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Later, as Evan and I settled into bed, we laughed over the unexpected turn of events. It felt good to share a lighthearted moment amidst all the chaos.
“Who would've thought?” I mused, burying my face in his chest. “Analise and Mason…”
“Life sure knows how to throw curveballs,” Evan said, his deep voice rumbling against me. He ran his hand over my back in gentle circles. “But sometimes they make perfect sense, like with us. Those two, though…I hope it doesn’t end too badly.”
I laughed. Analise had never been known for her long-term relationships, though a couple months might have been a new record for her.
“Me, too.” I burrowed closer into his warmth. “There was this one time that Analise had a nasty breakup. She wanted me to help her get back at the guy by putting sugar in his gas tank and a can of opened sardines in his glove compartment.”
Evan grinned. “Now, that sounds like her. Did you do it?”
“No, of course not.” I propped myself up on my elbow. “I was just the getaway car.”
His body shook with laughter as he held me tightly. “Well, best of luck to Mason. Hopefully, he won’t end up with leather seats covered in melted chocolate bars.”
I giggled, running my gaze over his perfect features. He was so handsome when he laughed—something we’d had far too little of lately.
“What is it?” he asked.
“What?”
“Just that look on your face.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “What are you thinking?”
“That I have the sexiest, most handsome mate in the world,” I said, resting my hand on his chest and tracing the planes and angles of his hard muscles. When I met his gaze, his dark eyes were filled with so much love, so much devotion, and a passion that made my heart skip a beat.
“I love you so much it hurts sometimes,” he breathed, covering my hand with his.
Then he pulled me closer, his hands running through my hair as he tipped my head back, bending his head to mine. Our lips met in a searing kiss. Despite everything we were up against, the things we’d face tomorrow, in this moment, the world around us faded away.
“I know things are insane right now, and I haven’t been myself lately,” I said when he broke the kiss. “But I hope you know just how much I love you, too. Even knowing everything that would happen, if I had to do it all over again, I’d still choose you.”
The breath rushed out of him, and he rolled over, pressing me into the pillow as he hovered over me. “You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”
“I love you,” I repeated. “Nothing will change that. You’re my mate, and we belong together.”
A grin curved his lips. “Hiring you as my nanny was the best horny decision I’ve ever made.”
I burst into laughter, remembering those early days when Evan and I tiptoed around each other, when his eyes had followed me across the penthouse, his gaze burning into me. I had no idea then what would come of it, but I meant what I said. I would always choose my mate.
Evan's strong fingers traced the curve of my cheek, his heated gaze never leaving mine as his hand found the hem of my shirt, his fingers trailing over my skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
I explored his body as well, my hands roaming freely. When he brought his mouth to mine again, I moaned, arching into him.
The moment was abruptly shattered by a loud bang on the door, followed by Jax's frantic voice. “Evan! Mariah!”
Startled, Evan and I exchanged alarmed glances before quickly disentangling ourselves from one another.
“What's going on?” My heart raced as I hastily pulled on a robe.
Evan rushed to the door and flung it open, revealing Jax standing in the doorway, his hair disheveled, and eyes wild.
“I did it.”
Chapter 17
Evan
It had to be past midnight, but I was wide awake, hardly able to believe my eyes as I watched the numbers on Jax's laptop screen rapidly dwindle. Mariah stood beside me, eyes wide with shock.
