His Forever (His #2)

By bourbonvanilla

9.5M 237K 103K

This is the second book of His series. Please read the first one (His At Night), otherwise this book won't ma... More

Summary
Chapter 1 : Mr. Changeable
Chapter 2 : Mr. Persistent
Chapter 3 : Mr. Apologetic
Chapter 4 : Mr. Unstoppable
Chapter 5 : Mr. Remarkable
Chapter 6 : Mr. Complicated
Chapter 7 : Mr. Different
Chapter 8 : Mr. Cute
Chapter 9 : Mr. Assorted
Chapter 10 : Mr. Afraid
Chapter 11 : Mr. Erratic
Chapter 12 : Mr. Volatile
Chapter 13 : Mr. Supportive
Chapter 14 : Mr. Willing
Chapter 15 : Mr. Wanting
Chapter 16 : Mr. Annoyed
Chapter 17 : Mr. Domineering
Chapter 18 : Mr. Disturbed
Chapter 19 : Mr. Giving
Chapter 20 : Mr. Boundless
Chapter 21 : Mr. Efficient
Chapter 22 : Mr. Heady
Chapter 24 : Mr. Sneaky
Chapter 25 : Mr. Determined
Chapter 26 : Mr. Vulnerable
Chapter 27 : Mr. Happy
Chapter 28 : Mr. Mine
Epilogue : Mr. Husband
Braden's POV: Chapter 5 : Mr. Irresistable (book one)
Braden's POV: Chapter 12 : Mr. Fierce (book one)
Braden's POV: Chapter 21 : Mr. Eager (book one)
Braden's POV: Chapter 32 : Mr Heartbreaker (book one)
Braden's POV: Chapter 4 : Mr. Unstoppable (book two)
His to Love (His #3)

Chapter 23 : Mr. Combative

220K 6.6K 2.4K
By bourbonvanilla

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God, this is beautiful. Everywhere I look, I'm astonished by how gorgeous this place is decorated. The place is darkened, only illuminated by the small lights. And they're everywhere. They're wrapped around the pillars that are up on the ceiling, small tiny lights that are there mostly for decoration than for its purpose of creating a light and under each pillar is a crystal ball that reflects the lights.

White curtains fall from ceiling to floor everywhere around, the only place that's not covered are the windows, showing off a magnificent view of the city.

The tables are placed close together, decorated with luxury and preciseness. And even the tables are highlighted by the lights under them!

The orchestra is playing a beautiful, slow melody in the corner of the room.

Me and Braden haven't moved from the spot we're currently standing since we basically came here because people keep coming to Braden to greet him and then talk about the business and whatever subjects I wasn't interested in and didn't have knowledge about.

I made some polite remarks when someone spoke to me. I was surprised at how many women came to Braden and flirted with him without any shame when I was standing right there next to him. I almost choked them all. Braden was trying to be polite to them, but I felt his body tense everytime a woman started walking towards him.

I was getting seriously frustrated. This was boring me to death and my cheeks hurt from the fake smiling I have to do, just standing there next to Braden. He tried to include me in his conversations at times, trying being the key word, seeing that I literally had no idea what to say back not to sound more stupid than I already am.

But he tried to talk to me, mostly apologising that this was boring for me and then promising me we're going to dance later after the dinner is served.

Speaking of, I almost yell out, ''Hallelujah, finally!'' when there's an announcement that we should be seated. I'm merely disappointed when, once I sit down and eagerly wait for food to come, I find out that there are going to be some speeches first from very important people attending tonight.

I want to stab myself in the eye. With a fork.

But once I find out Braden is also among the ones who're going to speak tonight, my interest perks up instantly and now I'm impatiently waiting for my man to go up there and impress those people with his absolute charm and magnetism.

Me and Braden are seated with another couple, a slightly older man and a stunningly looking woman.

''I really hate these things.''

I turn my head in surprise to the woman beside me who just said these words to me in a quiet whisper. She's angling her head closer to mine, her lips up in a secretive smile.

