He puts me down and smiles widely. “I’m in a relationship. I’m now a committed man.”
I roll my eyes. “You’ve been in one since you met me, you just didn’t know it.”
His mouth twitches. “I told you I loved you.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t say anything back.”
I grin. “I know.”
“Don’t make me spank you.”
I giggle at that. “I love you, Tag. I’ve loved you for a while now.”
“Really?” he asks, resting his forehead against mine. “I’m so fuckin’ lucky. I’ve been a dickhead, Clara. After Kaley, I said I’d never trust anyone fully again, never give everything I had to a woman, but I’ve done that with you since the start. I was just too stupid to see it. I’ve been yours since we first ran into each other. I was trying to keep you at a distance with my words, but you know that I’ve shown you with my actions how I feel. And now, everyone fuckin’ knows it too.”
He was right, he had always shown me how he felt. He’d always been there for me.
Always.
I was glad he’d finally opened up, public announcement or not.
“I’m the lucky one,” I reply, rubbing my nose against his.
“Get a room!” I hear Ryan call out.
“There’s an idea,” Tag replies, grinning.
I slap his shoulder playfully. “After work, I’m all yours.”
I was always.
*****
One Month Later
I had money saved in my bank.
It felt good having some financial security. I moved back in with Tag a week later. He only let me pay for groceries, and even that was now and again, no matter how much I argued. So everything I earned, I saved. I know he wants me to feel secure, so I don’t have to worry about anything, and I am thankful he gives me that. I started calling my mum once a week, and she seems really happy about it. I can’t hold it against her, calling her weak, forever. She loved my dad, and she made her decision. It didn’t have to affect our relationship. I was letting everything go—the hurt, the pain. And I was becoming a better person because of it. I couldn’t control other people’s actions; I could only control my own. My dad was right about one thing, and that was me going to uni. I’d always wanted to go, but then, I didn’t. So, I enrolled myself for next semester in a business degree. Tag supports me one hundred percent, no matter what I want to do. I am a lucky woman; that is for sure.
“You look beautiful today,” he says as he enters our bedroom.
“You say that every day.”
“That’s because you’re fuckin’ hot.”
I grin. “Right back at you. In fact, why don’t you come and show me up close just how hot you are?”
“What do you want, Clara?” he asks, eyes darkening.
“You. Naked.”
He pulls his t-shirt off and flexes, showing off his ripped muscles. My mouth waters. When he slides down his pants and boxer shorts, I stare at his cock in appreciation.
“I want that in my mouth right now,” I say, pointing at it.
“Fuck,” he grits out, eyes widening. “Get on your knees, Clara.”
I do as I’m told, smacking my lips together in anticipation.
“Open your mouth,” he demands.
I open wide, and let him slide himself inside. Then, gripping onto the base of him, I suck him deep.
“Clara,” he moans. “Shit woman, you’re so damn sexy.”
I lick him from top to bottom.
“Touch yourself while you suck my cock,” he demands, heavy-lidded eyes on me. Reaching one hand down, I slide my panties to the side and touch myself. I’m already wet, and I use some of the wetness on my finger to touch my clit.
“That’s it,” he whispers, running his hands gently through my hair. His hips move gently, his cock sliding in and out of my mouth in a slow rhythm. Suddenly, he pulls out, lifts up my dress, and rips off my panties.
“I liked those.”
“So did I,” he says then slides into me in one smooth thrust.
“Yes,” I whisper. “So good, Tag.”
He lowers his head to kiss me.
I close my eyes, loving everything about this man.
He is my happily ever after.
And I couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Clara, will you marry me?”
Holy shit.
He was down on one knee before me, making my dreams a reality.
“Of course I will,” I tell him, tears pooling in my eyes. He slides the ring on my finger then stands and pulls me in for a kiss. I hold onto his broad shoulders, clutching him almost desperately.
The last year has been the best of my life.
Tag earned back my trust, and our relationship is one I never thought I’d ever have.
“I love you,” he says against my lips. “So fucking much, Clara.”
“I love you, too,” I reply, smiling, looking down at my ring. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” he replies, eyes sparking. “And you just made me the happiest man alive.”
“That’s it. We’re making love. Right now.”
He grins devilishly.
And I smile happily.
Sometimes, knights in shining armour are disguised.
Sometimes they are covered in tattoos, curse, and talk dirty.
And that is perfectly okay with me.