The golden morning light filtered through the silk curtains, casting a warm, delicate hue over the bedroom. The sheets were tangled around their legs, the air still heavy with the scent of love and lavender.
May stirred gently, her lashes fluttering before her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft sunlight. Her body ached—in a way that made her heart flutter with butterflies. She could feel it—the dull, delicious soreness from the night Shane had taken her over and over again with such passionate intensity that she'd passed out in her arms, trembling and breathless.
Still half-asleep, May glanced to her side. Shane lay there, shirtless, the white sheet resting low on her hips, her toned body rising and falling with each breath. May's eyes roamed over Shane's neck and collarbone, and her cheeks turned red.
Bite marks. Deep ones. Her bite marks.
Her gaze dropped to Shane's back, which was peeking from under the sheet. Long, red nail scratches painted her lover's skin like a possessive love letter. May swallowed and instinctively reached out, lightly tracing one with her finger. A smile curled on her lips—half proud, half shy.
She leaned in and softly kissed the curve of Shane's shoulder, then brushed her lips against her cheek, whispering, "Good morning… honey."
Shane let out a low, throaty groan and opened one eye, the corner of her lips curling into that cocky smirk May could never resist. "Don't talk to me," she teased in her sleepy, raspy voice, "You passed out on me last night… while hanging onto me for dear life."
May's face burned. "I—I was just tired…"
Shane sat up slowly, her toned abs flexing as she ran a hand through her messy hair. She looked effortlessly hot, like the cover of a forbidden romance novel. Her gaze dropped to May's bare legs, and she grinned. "Tired from what, baby?"
May squeaked and hid under the pillow. "Shane!"
Laughing, Shane leaned over and pulled the pillow away, kissing her sweetly on the forehead. "Relax. I'm proud of myself." She winked, then whispered, "You should see what you did to me though… I'm walking funny today."
May playfully hit her shoulder, but then her smile softened as she whispered, "You make me feel safe… like I'm really yours."
Shane's smile faded into something more tender. She reached out, gently tucking May's hair behind her ear. "You are mine, May. And I'm yours."
Moments later, the room filled with giggles, lazy kisses, and shy touches as they stayed tangled in bed, not caring about the time. Just two souls wrapped around each other like the world outside didn't exist.
A Week Later – A Secret Ceremony
Their world, however, had enemies watching from the shadows. The media circus, Adam's threats, Alexa's fake claims—Shane had enough. She refused to let anything take May from her.
"Let's get married," Shane had said one night, while holding May close.
May had gasped, tears pooling in her eyes. "Are you serious?"
"I want to make you mine. In every way. Even if we have to keep it quiet for now."
They had a small, private wedding in the backyard of Shane's countryside villa. Under a canopy of fairy lights and white roses, May wore a soft ivory lace dress, barefoot on the grass. Shane wore a tailored white suit, no tie, her shirt slightly unbuttoned, looking like a damn dream. Her tomboy charm was irresistible—raw, bold, and breathtaking.
There were only a few trusted people in attendance: Shane's assistant, the officiant, and a violinist. The vows were simple, heartfelt. May cried through hers.
"You made me believe in love again, Shane Kingston. I promise to fight for us, no matter what."
Shane's voice was deep and steady. "I don't believe in perfect things, but I believe in you. You're the only thing that feels real to me."
They kissed under the stars, with the scent of jasmine in the air, holding each other like the world could finally rest.