I snort, looking around the room. ''Tell me about it,'' I reply, equally quiet as her.

Her smile turns big. She extends her hand for me to shake. ''I'm Cecilia. And that's my fiancé, Heath Broadway.''

My eyes flicker to the man who's currently chatting with Braden, and then back to Cecilia. ''Congratulations!'' I wish her happily. ''I'm Rory Warren.''

Cecilia nods as if in understanding. ''Thank you. Are you here with Braden?''

My smile slips a bit. ''Yes. Do you know him?''

Cecilia laughs under her breath. ''I know of him. As does every other person in this room and in this state probably.''

I feel myself blush. I chastise the jealous monster that keeps rising inside of me. Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me? It's not like every woman lusts after Braden. There might be some lesbians, too ...

I laugh to cover up my slip. ''Yes, how silly of me. I tend to forget how well-known Braden truly is among the people. It never fails to amaze me.''

Cecilia pats my hand in understatement. ''I know the feeling, honey. People say you get used to it, but even I, after being two years together with Heath, am still surprised at how successful he truly is.''

I look at Braden momentarily and as if feeling my gaze on him, he turns his head and looks me straight in the eyes with a deep, serious look. I know it. I know that I'll never get used to how handsome, how amazing and how successful Braden is. I'll always look up to him, always admire him and that feeling will never go away.

I look back at Cecilia. ''Yeah. I doubt I'll ever get used to it, either,'' I tell her quietly, rolling my lips together.

''So how long have you two been dating?''

I take a sip of the water. ''Ah, a few months now.''

''Huh,'' Cecilia says in a thought. ''So no wedding bells yet, I assume?''

I choke on the water, coughing to calm myself down. ''Sorry, what?'' I ask in shock once I'm calm enough to speak. Maybe I haven't heard her correctly?

''What are you two ladies talking about?'' I hear Braden ask and when I look at him, I see he's watching me with a forced smile, but he can't fool me because I can clearly see the crease of his eyebrows and the frown that he desperately tries to hide.

Cecilia laughs non-offensively. ''Just about you two getting married.'' She pats my hand.

I notice how Braden's eyes become wide and his body restless as he stares at Cecilia, probably wondering if he heard her correctly. I'm too busy studying his expression when Cecilia's words register in my head.

''No!'' I suddenly shout out loud. A bit too loud as I see a few people glancing at me in annoyance and I slump down in my seat, mouthing, ''I apologise.''

Braden looks at me then and cocks his head to the side, expectantly. He wants me to explain and he's waiting with masked patience, but I see the way his hands are gripping the chair handles.

I lean over the table. ''That came out wrong.'' I cast a look at Cecilia, but she's busy animatedly talking to her fiancé. ''She asked me for how long we're dating and made a joke about us not marrying yet. Or ever,'' I mutter the last part, a little begrudgingly.

Braden stares at me for what feels like an eternity with a serious expression, not saying anything. It makes me nervous as hell.

''We have one last speaker left, ladies and gentlemen. Last, but not least ... You know what they say, save the best for the last, right?'' There's a chuckle in the speakers from the man on stage. ''The greatest of all, a man you've all heard about and the one without who this event tonight wouldn't be possible – Braden Campbell!''

There's a loud applause, some people even stand up and whistle.

''Don't assume anything, Rory. Keep your mind open, yeah?'' Braden murmurs with a smile before standing up, buttoning up his jacket and heading for the stage while my mind keeps swirling around those few words.

I'm in such a frenzy that I miss the start of Braden's speech, but his velvet, charming voice slowly progresses into the fog of shock and confusion that Braden left with those words. But I lean back and force my attention on him, which isn't that hard, let me tell you. I notice how his eyes search mine every once in awhile during his speech and he holds my stare for a few seconds while he goes on with how happy he is that he can be here tonight, surrounded by such great people and so on.

''I wish you all a pleasant evening and I hope you'll enjoy it at least half as much as I will with my beautiful lady, who's currently waiting for me at the table. So I got to hurry.'' He chuckles and laughter fills the room from others. Some turn to look at me and I flush a deep shade of red, lifting a glass with my cold water to my lips to hide my tomato red face behind it and to discreetly put it against my warm cheeks to cool them down.

