Page 120 of Faking It

“It’s only been six months, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I want this, Ana. I want you. In my space, my bed, my life… permanently. I want to fall asleep to your gentle snores—”

“Liar. I don’t snore,” she chuckles.

“Let me finish my speech, woman. I want to wake up with you in my arms. I want you to put your stamp on this house and make it yours as much as mine. So,” I lift the box. “Ana Marie Kent, will you move in with me?”

“Mhm…” She taps her chin with her index finger. “Can I think about it for a moment?”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously. Moving in is a huge commitment, you know that.”

I reluctantly lower the box. “How much time do you need?”

“About a second,” she replies, grinning.

A relieved chuckle flies from my mouth. “I’m going to get you for that.”

She bursts out laughing, lifting the key. “Hell, yesI’ll move in with you, Gideon Cain. Your bed is way comfier than mine, anyway. So are your couches. Your carpets. That swing chair hanging on your balcony…”

“Mhmm.” I stand with a smirk, taking her in my arms. “Is it a co-incidence that you’re naming your favorite spots for making love?”

She wraps her arms around my waist. “Maybe. Maybe not. Although, they don’t compare to my number one favorite.”

I already know the answer, but I still ask, “Which is?”

“I’d rather show you.”

Easing away from me, she takes my hand, leading me up tomyfavorite room in the house. Although she knows the code, she lets me punch it in, then allows me to guide her inside. I flick the switch and instruct her to undress. She immediately moves to obey. Her arms lift in slow motion as she pulls the straps of her dress over her shoulders. Within a minute, she’s wearing nothing but a pair of stilettos and an expectant expression. Her eyes are half-downcast, head slightly bent, her dark hair like curtains framing her face as she awaits my next orders.

Perfectly submissive.

“On your knees, Princess,” I murmur.

***

“It’s official,” I announce three hours later.

“What’s official?” Ana lifts her head, her chin resting on my chest as she looks up at me. Half her naked body drapes over mine.

I twist my phone to show her an email from the deed poll office that I’d missed this morning. “I’m no longer James Carter. As of now, I’m officially Gideon Cain.”

“That’s awesome! Congrats!” Ana pushes up to kiss me. “Although, they’re a little late to the party. You’ve been Gideon Cain for six months now.”

“Not their fault but mine. I’ve been procrastinating with the filing.” I catch the flash of concern on her face. “And no, I still don’t regret it.”

She holds my shoulders, staring right in my face. “As long as you’re sure, I’m happy.”

“I’mpositive.” With my hands holding her waist, I pull her closer. “Remember what you said to me at dinner?”

“How about you narrow it down, buster? We’ve had dozens of dinners.”

“When we were still faking it, and I took you toO’Neill’s,” I remind her.

Ana searches her memory for a moment, then her face clears. “Oh. When you asked me why I changed my name, and I told you I wanted a clean slate.”

I nod to confirm. “I wanted a clean slate, too, Ana. Like you, I wanted to get rid of the shackle that kept me tied to my past.” A smile stretches the corners of my mouth. “I wanted to be free.”

“You are free.”

“I am now. Letting go of that name freed me. Finally,” I whisper against her lips, rocking my pelvis. “And I know exactly what I want to do with that freedom.”

“You are so insatiable,” she whispers back, yet her body is already rolling against mine, awakening every nerve inside me.

As we fall against the bed, our bodies becoming one, our harsh pants filling the room, the only other thought besides how lucky I am is knowing that at last, I’m finally in control of my life.