Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(69)

“I guess I’ve deprived you,” he muttered regretfully.

I moved my hips with his thrusts. “You’re here now.”

In lieu of playing with my overly sensitive nipples, he licked and sucked his way up my neck. I missed his lips, and would take them anyway I could get them. When he got close to release, his eyes locked on mine, never once wavering. With each push, he grunted with the force, penetrating me not only with his body, but with his mind too. His demeanor held me captive, even my heart fell victim to him.

My climax built with each thrust and eventually I tightened all around his body, screaming my release as he pounded into me, his cock pulsating with his own. I never knew love could be so wild and raw. With Ryley, I never knew what I was going to get. It was always a mystery. I had a strange feeling he liked keeping me in the dark. I think that’s what kept the devilish twinkle gleaming in his eye.

Finally, he let my hands go and they almost felt numb with how hard he held onto them. When I brought them down to my stomach, the sun reflected off of something on my hand and time stood still. All I could focus on was the huge smile spreading across Ryley’s face and the sparkling diamond ring on my finger. Instead of a clear stone surrounded by twinkling diamonds . . . it was blue. I could barely see it through the tears building.

“Oh my God, how did you –?”

Gently, he pulled out and rested beside me, placing his hand on my belly. “You were a little preoccupied,” he teased with a wink.

“So what are you saying? What does this mean?” My heart flip-flopped in my chest and I could barely contain my smile. Could this really be happening? Knowing my luck, I was in a dream and I’d wake up any minute.

Brushing the hair away from my face, he pressed his forehead to mine and kissed me. So soft, yet so deep. “I’m saying I want you to be my wife, angel,” he murmured against my lips. “I want to spend every day of my life knowing that you’re mine. There’s nothing else in this world that I want more than to have you with me always.”

“Ryley,” I breathed, gazing down at the ring. “I don’t know what to say. Are you sure this is what you want?” There was no way in hell I was awake. I had to be asleep. Marrying Ryley and starting our family was a dream come true.

“Ashleigh, I’ve never been so sure of something in my life.” He kissed me again and leaned back, searching my expression. “Please tell me it’s what you want too.”

Closing my eyes, I squeezed them shut and shook my head. “I’m dreaming, aren’t I? As soon as I open my eyes you’re going to be gone. Pinch me so that I know this is real.” When he didn’t pinch me, I opened my eyes just a tad and there he was, smirking at me.

“I can promise you, I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere, nor am I going to pinch you. If you want me to prove I’m real, I’d be happy to make love to you again—just give me ten minutes. Okay, fifteen.”

I giggled and then I’m pretty sure I squealed like a piglet. I was just so happy.

“But the only way I’m going to do that, is if you give me an answer.”

Tugging his arms, he complied willingly and covered me with his body, settling between my legs. “Then you better get used to this body, Ryley Jameson, because it’s the only one you’re going to be seeing for the rest of your life, even when I’m old and saggy.”

“And when that time comes, you’ll still be sexy as hell. Especially when compared to my own hairy, wrinkly body.” He playfully nipped my nose. “You still haven’t said the one word I want to hear. I need to hear it.” Lowering his lips to my neck, he trailed his kisses down my chest and flicked his tongue across my nipple.

Moaning, I held his face in my hands and brought his gorgeous blue eyes up to mine. “Yes, Ryley. My answer is yes. You have my heart and for that, I’m yours . . . always and forever. Now make love to your fiancé.”

He smirked down at me. “With pleasure.”





The afternoon had given way to a chilly night, but I was prepared, and snuggled in a blanket on our back deck. I hadn’t really noticed the chill in the air when Ryley and I made love under the sun, but then again, I didn’t notice much when he occupied my attention. We were actually going to get married. Even looking at the proof on my finger, it was still hard to believe.

“So what did Gabriella say when you told her?” Ryley asked, setting down my hot chocolate.

“Oh, thank you. You totally read my mind.”

“I’m learning,” he replied, smiling. Sitting down, he put his arm around me. “Was she excited for us?”

I burst out laughing. “Excited couldn’t begin to describe how she reacted.” In fact, my ear drum still hurt from her screaming. “She’d already started talking about the baby shower and now the bridal one. She threatened that if she wasn’t my maid of honor, she was going to kick my ass. Needless to say, I let her have the title.”

I didn’t want anyone else taking it anyway. Unfortunately, she still wouldn’t tell me what her and Paxton’s terms were. Why was she keeping it a secret?

“That’s great. I still haven’t decided who I want my best man to be. Hell, I never thought I’d get married. And even if I did, it was a given who I’d have. But now . . .”