''Cheers!'' Braden lifts his champagne glass and the room stands up, Cecilia pulling me on my toes as we lift our glasses, yelling, ''Cheers!'' back.

Braden leaves the stage with a smile, shaking hands with a few people on the way back to our table.

When he finally manages to come back to the table, he takes a seat and Heath pats his back. ''Nice speech, Campbell. I see you still haven't lost that charm of making people eat from your hands.'' He grins.

Braden chuckles. ''Not all of them, though,'' he replies, looking me deeply into my eyes as he says that.

I lift my eyebrow that. I'd do anything you'd ask me for, Braden. What are you trying to say?

''You sure about that?'' Heath asks Braden, sending a strange look my way.

Braden reluctantly turns his gaze away from me on Heath. ''You have no idea, man. She defies me like no one I know.'' Braden shakes his head.

A huge grin suddenly appears on Heath's mouth. ''I see you found yourself the right one.'' He pats his back one more time. ''Don't let her go, for whatever is worth.''

Braden looks at me, taking a sip from his glass as he leans back in his chair and gives away a vibe of a relaxed man. ''I'm planning on it,'' he says, his eyes burning into mine, making me hot all over.

Heath suddenly leans into me. ''You clearly put him under a spell. I admire you, honestly. I don't know of a woman who was brave enough to stand up against the big bad Braden. Besides his sister, of course.'' He chuckles at that.

I chuckle back. I'm slightly surprised by his words, but they warm me, make me feel important. ''I think it's rather the other way around; that he put a spell on me,'' I remark.

Heath shakes his head. ''Trust me, sweetheart. I've seen a lot, and I haven't seen like that. Ever.''

Braden suddenly pushes Heath back into the seat and levels him with a cold stare. ''Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want to switch seats so you'll have better access to flirt with my woman?'' he growls at Heath's face mockingly.

My mouth falls open. ''Braden!'' I hiss, none too gently.

He continues staring at Heath with all seriousness.

''Uh-oh,'' I hear Cecilia mutter beside me, but I don't turn her way.

Heath puts his hands up. ''Whoa, Braden. We were talking about you, man. You're lucky to have her, but my woman is sitting here with me. Do you really think I'd flirt with other women, much or less with yours?'' He shakes his head.

Braden scowls. ''Of course I'm lucky. Have you seen her?'' he says as if it's the most obvious thing.

''Braden!'' I say it louder now. ''A word, please. Now,'' I demand.

He takes a warning glance my way but I challenge him back, making sure he sees the fury I feel. He sighs, rakes his hands through his hair and stands up.

I follow him as he strides away. ''I'm sorry,'' I apologise to both Cecilia and Heath and hurry after Braden.

We slip into a darkened hallway. Braden ignores everyone who tries to talk to him and just keeps going with me almost running to catch up with him.

He doesn't turn around as I come behind him, but he stays turned with his back to me, his hands in his pockets and his head hung low.

''Mind telling me what was that out there?'' I don't wait for him to acknowledge me and I don't beat around the bush. I want answers and an explanation of his behaviour.

He doesn't answer me right away and my foot starts tapping on the floor impatiently. ''Well?'' I prompt.

Braden places his palm flat on the wall with a harsh and unexpected move which loudly echoes, making me jump up in fright.

''I don't know, Rory, Jesus!'' he says loudly. He curls his fingers against the wall and then takes both hands in his hair, raking them through it. ''I have no idea,'' he says quieter.

''Could you at least look at me while we're talking?'' I ask him as kindly as I can, seeing that my patience with him right now is running very thin.

Braden takes a big, deep breath, before he slowly, reluctantly, turns around, facing me. He has that distant, lost look on his face. He's perplexed, as if he's trying to solve the mess out in his head, but doesn't know where to start.

