Chapter Eight

Jenna

I open my eyes slowly, an unconscious smile tugging at my lips at the sight of the beautiful man beside me. He's sleeping so soundly, his features relaxed and peaceful. There's something about seeing him in such a vulnerable state, a boyish innocence that tugs at something protective inside of me. I suddenly want to keep this big, strong man safe from the rest of the world. It's an odd feeling but I like it… I also like the feeling of waking up beside him; it's warm and nice.

I close my eyes, letting the memories of the previous night wash over me. It was wild, yet probably the best night of my life. After we left the office, Ryan told me that he had an idea of how to deal with Henry and he'd like me to follow him home so we could act on it quickly. I sent a quick text to my mom and together, we came back to his house. We'd planned to get straight to business but the moment the front door closed behind us, Ryan pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately. We made love on the sofa and it was different from the first time. This time it was gentler, but not less intense… He held me like I was precious, his body communicating everything he felt at that moment. I'd never felt more cherished, completely loved.

And as our bodies surrendered to the throes of a powerful orgasm, he'd looked deeply into my eyes and told me that he loved me again, and I knew he meant it.

After reluctantly getting off the couch, we scavenged the fridge for food and cans of beer, and then we sat on the living room floor to eat. After dinner, we got to work. Ryan dug out all the records of Henry's corruption and I hopped on a call with the CEO of Daily Spark, Jason Ellsworth. Although no longer a journalist, he's the only person I trust to run the story without compromise or bias. As Ghost002, I've worked with Ellsworth a few times and I know he's a man of integrity, who'll pursue the truth no matter the cost. And this time, not only did Ellsworth agree to blow the white, but he also promised to put me in touch with a federal investigator who was already working on Henry's case file. The evidence we have now is more than enough to put him behind bars.

After the meeting with Jason Ellsworth ended, Ryan scooped me up in his arms and brought me to his room where he drove me crazy with his hands and mouth all over again. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, we drifted off to sleep, our limbs entwined.

Leaning over carefully, I place a soft kiss on his forehead. Then I gently lift his heavy arm off my body, careful not to wake him up. After I've successfully disengaged myself, I roll out of bed and grab his shirt where it's discarded at the foot of the bed, shrugging it on as I sneak out of the room.

I pad barefoot down the long staircase to the kitchen, heading straight to the coffee machine. I usually need a caffeine boost to start my day and just as I'm wondering whether to make a cup for Ryan too, the doorbell rings. I frown slightly in the direction, wondering who could be at the door so early. Then I remember Ryan mentioned that this housekeeper, Joanne, usually comes in every morning and leaves in the evening so it's probably her. I make my way to the front door, still barefoot and wearing Ryan's shirt, and open it but instead of Joanne, I'm shocked to see Henry standing on the porch.

"Henry?"

I never expected him to show up on Ryan's doorstep. He looks enraged, like a wounded animal, and for a second, I feel a trickle of fear run down my spine, but I quickly compose myself. I raise my chin to look him in the face, trying to appear confident.

"What are you doing here?"

Without answering, Henry shoves me aside and makes his way into the house. "Hey!" I protest, following him. "You can't just barge in here!

Henry turns to face me, his eyes blazing with anger. "What the fuck did you do, Jenna?" He thunders.

"What are you talking about?" I ask, my voice wavering slightly.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Jenna," he growls, taking a step closer. "I've just been notified that there's a federal investigation pending against me and I'm being charged with fraud and embezzlement. So you better start talking now. What the fuck did you do?!"

Damn. Jason Ellsworth doesn't waste any time, does he? How's the FBI already on his tail?

"I didn't do anything wrong, Henry," I say, folding my arms over my chest to steady myself. "I only revealed the truth like you asked me. How's it my fault that you turned out to be the corrupt bastard instead of Ryan?"

"Oh, really?" He scoffs, his mouth spreading in a humorless smirk. "I guess you're ready to give up your life of white hat hacking to do this to me. I promise to reveal your identity to the world, girl. Say goodbye to your life as Ghost002."

