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Story: The Inquisitor

That simple statement left me speechless. Where did this perfect woman come from? She owned me in every way.

“That’s the most profound declaration I’ve ever heard.” I embraced her, wanting to pour all my love and appreciation into her. “I love you so much.”

Flipping to the back of the card, I readGreetings from the Forrest in large text.Below the titlewas a smaller line that read: Where the forest whispers its wisdom.

The words sank into me like a small pebble falling into the depth of my soul, slowly creating unseen ripples beneath the surface. She transformed me into a man full of mush today, but I didn’t give a damn.

I ran a finger over the collection’s name and the phrase, loving the words and what she’d done with her dream. “This is your dream come true. I’m honored that you dedicated the collection to me. Anyone who buys your card is receiving a burst of healing, whether they know it or not.”

Her cheeks bloomed pink. “Thank you.” She picked up a card with an adorable mushroom surrounded by moss and ferns. “When I think of nature, I think of you—strong, intelligent, free, creative, safe, mysterious, regenerative, and rejuvenating.”

“Kiera, baby.” I set the cards aside and wrapped my arms around her. “You’re my heart and my soul. I love you more than I can explain.”

“I know. Color me happy.” She rubbed circles on my back. “You didn’t see the rest of the gift.”

I drew back, grabbed the photo book, opened it, and my cock hardened at the first image of us during the boudoir photoshoot. “The darkroom isn’t finished. Where did you develop these pictures, and who made them into a book?Whohelped you?” Jealousy clawed at me. “Where is he? I’m going to kill him.”

“Stop it.” She slapped my thigh playfully. “I rented a darkroom and bound the book myself when I took a class last week.”

My lips stretched into a wide smile. “You’re so resourceful.”

“I learn from the very best.” She kissed my cheek. “By the way, what are you growing in those four garden beds over there?”

I had filled two beds with soil, while the other two were waiting for the soil delivery. “Something pretty. You’ll see soon enough.”

The doorbell rang, and she jumped up and grinned. “It’s here!”

“What’s here?”

“Something for you,sugah.” Grinning, she pointed at me. “Y’all stay where you are. Don’t move.”

I smiled. What was she up to now?

A few minutes later, she returned wearing a cowboy hat.

“Howdy, handsome.” She placed it on my head and squinted her eyes. “You make a handsome cowboy.”

I yanked her into my lap. “You want a wild ride,sugah?”

She laughed. “I do, but we have to attend Remi’s gathering soon. While you guys play your Level Four demo, the girls and I will have our own discussion.”

“We have two hours.” I grabbed her ass. “That’s plenty of time to do cowboy stuff.”

“Only if you wear the new overalls I got you.” Her eyes gleamed with friskiness.

I supposed my Kitty K had wicked plans for me.

“My life’s mission is to satisfy all your needs.”

“Yeehaw!” She pumped a fist into the air.

Laughing, I stood up, carrying her in my arms. “I didn’t know you had a thing for farmers and cowboys.”

“I didn’t until you,” she said as I brought her to the living room. “Maybe next week we can pretend you’re a prince being rescued by an irresistible assassin who captures your heart.”

“Sounds like a plan. But for now, you’re the untamed cowgirl who’s going to show me the wicked wild west.”

Her laughter filled my heart and home, healing every aspect of me.Life with Kiera promised to be filled with love, adventure, laughter, and everything a man could dream of. She was a special gift that changed me, and I couldn’t wait to start my life with her.