Chapter 10

ten

?. . .?

Anastasia

I stare into the crackling fire, my mind swirling with thoughts of Ryan. Maggie's voice breaks through my reverie.

"Anastasia, honey, you've been a million miles away all evening. What's going on?"

I turn to face my friend, curled up on the other end of the couch. Her concerned eyes search my face.

"It's Ryan," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't stop thinking about him."

"The mysterious hottie who turned out to be a billionaire?" Maggie raises an eyebrow.

I nod, twisting my hands in my lap. I googled Ryan. He’s known for being cutthroat, ruthless. A lot of people fear him. A lot of people hate him.

But that’s not the man I know.

"Finding out about his wealth shocked me at first. But the more I think about it, the more I realize it doesn't change who he is—the man I fell for."

"And who exactly is that man?" Maggie prompts gently.

Images of Ryan flash through my mind—his piercing blue eyes crinkling as he laughs, his strong hands tenderly wrapping gifts for the children's charity drive, the way he looks at me like I'm the only woman in the world.

"He's kind," I say softly. "Thoughtful. Passionate about helping others. When I'm with him, I feel seen in a way I never have before."

My chest tightens as the truth hits me full force. "Oh god, Maggie. I still love him. I love him so much it hurts."

“Then maybe you should tell him that,” Maggie says gently.

I nod. Maggie gives me a long hug before she finally leaves me to my solitude.

I’m still sitting on the couch, staring at my phone, ready to text Ryan back when thunderous pounding on the front door makes me jump.

Ryan's deep voice carries through the wood, raw with emotion.

"Anastasia! Please, I need to see you. I'm sorry, I tried to stay away, to give you space. But I can't. You're mine, sweetheart. I can't let you go."

My heart races. I drop my phone and rise on shaky legs, drawn to Ryan's voice like a magnet.

I yank open the door, my breath catching at the sight of Ryan. His hair is disheveled, blue eyes blazing with intensity. Before I can speak, he surges forward, cupping my face in his large hands.

"Anastasia, baby," he breathes, his gaze roaming hungrily over my features. "I fucked up. I should've told you everything from the start. But I swear, every moment with you has been real. You're the only thing that matters to me."

My hands tremble as I grasp his wrists. "Ryan, I?—"

He cuts me off with a searing kiss, pouring all his desperation and longing into it. I melt against him, my curves fitting perfectly against his hard body. When we break apart, I'm panting.

“I’m dying, baby,” his voice breaks. “I can’t live without you, honey. I’ll give it all up. Donate every fucking cent to charity. I don’t care. Just say you’re still mine. Let me back into your life.”

My heart beats a staccato rythym in my chest.

"I forgive you," I whisper, running my fingers through his hair. "Your heart was always in the right place. That's the man I fell in love with—the one who cares so deeply for others."

Ryan's eyes darken with desire. "Say it again," he growls.

"I love you," I breathe against his lips.

He lifts me effortlessly, kicking the door shut behind us.

Ryan carries me to my bedroom, his lips never leaving mine as he lays me gently on the bed. The Christmas lights twinkle, casting a warm glow on our entwined bodies.

"I can never lose you again, Anastasia," Ryan murmurs fervently against my skin. "You're my life, my everything. Without you, I'm just a shell of a man, going through the motions."

His voice cracks with raw emotion. I cup his face, feeling the rough stubble beneath my palms. "I'm here," I whisper. "I'm not going anywhere. You have me, all of me."

Ryan's eyes glisten, and a single tear escapes, trailing down his chiseled cheek. I catch it with my thumb, my heart swelling with love for this complex, beautiful man.

"I need you," he breathes. "I need to show you how much I love you, how much I cherish you."

His hands slide reverently over my curves, igniting sparks of desire in their wake. He undresses me slowly, worshipping every inch of my body with tender kisses and whispered praises.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his lips grazing the swell of my breasts. "So perfect. I can't believe you're mine."

I arch into his touch, my skin burning with need. "Show me," I plead.

He does, with a gentleness that brings tears to my eyes. His strong body covers mine, his weight a comforting anchor as he joins us together in the most intimate way possible.

This time it’s slow, with him looking deep into my eyes and whispering promises in my ear while placing lingering kisses all over my body.

We move as one, our breaths mingling, hands intertwined. The pleasure builds slowly, a delicious tension coiling tighter and tighter until it shatters, sending us both over the edge with cries of ecstasy.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, limbs entwined, hearts beating in sync. Ryan presses soft kisses to my hair, my forehead, my lips.

"I love you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Anastasia. You're my forever."

I snuggle closer, basking in the warmth of his love. "Merry Christmas, Ryan," I murmur sleepily.

He tightens his arms around me, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”