''I just ... I'm a possessive man, Rory. I get jealous over the smallest things, and I won't deny that. It may be wrong to you, but you're mine and I don't share. With anyone. And with that said, anyone trying to do anything with you is asking to get their arms ripped off their body.''

My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline. ''Okay, all clear and understood. But tone it down a bit. What if I was acting the way you just did? It was rude and completely uncalled for. Not every man who tries to have a conversation with me wants to get in my pants or tries to flirt with me.''

Braden rubs his face with his hands and lets out a frustrated sigh. ''I'm sorry,'' he says after a few moments.

I wait, but he doesn't continue. ''For?'' I prompt.

Braden looks at me. ''For acting like a complete jackass out there.''

I nod. ''Apologise to Cecilia and Heath, too, please. That really wasn't nice of you, especially when Cecilia was right there beside him.''

Braden nods tightly, rocking on his feet. ''I know. I'll apologise.'' He has the strangest look on his face as he stares at me.

''Can we go back now?'' I ask, tilting my head to the side.

''So ...'' he steps closer to me so I have to tilt my head back if I want to keep looking him in the eyes. ''Am I forgiven?''

I shrug. ''I guess.''

Braden's eyebrow jumps up. ''You guess?'' he repeats with a tone that doesn't give anything away. ''I should test that statement then, huh?''

I want to ask him what he means with that, but when he steps even closer to me, putting his hand on the lower of my back so I arch it, and tilts his head down, I know just the answer for what he's going to do.

He doesn't rush it, he rather lets his breath fan over my mouth as if he knew how much that drives me crazy. I see his lips tilt up in the corners because I'm studying them intently, trying to predict his next move. He brushes his lips against mine, oh, so softly, but I still feel it all the way down to my feet.

And then, he finally gives it all, placing his lips on mine and moving them softly and slowly. I feel his hand travel from the low of my back to my hip where he squeezes it lightly. My toes literally curl in my heels at how good the feel of his lips moving against mine in a slow, steady pace feels.

He's so gentle, it only makes me want to throw my arms around his neck, jump up on him and kiss him senselessly. But I don't, of course. This is not a place, nor a time for that.

Braden puts his thumb and index finger on my chin as he breaks the kiss, smiling smugly down at me. ''Yeah. I'm definitely forgiven.'' He ever so lightly brushes my cheek with his fingers with affection.

I shake my head a bit to clear my mind and remember what we were even talking about before. ''Don't look so smug about it.''

He grins and then takes my hand. ''Let's go in there.''

We go to the table with happy faces and sparkling eyes, probably looking like a happy couple to everyone watching us.

We both take seats back at the table and Braden immediately turns to Heath. ''Heath, I want to apologise for my behaviour. That was completely out of line and rude of me.''

Heath grins. ''No hard feelings, man. I completely understand where you're coming from.''

Braden nods and then addresses Cecilia. ''And Cecilia, you too, forgive me for how I acted. I didn't want to imply your man even looking at another woman's way like that.''

Cecilia laughs easily. ''It's fine, Braden. I completely understand why you're so protective of Rory. She's really a diamond.''

My cheeks redden at her statement and Braden's eyes flicker to mine. ''That she is,'' he says lowly, his voice implying on something bigger that I don't seem to understand.

***

The dinner goes by in a relaxed atmosphere with low laughter and conversation filling the room. Couples are already starting to pile on the dance floor to dance on the slow melody the orchestra is playing.

Braden is talking to a few of businessmen in the circle again and I chose to just sit and wait for him at the table, not interested to hear any more of their conversations I don't understand.

''I'm just going to the restroom,'' I tell Heath and Cecilia who are preparing to go dance, too.

''Okay. We'll be dancing if you need us,'' Cecilia says warmly.

I just nod and go look for the restroom. When I find it, I slip inside. It's not empty, unfortunately, but it's still quieter and calmer than out there. I take some deep breaths of air.

Women are easily chatting and laughing next to me where I'm washing my hands. They obviously had something to drink if I have their red cheeks and glossy eyes to judge.

When I go out of the restroom and want to go back to the table, a hand on my elbow stops me. ''Lovely Miss Warren. How nice to finally meet you in person.''

