I woke up feeling refreshed and satiated. My eyelids fluttered open to the sunshine peering through the drawn curtains. I stretched, popping my bones back into place, slowly rising on my elbow.

I gazed around the room, remembering that I was at one of Drakos' hotels. And after I remembered that, the memories of last night came flashing before me and I groaned running my hands down my face in embarrassment. I can't believe I said that! What possessed me to even scream that out?

I closed my eyes and exhaled, trying to run away from the thought but it came creeping through my mind's eye; me pinned against the glass and Drakos drilling the fuck out of me while I moaned nonsensical shit to him.

Was it really nonsensical? No. But I said it anyway and I felt so self-conscious now, I could evaporate right now. The room was bereft of Drakos' presence, thankfully. At least I had a moment to collect my thoughts.

I love him. I actually fell in love. Me. An ex-prostitute, slash stripper. I can't believe it.

I laughed and drew the snow-white duvet back, getting out of bed. First things first, I needed a shower. In order for me to think rationally, I had to have cold water running down my body. My body felt clean and not sticky with our bodily fluids, which meant Drakos probably bathed me or wiped me down after I passed out.

So uncool. Where was Drakos anyway? He fucked me so deliciously last night and now he's gone? That's rude.

I stepped into the shower and turned on the water, taking my time to thoroughly get myself cleaned. When I was done, I wrapped a towel around me, stepping into the room, pausing in my steps.

Drakos sat on the bed, facing the doorway of the bathroom that I stepped out of, wearing a cheerful expression. His crimson hair was slicked back and he wore a crisp coat suit in heather grey.

He placed one leg over the other, his eyes practically eating me alive.

I gulped, feeling my cheeks light up.

"Good morning," His lips formed and my eyes watched them avidly, recalling where they were latched onto last night.

I shuddered.

"Good Morning," I casually walked past him to the closet, searching through my bags for something to wear.

Now I was avoiding him. I wanted to facepalm myself. Way to act right, Asche. After finding something suitable to wear; a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, I emerged from the closet, gasping after I spun around, becoming face to face with Drakos.

He took the clothes from my hand and tossed them on the bed. I leveled my eyes with his, stunned, my heart thudding in my chest. He oozed sexual pheromones that made me want to dry hump him. I knew what he wanted and I was hoping I could prolong this moment.

"I was going to put those on," I told him, placing my hand akimbo on my hip.

"I know," He said, drawing closer to me. "But I'd rather have you naked instead of being confined in drab clothing."

I forced a smile, "They're not drab, mister flashy and well that's...nothing new I guess?"

He traced a finger down my cheek, gazing at me longingly. "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Here we go.

I licked my lips, snatching my eyes away to stare at the walls of the room, a betraying blush creeping across my features. "Um, how could I not?"

He caught my chin in his hand and turned my head to face him. "I remembered it quite vividly that I woke up with it blazing on my mind."

I couldn't find the words to respond to him. I didn't know how to tell him again that I loved him. That I loved the way he fucked me and made love to me. I loved the way he made me feel cherished and adored. I loved his selflessness and his unconditional love for me. I loved his determination and his eagerness to please me and dote on me. I loved everything about him. Even his flaws, because that made him who he is. They didn't blotch out the good in him. He was wonderful just the way he is.

He held my arms and brought me to him, inhaling the crook of my shoulder, kissing me there. "Can you say it to me one more time? Will you always tell me how you truly feel about me without restraint and shame?"

I sagged into him, battling with my emotions. Pride was my greatest opponent, always taking a claim of me when situations arose that concerned my feelings. Could I trust him to hold my heart and to never break it?

Would he love me despite my insecurities and my flaws? I wish that I can be better for him. I'm trying to, but I feel as if I'm not good enough and that he deserves better.

He stroked my hair, just holding me in his arms, waiting patiently for my response.

I gripped his arms and tipped my head up to stare into the embers of his irises. They were abnormally colored but I came to love the shade of them and everything about him. He went out of his way to show he how deep he loved me.

At first, it was creepy but what can you expect from a man that's not from this planet? I smiled mentally at that.

He deserves to know. I can say it. It's at the tip of my tongue, sweet and not bitter.

He gazed down at me as our eyes met, overflowing with emotions. I took a deep breath and exhaled.

"I love you," I breathed. Now my face looked like a damn tomato.

A wide grin peeled on his lips and he hugged me, kissing my temple.

"I love you too, my beautiful, stubborn mate. It brings me joy to know that you feel the same way I do. Oh, Asche, you complete me." He kissed me on the lips and I melted in his arms, closing my eyes and kissing him back. Something wet touched my cheeks and when I opened my eyes, I realized he was shedding tears.

My heart bloomed with love for this man. How could I not realize that I loved him? That he came to mean so much to me?

Our baby fluttered in my stomach and I brushed his tears away. "Tears of joy?" I asked, smiling after we drew away.

He placed his forehead on mine, chuckling. "Yes, my love. These are the tears of a dragon-shifter in love. I have everything I could possibly want. A stunning mate and the oncoming arrival of our first child. I'm bursting with happiness!"

He scooped me up and swung me in his arms. I held on to him, squealing in laughter. It felt as if a weight was lifted off my shoulder. My body felt light and free. Finally confronting the ghosts of my past, I knew that everything was going to be alright.

Drakos loved me and I loved him.

***