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“Never again.”

“Then you’re forgiven.”

He pulled me back to him and was asleep in seconds.

Wrapped around him, drenched in us, I joined him quickly.

* * *

DANTE

I woke, panicked briefly when I realized I was alone.

Had it all been a dream?

But then I saw Brianna’s overalls on the floor. I bent and held them up, grimacing at the torn material. I had been in a hurry. A damp towel was beside the clothing, and I knew she must have had a shower. I was shocked I’d slept through it, but given how little sleep I’d had lately, I supposed I shouldn’t be.

I slid from the bed, grabbing some pants and sliding them on. I hurried downstairs and found her in the kitchen, her brow furrowed in concentration as she decorated the cake in front of her. She wore my shirt, and her hair was a disaster. She was perfect.

“You were supposed to stay,” I said dryly. “Clearly, taking orders is still a hard thing for you.”

She shook her head, not looking up. “Something else was hard a while ago. I hope it’s abated somewhat. I’m walking a little funny.”

I came up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and leaning my chin on her shoulder. “It’s always hard around you.”

“Well, it has to wait. I’m busy, and I don’t want this cake to look like it was decorated by a four-year-old high on sugar.”

I chuckled and studied the cake. Another masterpiece. The cake looked like a wreath, the flowers piped in different colors, intricate leaves and petals covering the delicious layers. Tiny dewdrops made it look lifelike.

“Hummingbird?” I asked hopefully.

“Yes.”

“My favorite.”

She put down the icing bag and turned in my arms. “Made for my favorite kidnapper.”

“I thought I was the worst kidnapper?”

“You graduated and became the best.”

“When did that happen?”

“When you fell in love with me.”

I pressed a kiss to her nose. “I think I fell in love with you as soon as you slapped my hands and asked what the h-e-double-hockey-sticks I was doing that close to your cake. Something inside me knew. And I was hooked.”

“I am pretty irresistible,” she agreed with a mischievous grin.

“You are.” I kissed her again. “So, I went from worst to best now?”

“Yes. Best and favorite.”

I chuckled. “Favorite husband soon. I prefer that title.”

“Not as catchy. I am going to get so much use out of this story. It’ll be legend.”

“Embellished, of course.”