I stop and look at the man who stopped me. A tall man with light hair brushed back and with light grey eyes, clean shaved. A very nice looking man, may I say. ''I'm sorry. Do I know you?''

He gives me a smile, showing off his white teeth that are slightly uneven, just barely noticing. ''No, I suppose not. I'm Jack Finlay. I did a business with Braden a few months ago.''

I give him a reserved smile. ''Well, seeing that you already know who I am, I think introducing is not necessary,'' I joke.

Jack chuckles. ''Trust me, everyone who knows about Braden, knows about you. You're no secret in this world.''

I'm puzzled by his admission. ''Geez. Then that must be quite some people then,'' I reply.

Jack tilts his head on the side. ''A funny one, aren't you?'' he murmurs. I get an uneasy feeling about his statement and I don't answer him. ''Can I ask you for a dance?''

My mouth opens. ''I ...'' I cast a look in Braden's way and see he's laughing about something one of the men said. I also notice a few women joined them in their circle, one particularly standing really close to him and staring at him with open admiration.

My blood boils, but I tell myself to calm down and I swallow the ball of jealousy.

Oh, what the hell. I wanted to have fun tonight, didn't I? ''Yes, sure.'' I give Jack a big smile, careful that it doesn't come off as flirty.

He offers me his arm and I take it, following him to the dance floor.

''You know ... I was just wondering why would Braden leave a woman like you all by herself on an evening like this ...'' Jack trails off. I obviously know what he's hinting on and I don't like it.

I chuckle forcibly. ''Ah, he's talking business and I just rather left him alone. I'm not really into that,'' I reply politely.

Jack shakes his head as if he can't believe what I just said. ''Jesus. What are you doing with a man like Braden?''

I lean a little bit further from him, the smile slipping from my face.

''Can I cut in?'' Braden appears from nowhere at all, saving me once again. He doesn't wait for Jack's response, he just comes in between us, making Jack release me.

''Campbell,'' Jack greets coldly. ''I was just about to ask your pretty girlfriend if she wanted a glass of champagne. You know, she looked lonely, all by herself in this big room.''

I hold my breath as Jack's words leave his mouth. Braden sharply turns his head around. ''For starters, she'll have to pass that offer, seeing that she's pregnant,'' he says pointedly. ''And about your second point, it's not your concern about her well-being. It's mine.''

Jack's eyes fall down on my stomach and Braden steps in front of me in a protective way. He looks back at Braden then and grins coldly. ''I think you're doing a shitty job, keeping a woman a company. But that was never your virtue, was it?''

Braden's body goes rigid in front of me and I see his muscles tense. Oh, boy.

I put my hands on Braden's elbow and pull him back to me. ''It was nice to meet you, Jack. See you around,'' I say quickly, literally dragging Braden away from him. I don't want him to start yet another fight, basically because of me again.

Our position changes soon and it's him who's dragging me behind him then. His steps are long and purposeful, making me almost trip in my high heels. He leads me to the same darkened hallway we were at before and twirls me around, pressing me hard against the wall, making me exhale loudly.

''What the hell was that out there, Rory? Are you going to deny you two weren't flirting, too?'' Braden spits out venomously.

I gasp. ''For your information – no, we were not! I was just trying to have a great time, but it's clearly against the rules to talk to any guy.''

Braden's face gets close to mine. ''Yes. It is. I already told you that, especially when you're happily dancing with men like Jack.''

''Oh, okay. Then the next time I want to talk to a male, I'll ask you for a permission first. How about that?'' I reply sarcastically, about done with his bullshit he's playing tonight.

Braden leans his whole body against mine, making me feel every inch of his hardness against my soft features. ''Don't get smart with me, Rory. You know I don't like it,'' he says, not so heatedly and more controlled this time, his voice lower.

''Stop dictating me around then,'' I say, not stepping down from this.

