SWNOVELS Chapter 48
I’m lying on top of River’s chest as I trace the tattoos on his arms. His mother is downstairs, most likely cooking again, since apparently that’s what she likes to do. I haven’t left River’s home since arriving two days ago. I pushed back meetings and I switched off my phone, honestly just needing space from the world.
“You look good in my shirt,” he says as he brushes his hand through my hair.
“I look good in everything,” I say as I raise onto my elbow and look down at him.
“It feels weird that you’re being so nice, Tanya.”
“Fuck off. And don’t expect it in front of others,” I say, and he chuckles. I love the way it vibrates against me.
For the first time in a long time, I feel free.
“Do you know what else will look good on you?” River asks as he gets out of bed. I appreciate the view.
“I swear to God, if you’re trying to sell me guns while we’re in bed, I’m going to shoot you with it.”
“Not that.” He chuckles again.
He pulls out a red box. I get excited and clap my hands at the present. Cartier. My favorite.
“It matches the set I bought you,” he says.
“Which one?” I ask as I open it, and my heart stops. It’s a Paraiba tourmaline from the set of matching earrings and necklace he gave me, but it’s a ring. I snap the lid shut.
“What the fuck?” I grit out.
“Calm down,” he says, and I fight every instinct not to run out that fucking door. “I’m not asking you for some fancy ceremony or even a marriage certificate. I just want every person on this fucking planet to know that you’re mine, and that if anyone makes a pass at you, then I have free rein to shoot them in the head.”
My breathing is erratic.
“I’m not the only one here who gets jealous, Anya. I need the world to know you’re mine.”
It’s the earnestness in his tone that has me looking between him and the box. “And what do I get?”
His eyebrows raise. “Besides an expensive, shiny fucking ring?”
“I have plenty of those already. I’ll make you an deal. I’ll wear this fucking ring if you get my name tattooed on your forehead.”
He chuckles as he lies back beside me. “That’s a big fucking no.”
“Then no can do,” I say but find myself opening the box again and studying the ring because it’s fucking beautiful.
“What if you thread it through a necklace and wear it around your neck as a collar until you come around to the idea?” he says as he grabs the back of my neck and pulls my face to his.
His voice vibrates over me and gives me tingles in their promiscuous promise. “It better be a really nice necklace.”
“Don’t you have a beautiful necklace from the set I’d bought you that you haven’t yet worn?” He challenges.
“I want another one.” I say trying to hide my smirk.
His lips crush mine as he smiles. “Anything for my queen.”