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“Wait, Tori!” I called after her, my voice cracking with nervousness. “It’s not ready yet.”
“Then why can’t I see it?” She looked back at me, her green eyes lit up with playfulness. “Come on, Ridge. If it’s really mine, then I should be able to see it, right?”
“Of course, but—” My words caught in my throat as she pushed open the door and stepped inside the unfinished building.
“Wow.” Her voice trailed off as she took in the empty space, her gaze darting around the room as if trying to envision its potential.
Every beat of my heart echoed through my body as I watched her reaction. The fear of disappointing her gnawed at me, making it difficult to breathe.
“Ridge, this is…this is incredible.” She turned back to me, her face ablaze with wonder and amazement. “You really bought this place for me?”
“Uh, yeah.” I shuffled my feet, more exposed than ever. “Every great tattoo artist needs their own shop. I was planning on surprising you. And Mr. Evanston was selling the place, so I figured, why not?”
“Ridge, this is more than just a surprise. This is…it’s life-changing.” Her voice quivered with emotion, and she blinked back her tears.
“Hey, it’s nothing you don’t deserve.” I stepped closer to her. “You’re an amazing artist, Tori, and I know you’ll make this place something special.”
“Thank you.” She whispered the words as if they held the entire world. “I never thought I’d have something like this. A place to call my own where I can create whatever I want. And it’s all because of you.”
“Well, we’re mates, right? It’s my job to make your dreams come true.”
She looked around the space again, her expression unreadable. “This is incredible, but…why?”
“Because I want you to be happy,” I said earnestly. “And I know how much you love tattooing. I thought maybe this could be our thing, you know? A place for us to build together.”
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and I couldn’t help but worry that I’d overstepped some invisible boundary. Maybethis was too much, too soon. What if she was seeing this as an attempt to control her or force her to stay in town?
“Do you really think I’m worth all this?” she asked shakily.
“Of course I do,” I said without hesitation. “You’re not just my mate; you’re my partner, my equal. I want to give you everything I can. You deserve everything and more.”
“Even a whole building?” she asked.
“Especially a whole building,” I confirmed.
She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve someone like you.”
“It’s not about deserving,” I reminded her gently. “It’s about fate and love, and I love you, Tori. More than anything.”
“God, Ridge, I love you, too,” she said against my chest, her breath warm and steady.
“Good,” I said softly, resting my chin on top of her head. “And remember, this place is yours to do with as you please. Put yourself into it, make it your own.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, pulling back to look me in the eyes. “I mean, I don’t want you to feel like you have to give me everything.”
I cupped her face in my hands. “I’m sure. This is something I want to do for you, Tori. Because I care about you and your happiness.”
“Thank you, Ridge,” she repeated, her eyes brimming with tears. “This means so much to me. I’m so happy that you’re my fated mate.”
My heart leaped, and I couldn’t help the possessive streak that surged through me. She was mine, and I was hers. Forever. I kissed her deeply, pouring all my love and devotion into the contact. The scent of her arousal filled the air, intoxicating me.
“Let’s forget about everything else right now,” she said between kisses, her hands roaming over my chest. “Show me how much you want me, Ridge.”
Her touch stirred something deep within me. This wasn’t just about passion; it was about our connection. Our bond as fated mates. I pulled her closer, desperate to feel her against me, skin on skin.
“God, Tori, you have no idea what you do to me,” I groaned, losing myself in the heat of her body.
“Then show me.” She began to deftly unbutton my shirt. With each button she released, her fingers brushed against my skin, sending a jolt of electricity through me. My resolve began to crumble under the onslaught of desire.