He sighs, dropping his head down, close to my neck. He places a kiss on the crook where my neck joins my shoulder and the goosebumps instantly mark my skin. It doesn't matter how much I want to be mad at him, my body always reacts to him. It betrays me every time. ''I'm not trying to dictate you, princess. I'm trying to protect you.''

He places a possessive hand on my stomach, spreading his palm wide so it covers it whole. ''It's not easy for me to see you with other men.'' He places open-mouthed kisses along my jaw, wrapping his hand in my hair and tilting my head to the side so he can get to my neck. ''And I'm not sorry for dragging you away from that moron. Don't expect my apology for that.''

It's hard to think when his mouth is doing magic on my neck, making my world shake. ''Braden ...'' I sigh on a moan.

He grunts in response, shifting his hips a bit so I can feel his arousal, making me gasp and snap my eyes open.

''Braden ...'' I try again, but instead of a warning, his name comes off my mouth like a breathy whisper.

''I want to fuck you. Right against this wall, I don't care who might see.'' He takes my hand in his and places it right over his rigid cock. ''Do you feel that? Do you feel what you do to me? It's all because of you, baby,'' he whispers hotly against my ear, gliding my hand over the ridge of his erection, making sure I know how turned on he is.

Then, he lifts my leg over his hip and places the same hand right over my ass, his fingers playing with the material where the low V line of the dress ends.

I'm ready to rip my dress off my body and let him do whatever he wants to me.

''Hell, if that's not Braden Campbell,'' a woman's voice behind us interrupts our make-out session, making me open my eyes wide and yelp in surprise, squeezing Braden's cock by accident, making him grunt.

Braden drops his head to my neck for a moment to get his breathing under control and then straightens up, turning around. ''Meredith. You're interrupting,'' Braden says coolly.

If I wasn't trying to get myself together behind his back, I'd probably make a comment about his rude behaviour. Yet again.

But the woman, Meredith as Braden addressed her, just giggles. ''Oh, I see nothing changed. Still messing around with women who you change shortly?''

Her voice instantly spikes an anger in me. It annoys me. And her words? I want to throttle her for even saying that, no matter if it's true – or was true.

''You see wrong.'' Braden looks back and takes my hand in his, bringing me forward. ''Meet my gorgeous girlfriend Rory. With whom I'm expecting a child.''

I peek at Braden's face with raised eyebrows. He's stating this fact awfully proudly tonight. He seems actually ... excited to become a father. Happy even. And it fills me with so much warmth.

''Good evening.'' I stick my hand out for her to shake, but she's staring at my face with wide eyes and open mouth, probably not even seeing my hand. I drop it down.

To say the beautiful Meredith looks shell-shocked would be an understatement. ''A child?'' she sputters in pure disbelief.

''Yes,'' Braden states proudly, not affected by her at all. ''A child.'' He beams down at me, all the love, happiness and warmth shining through his eyes and I have to return his smile.

''What a ... surprise ...'' Meredith comments, narrowing her eyes slightly as if she's in thought.

''Yes, well ... It was nice to see you again, Meredith. Take care,'' Braden dismisses her coldly and impatiently. He tugs at my hand and notice he wants to go back into the room.

''Uh ... bye. It was nice to meet you,'' I reply politely. I wouldn't say it was really nice to meet Meredith. I'd say it was amusing, especially when it's clear she has a thing for Braden and her dreams just got ripped out of her hands and stomped over by no one else than me. Oops. But poor girl, I truly feel bad for her – wanting someone she can't have.

''I think you just broke her heart a bit,'' I murmur to Braden when we're out of her hearing distance.

Braden huffs. ''If she only had one,'' he adds coolly, making me snicker.

What? Of course I'm jealous, especially knowing that he had something with her, for sure. Of course I'm not going to ask him, but it's still nice to hear he doesn't think very highly of her.

Braden doesn't lead us to the table as I supposed he would. He leads us straight to the dance floor. ''Uhm. Braden, what are you doing?'' I ask him quietly, close to his ear so he can hear me, but others can't. I keep the smile on my face the whole time.

