Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)(115)

“Good.” He slings his arm around my waist and holds me close. “I love it when you mark me.”

“I never do.”

“That’s why I love it. It’s such a rare occasion. I, on the other hand, mark you all the time.” He runs light, sucking kisses along the length of my neck and I bat him away, but it’s no use. Not that I want him to stop.

“Save that for later,” I murmur, tilting my head to give him better access. “We should get out there.”

He lifts his head. “Are you ready?”

I nod, ignoring the nervous trembling that threatens to overtake me. I can do this. I’ve made plenty of public appearances before. I’ll be fine. Really.

“Then let’s go, baby.” He releases his hold on me but takes my hand, entwining our fingers and bringing our linked hands up to his mouth. He presses a kiss to my knuckles, his gaze hot, his voice deep, as he whispers, “I love you.”

My heart aches at his words; they mean so much to me. Words he’s never uttered to anyone else, ever.

“I love you, too,” I whisper, leaning in to give him a kiss. “Let’s do this.”

“I’m right beside you,” he says as he leads me to the bathroom door and unlocks it, the roar of the crowd in the ballroom almost deafening even from all the way over here.

“I know,” I murmur with a nod, trying my best to exude confidence. I’ve got this.

“I’ll never leave your side tonight.” He’s trying to reassure me but I can’t answer, too wrapped up in my own fear to focus on how hard he’s working to help me. To ease my worry.

“Thank you.” I offer him a tremulous smile.

“Your dad is here. And so is Lily.”

I gape at him, happiness filling me. “Are you serious?”

“They wouldn’t miss your big debut.”

“What about Rose?”

He slowly shakes his head and I fight off the twinge of disappointment that threatens. I need to focus on the positives tonight.

And all those positives came true because of this man. His guidance, encouragement, and faith in me fuels me like nothing else.

“Thank you.” I wrap my arms around him again and hold him close, right before we enter the noisy ballroom. “For everything.”

“Anything for you,” he tells me, his lips against my hair, his hand on my backside because hello, it’s Ryder. It’s as if he can’t keep his hands off my ass.

“Anything?” I ask, pulling away slightly so I can meet his gaze.

He nods solemnly, every emotion and feeling he has for me shining in his gaze. “Everything.”

The moment we walk through the door, all worry, all nervousness lifts away, and I smile, glancing about the room at all the smiling faces. Seeing a few friends, fellow employees, some even from Fleur in New York. My father is standing close by, Lily by his side, the two of them wearing such huge grins I can’t help but smile in return.

Ryder slips his arm around my waist and guides me through the room, guiding me through life. Leading me and being the partner I needed so desperately but never knew … until I met him.

Now I have him. He’s mine.

And I’m his.