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I STARE AT MY WEDDING ring sparkling in the light. Even though it's early, I'm curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee and my laptop. I haven't made an effort to start working yet, though. My thoughts are too chaotic to focus.
Last night, I couldn't resist the magnetic draw to Satoru any longer, and after our mind-blowing sex in the bedroom, we had sex in the shower and again on the bathroom counter. He treated me like a queen, showering me with words of affection and praise.
Something has changed between us, our connection going beyond physical attraction. It's an emotional bond, a tether holding us together, pulling me back to memories with the boy I grew up with-cruising around Aspen Grove listening to Linkin Park, catching Saturday morning matinees, and him showing up with a cheeseburger and milkshake when I needed a pick-me-up after my heart was broken.
When I woke up wrapped around Satoru like a koala bear, his arms securely banded around my waist, reality set in. This arrangement was never supposed to be more than a marriage on paper, but despite my attempts to remain detached, my husband is finding his way into my heart. What scares me the most is how vulnerable that makes me feel.
I close my eyes, and think back to our wedding night.
We exit the chapel hand in hand, and I can't hide the grin on my face. He shamelessly looks me up and down, letting out a low whistle. "You're so goddamn beautiful."
"I don't think you've complimented me nearly enough tonight," I tease, batting my eyelashes.
He hasn't taken his eyes off me since I stepped out of the dressing room at the boutique in The Shoppes at Premiere. In the span of an hour, he's called me some variation of stunning, beautiful, and gorgeous countless times. It's clear he knows how to make a woman feel good about herself.
He gently tugs my hand, drawing me against his chest. "In that case, I'll have to remind you every five minutes that you're fucking sexy in that dress."
The white satin contours to my curves, with a classic A-line silhouette and an off-the-shoulder neckline.
I wanted to wear a white dress for the ceremony but was worried when we got to the boutique only ten minutes before closing. When the sales associate found out Satoru's family owns the hotel, she was more than happy to accommodate us. After browsing the store, I finally found my dress at the back of a rack of sample wedding dresses that just so happened to be in my size.
A shiver runs down my spine as Satoru brushes a strand of hair from my face. His gaze lingers on my mouth, and I think of the kiss we just shared at the altar. The way he took charge, flicking his tongue along the seam of my lips, coaxing me to let him in, and the warmth of his mouth... It was incredible.
"You're perfect, N/n," he whispers. "And you're mine."
His declaration sends a flurry of butterflies through my stomach, making me wish he'd kiss me again.
