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I placed my forefinger under his chin, turning his face back towards me. “I want to know everything there is to know about you. So, can you try to describe it?”

Delaney’s gaze softened as he met my eyes. “I… the first night here I felt such a sense of familiarity? I was calm in a way that I hadn’t been in years, and I thought that maybe it was just your backyard because it’s beautifully sculpted and done so in a way that I know is to promote serenity, but it’s not that…” he trailed off.

I knew what it was. I felt it months ago, but I needed to hear him say it. “Then what is it, baby?”

Without hesitation, he replied, “It’s you. Your home is beautiful. Probably the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen in person, but it’s you.” He paused, placing a hand on my chest. “Don’t interrupt me, okay?” When I nodded, Delaney shook his head. “I need you to promise me you won’t.”

“I promise.”

“You make me feel safe. And that’s scary, but I love believing that if I fall, you’ll be there to catch me. You give me peace, Eli. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this before and now that I have, I don’t want to lose it. I don’t want to lose you. I look forward to every new day, no matter the challenges, because you’re now an integral part of my life. Knowing that now I get to come home to you every night? I feel so—”

I stayed true to my words and didn’t interrupt yet, at least not verbally. Leaning down, I pulled Delaney’s body into mine and brushed my lips against soft, full ones. He melted into me, his arms snaking around my shoulders. “I love you, Laney.”

“I don’t know why, but I’m grateful.”

My voice rumbled as I whispered. “Can I show you how much I love you?” He held his bottom lip between his teeth, nodding, and I easily picked him up, wrapping long legs around my waist. “The bedroom is rather far and we’ve already christened it… multiple times over…” I kissed his neck, gently nipping at the skin as I took a step towards the sliding door, pressing his back into the cool glass. I hissed lightly as fingers tangled in my hair, pulling my head back enough for him to kiss me—hard.

“Stop talking and fu—”

The phone in our office rang shrilly, instantly chilling a heated moment.

My stomach dropped, irritation immediately invading and stiffening my body as I set Delaney on the ground again.

“You don’t have to answer.”

“It’s always worse when I don’t,” I sighed, defeated before the conversation began.

“They don’t have to know I live here.” Delaney’s voice was small and I hated it. I hated that my mate was seemingly fine with being hidden away when all I wanted to do was let the world know how madly in love with him I was.

The phone continued ringing and I gripped his hand, pulling him down the hallway and ignoring his objections. “What?” I answered, skipping the false pleasantries.

“Is that any way to greet your mother, dear?”

My shoulders dropped as I ran a hand over my disheveled hair. “Hello, Mother.”

Like a silken web, her words ensnared me. “That’s more like it. I’ll keep the conversation brief as there is a point.” Pinching the bridge of my nose, I waited in silence. “You left so hastily last time.”

“Mhm,” I hummed.

“Which was quite rude to our guest. Surprisingly, he’s agreed to another dinner. Of which you are required to attend. You cannot and will not get out of it.”

Quickly, and quietly, I agreed. “Okay.”

“No matter what circumstances may arise you are to be there.”

“Okay, Mother.”

“Okay?” Her shock at my acquiescence was evident. “Dress in a manner that is befitting your status and name.”

I did well to hide the smirk from invading my voice as it settled warmly on my lips, causing Delaney’s eyebrow to rise in confusion. “Of course, Mother. Yes, I’ll be sure to be punctual. No, I wouldn’t want Taylor to suffer the same embarrassment and humiliation twice. I understand, Mother. Yes. Tomorrow at six. Goodbye.”

“What was that about?” Delaney nervously asked once I hung up.

“My mother has invited us to dinner.”

Delaney’s eyes narrowed. He crossed his arms over his chest, repeating, “Us?”

“Yup.” I tugged on his arm, pulling him into an embrace. I kissed the top of his head, pulling back to look down at him. “Please?” I poked my bottom lip out, whipping out my best puppy dog eyes. “Pretty please, Laney baby?”