone else driving us home.

“I love you, Sloan, and I meant every word. You are so much more than you give yourself credit for. But I’m going to be here every day to remind you of just how perfect you are.”

When the car comes to a stop we nearly run out and into the elevator to take us up to the penthouse. We are both impatient as the big metal box takes us up to the top where we can finally give our bodies what they’re craving.

As soon as the doors open, he’s carrying me inside and tugging at my dress. Thankfully I manage to get the buttons undone so it’s not ruined, but it ends up in a heaping pile on the floor just by the front door.

We create a trail of clothes as we kiss our way over to the couch. One we’re next to it I push him down on it and then straddle his lap. He’s completely naked and I’ve still got my garters on as I sit up and take his hard length into my hand. I guide his wide girth between my lips and I moan when he enters me. He grips my hips so tight it should be painful, but I love his possessive touch.

When I’m fully seated on him, we hold each other for a few moments, just breathing a sigh of relief that we’re joined once again. This is what my body has been aching for all night, and finally it has what it wants. After a moment I can’t stand it anymore and I begin to rock on top of him. He grabs my ass and leans forward to suck on my nipples as I work up and down his length.

His thick cock stretches me so there isn’t a place inside he isn’t touching. The friction against my clit and the feel of his mouth on my nipple are enough to have me on edge within seconds. I want to wait and savor my climax, but I’m too excited.

“I love you so much, sweetheart. Don’t hold back.”

He can always tell when he’s not getting everything from me, and I can’t deny him what he wants. He’s so good to me that if all he wants is my pleasure over and over again, then surely it’s not too much to ask.

I rock my hips a few more times and then my climax hits. I arch my back and cry out his name as he thrusts up, and then I feel his warm seed inside me. I clench around him, desperate for every drop as my body tightens and then relaxes. I’m relieved, but it’s not enough and my body is already demanding another.

“I’m taking you to bed, and you’re not getting up until I say so,” he says, standing up with me still on his cock and carrying me in the direction of the bedroom.

My pussy tingles with every step and I agree completely with his demands. “Anything you want, just don’t stop,” I beg. He puts me down on the mattress and begins to thrust in and out.

“Never,” he growls while he moves faster and harder inside me. “You’re all mine now, no going back.”

“Never,” I agree, wrapping my body around him and holding him tight.

We might both be brand new at this, but I have a feeling we’re going to turn out just fine. Our happily ever after is waiting for us, and all we have to do is lie back and enjoy the ride.