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you've got bigger fish to fry, brother," I say, imitating his smirk. "If you don't want to spend a couple dozen years behind bars for screwing over not just Ryan, but multiple other companies as well, you might want to focus more on either finding a lawyer or leaving the country. Nobody will believe anything that comes out of the mouth of a man who betrayed his partner and let him take the blame. It's over. Henry. Wrap it up."

Henry's face turns beet red with rage and he takes another step closer to me, his face mere inches from mine. I stand my ground, holding his blazing gaze despite the violent thudding of my heart.

"You little slut," he snarls. "I'm going to kill you!"

His hand shoots out, so fast I didn't see it coming, his palm closing around my throat and squeezing tightly. Panic surges through me as I gasp for air, clawing at his hand with my nails, but his grip only tightens.

"Let her go, Henry!" Ryan's voice rings out, strong and authoritative. In an instant, he's across the room, his powerful hands gripping Henry's arm and wrenching him away from me.

Henry stumbles backward but doesn't get the chance to steady himself as Ryan immediately punches him in the face, sending him sprawling to the floor. Blood trickles from Henry's nose, and he glares up at Ryan with a mixture of shock and fury.

"You're lucky I'm holding back, Henry," Ryan says, his voice low and dangerous. "Now, get the fuck out of my house before I decide to stop being civil."

Henry wipes the blood from his nose, his expression twisting into a sneer as he looks at me. "This isn't over," he snarls, struggling to his feet. "I'm going to get you, Jenna. Don't think Henry will be around to protect you forever."

Ryan steps forward, his fists clenched, but I place a hand on his arm, stopping him. "Get out, Henry," I say, my voice steadier now. "Go. Before we call the police."

Henry looks between Ryan and me, his eyes filled with hatred. But he knows he's outmatched. With a final glare, he turns and limps out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

As soon as he's gone, Ryan pulls me into his arms and holds me tight, his body trembling with rage and worry. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice muffled in my hair. I can feel the rapid thudding of his heart, mirroring mine and somehow that comforts me.

"I'm okay," I reply, looking up into his worried face. "I'm glad you came in time."

"I should have come down sooner," Ryan says, his voice filled with guilt. "I cannot imagine what would have happened if…" he trails off, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm sorry, love."

I wrap my hands around him, smiling up into his warm brown eyes. "You saved me and that's all that matters. Thank you, Ryan."

He nods, holding me tighter. "I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Jenna. I promise to keep you safe."

And I believe him because, in his arms, I feel protected. Loved. "I love you, Henry." The words flew out of my mouth, my heart swelling with indescribable happiness. "I love you so much."

Ryan's face lights up with a radiant smile, and he brushes his thumb against my cheek, wiping off the lone teardrop that slid down my eyes. "I love you too, Little Fox… More than I ever believed possible."

***

I stare at the full, bright moon shining overhead, a content smile tugging at my lips. It's a beautiful night, one that gives the illusion of endless possibilities and prompts heartwarming dreams. And right now, I'm dreaming about the past three months with Ryan… how his laughter has become my favorite sound, how his touch feels like home, and how his unwavering support has given me strength I never knew I had. He's been nothing but amazing and I couldn't be happier to have him as my man.

My man…

The thought sends a flutter of excitement through my chest. I love that I'm able to think of him so possessively.

A lot has changed in three months; I quit my job at MedPlus and started to take a course in Early Childhood Education because that will help with my ambition to work with kids in the near future. Henry was tried and convicted of corporate fraud and was given a long prison term. Mom and Dad were shocked, but I think they've come to accept the fact that Henry is more of a dirtbag than they were willing to admit and that some people, no matter how loved they are, are beyond redemption. They welcomed Ryan into the family with open arms and have even come to adore him. So, for our three-month anniversary dinner, Mom bought me a pretty shimmering gown in the most gorgeous shade of green, did my hair, and even made me put some make-up on.

I'm glad I indulged her, though… Ryan couldn't take his eyes off me all night and he kept telling me how stunning I looked. Dinner consisted of grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, roasted asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. The meal was perfect, but it was the company that made it truly special. We talked, laughed, flirted, and laughed some more.

Ryan drove us back to his house where he had a fancy table set up on the terrace with flower petals, soft-lit scented candles, and a super expensive bottle of wine.

