AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I thought this was only possible in those silly romance books I’d read online. The type of books that I learned Lily writes. Used as an escape from work, I never thought it would be possible to experience it in real life.
Not for someone like me, at least. With my bread rolls for a tummy and patches of fat deposits appearing like cellulite on the back of my thighs, my rounded face always puffy from chocolate binges on those late nights at the lab. Romance was never in the cards for me. Love wasn’t either.
To see it come from the one person I had least expected it from is shocking. The grumpy dragon shifter who’d been convinced that we could be nothing more than mates for the purpose of producing dragonspirit children.
“This…” I glance around, still stunned and reeling from everything around me. “... This was the surprise?”
“Yes,” Aragon gulps, showing that hesitant side again. “I—I hope you like it.”
The stammer in his voice is followed by him dropping his gaze nervously. I didn’t think it was possible for a man of his caliber and prowess to have trepidations. It only serves to prove what he’d been hiding all along.
He has the biggest, most sensitive heart. Behind that tough outer shell of grumpiness, he’s a sweetheart who only wants to be loved, and who’s willing to go the extra mile for the one he leaves.
I’m lucky enough that it’s me.
Reaching over the table, I slip my hand into his and smile when he’s the one to give me a reassuring squeeze.
When he lifts his head and meets my eyes, the feeling of warmth that washes over me is enough to make me sure that I cannot live without this man. He’d opened up to me, speaking about the past heartbreak that led him to be so reserved. So angry with the world.
In doing so, he’d opened me up to the idea of love.
“I love you, Aragon.”
Chapter 29 - Aragon
“I love you, Aragon.”
Those words ring in my head, causing me to blink quickly as I’m left stunned. When Yazmine’s cheeks fill with color, I know I haven’t imagined her saying those words. Even if it’s the first time I’ve heard her say it.
I never expected that she would. I was happy to live out the rest of my life, pouring love on the woman who changed my life for the better. Deep down, I know she loves me. That’s why she’d been intent on learning everything about me.
“... I know I haven’t said it before,” she adds quickly. “But I was afraid.”
“Afraid of what?” I frown, absentmindedly lifting a hand to the rugby ball pendant on my chest. That’s when realization dawns on me, but Yazmine speaks before I can bring it up.
“Love,” she says, turning her face away.
This is a moment of vulnerability—something I used to think of as weakness. I’ve come to realize that it’s great bravery that permits us to wear our hearts on our sleeves. So I get up and round the table, crouching beside her. and folding her hand into mine.
“You are worthy of all the love you can possibly fathom,” I profess, watching her teary eyes sparkle at me.
She shakes her head slowly. “It’s not always true for someone like me.” Her eyes flit down, signaling what she really means.
I know where she’s going with this. Her insecurities are valid, stemming from a world made bitter by the standards society has put into place. Taking a deep breath, I reach my feet and lead her to hers, cradling her face in my palms.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met,” I declare, solemnly staring into her eyes. “I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”
“M-maybe I do…” she whispers.
“Good,” I smile. “Because in your eyes, I see myself.”
I lean down to press my lips to hers, kissing softly and slowly with reassurance. She sighs contentedly, her supple body molding to my hard frame and permitting me to take the reigns.
Pulling back only momentarily, I add, “You made me realize something else too.”
“Wh-what is that?” she whispers, breathless from the kiss
“I’m gonna revive the rugby team,” I chuckle, lifting the pendant between us. “How did you know?”