I'm getting good at looking happy and like I'm enjoying at events like this. It's not that I'm not enjoying it, but it's hard for a person to keep a smile on their face the whole evening for no apparent reason.

''Taking you dancing. What else?'' Braden grins over his shoulder at me, his acting carefree, his smile boyish. It completely robs me of my breath. ''I believe I promised you a dance, Miss Warren. Hope you saved one for me,'' he flirts as soon as we're on the dance floor and he's holding his hand out for me to accept it politely as if silently asking me to dance with him. I know there's not question there at all. There's only one decision to make with him, the only one that's right for him. He'll strike for no less.

''For you? Always.'' I shyly smile back at him, flirting back, too.

Braden's eyes spark immediately and a secretive smile flashes on his lips.

I take his hand and he pulls me closer to him, putting his hand on my back and bringing us so close that our bodies touch. He looks across the room for a millisecond before one of his hands fall down on my ass cheek, squeezing it tightly, his hand making a fist, causing the material of dress to crumple and bunching higher at my ankles, exposing them.

I put my hand on Braden's arm, but before I can protest, he dips his head down and puts his mouth on mine in a kiss that's not appropriate for an event like this, but I get easily lost in it. He puts one of his hand on my hip, squeezing it while his hot mouth softly and slowly move against mine, giving everyone a nice show in the middle of the dance floor, I'm sure.

When he ends the kiss, he opens his eyes, looking over my shoulder again, and then brings the other hand on my other ass cheek, and squeezing them both.

A loud applause erupts around us and I see everyone's staring at us with smiles – some women with envy, some men with smug smiles on their face. I hang my head down, feeling my cheeks flush in embarrassment and I try to hide my face in Braden's suit jacket. But when I look at him, he has his eyes still trained on something behind me, grinning proudly and mischievously.

I turn my head around to look who he's staring at and I see Jack Finlay, with whom I danced before, looking at Braden, shaking his head. I turn my head back around, staring at Braden and I huff. ''You're such a jerk.'' I want to step away from him, but his hands go from my ass to my hips, holding me captive against him, pressing his body tightly against me.

He puts his mouth to my ear, his hot breath instantly making my hair stand up at attention. ''Just showing everyone in this room who you belong to.''

I punch him in the chest. ''Yeah, I'm sure everyone knows by now,'' I say dryly, partly mad at him for doing that. People around us are starting to pair up again and dance, their attention elsewhere, thankfully.

Braden twirls me around before crashing me back against his body. I squeal and a big, surprised smile stretches my face, the previous display all forgotten as I stare into his piercing chocolate eyes which suck my soul and make it all his.

''What a fool I was, living in denial of not loving you for so long, when I probably fell head over heels in love with you the moment you opened the door for me in nothing but that tiny towel,'' his words catch me off guard completely, because they come so unexpected and out of nowhere.

It's hard to stay focused on his words, keep my brain working, taking deep breaths so I don't get a heart attack and focusing on not tripping or stepping on Braden's foot right in the middle of the dance floor. ''But you're not in the denial anymore. And that's what matters.''

Braden gives me a soft smile and then spins me on the dance floor for the rest of the evening until my feet literally can't take it anymore and my cheeks hurt from smiling so huge.


Hello! Good morning from me! God, I'm so sleepy, my eyes are closing on themselves. I was out until 2 am last night and I forced myself out of bed this morning to come post this chapter for you. Aren't I a nice person?! 

So many things happened in this chapter! I wanted to inform you that it's official - this books will have 28 chapters total + epilogue. And then a few chapters in Braden's POV. I can't even believe how far we came. I never imagined that my books will receive so much recognition and love (and hate, too, of course. But that always comes along, unfortunately). And to think I never wanted to post my work online ... 

I won't be long. Make sure you follow me on twitter (patriciaxbooks) where I post excerpts from the new chapters and where I post random things. Tell me your username and I'll follow you back.

Back to sleep now, I'm dying here haha. Have a good day! x 

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Isabella needs a huge sum of money for her aged grandmother's surgery. She has nowhere to go for help and she decides to seek help from her Billionai...