Everything feels so magical and I feel like a princess in a fairytale.

"Hey, baby," Ryan says, coming to stand behind me by the terrace rails. He slips his hands around my waist, nuzzling his head in my neck. "You smell so good."

"Thanks, honey," I say, craning my neck to give him more access.

"A penny for your thoughts," he says after a stretch of comfortable silence.

I turn around in his arms and smile up at him. "I'll take a penny and a kiss."

He chuckles and leans over to paste a quick kiss on my forehead. "What're you standing here thinking about?"

"Us."

"What about us?"

"It's just… everything is beautiful," I reply with a small shrug. "Sometimes, it seems too good to be true."

He smiles, pulling me closer. "But it is true that you're right here in my arms right now." He leans in to kiss the tip of my nose. "And I love you." He pastes another kiss on my chin. "And I'm going to love you for eternity." He captures my mouth in his, kissing until we're both robbed of our breaths and when he pulls away, I'm left feeling dizzy and weak-kneed, my heart racing with excitement. "I love you too, Ryan," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Dance with me, baby," he says, holding out his hand, a boyish smile playing on his handsome face.

"What?" I say, laughing. "There's no music."

"But there is," he replies, intertwining our hands. He pulls me closer to his chest and starts swaying gently. "Listen to the combined sounds of our heartbeats, Little Fox… It's music enough."

I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat blending with mine. We danced in silence for a while, our bodies swaying in perfect harmony until Ryan's voice broke the silence; "Do you remember the first time we danced together here?"

"How could I forget? My heart was beating so fast I thought my chest would split open."

"I felt exactly the same way," Ryan says, laughing when I make a face at him. "It's true, love. I was more nervous than I'd ever been in my life."

"You?" I asked with a skeptical laugh. The concept of Ryan Anders being scared of anything is as foreign as it is adorable. "I find that hard to believe."

He sighs, still smiling. "I guess you won't believe that I'm more nervous now, then."

"What? Why?" I ask, blinking at him curiously.

Ryan takes a deep breath, his expression growing serious. "Because there's something I need to ask you, something that's been on my mind for a while now."

My heart skips a beat as he steps back slightly, reaching into his pocket. I let out a gasp when he pulled out a small velvet box and got down on one knee.

"Jenna," he begins, his voice trembling slightly. "I love you so much… You've changed my life in ways I never imagined. You make me a better person, and I can't imagine my life without you. So I'm hoping that you'll agree to spend forever with me. Will you marry me, Little Fox?"

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at the man I love, down on one knee, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. "Yes," I whisper, my voice shaking slightly. "Yes, Ryan, I will marry you."

He slips the ring onto my finger and stands, pulling me into a deep, heartfelt kiss. I cling to him, overwhelmed with indescribable happiness.

Before I know it, he's lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist just like the first time we made love. His mouth smashes to mine as he turns to lower us to one of the outdoor couches.

Before I know it, he's shoving my gown up around my thighs, and he lets out a small chuckle when he realizes I wasn't wearing any underwear all night long.

"You are a wicked woman," he says, lower his face and inhaling my scent.

"I needed to have a surprise for you, too." I drag my hands through his hair as he begins lapping at my clit. His strokes move from quick taps to long, luxuriating licks like he could devour me forever. I'm dripping, desperate for more.

"Oh my god, Ryan, how do you even do that?" I half yell, my eyes nearly rolling back in my head as he pushes two fingers into me. They glide in easily, I'm always soaked for him. His fingers hook and he sucks on my clit, driving me over the edge.

Thank god he's my one and only.

He rises, his face glistening with my juices, and I pull him to my mouth, eager to have him close to me again. Our tongues clash as he shoves down his pants, giving me almost no time to recover before he enters me with a swift push.

"Ohhh baby, you're extra wet for me tonight," he says as he picks up his pace.

I can barely catch my breath between his strokes, his hands roaming from my stomach to my breasts bringing me even closer to another orgasm.

"Come… with me…" I say, still breathless. With that, he drives into me, his pelvis hitting my clit in just the right way. With a few more strokes, we both explode and he collapses on top of me.

Not a bad start to forever.