Page 109 of Dismantle & Prevail

Licking my lips, savoring the taste of Ari’s beer, I watch as his eyes darken. I rise to my tiptoes, my lips feathering against his ear, and whisper, “Fucking fiend.”

Angling his body so he can press his cock into my hip, he nips at my ear. “Mine.”

My cheeks heat and I bury my face in his neck.

You would think after waking me up with his head between my legs and him fucking me boneless, I would be satisfied. Not a damn chance when you have a Greek god for a boyfriend.

Rayne suddenly appears at our side and hides behind Ari.

I try to peek around his shoulder to see what’s wrong with my little girl, but Ari is one step ahead.

Aries being the perfect dad was not a surprise in the slightest, but I am so happy that he wakes up every day giving me the privilege of watching it happen.

His large hand pats her shoulder, and he leans down, whispering something in her ear before standing.

I’m about to ask what’s wrong when he takes a step back. “If I can get everyone’s attention, please.”

The crowd slowly starts to quiet down, but a low murmur still fills the room.

“Hey! He said shut the heck up!”

Aries rolls his eyes. “Thanks Tuck.”

Tucker smiles and gives him a thumbs up. “You got it, Prez!”

A tap on my leg steals my attention and I turn to see Ari down on one knee.

“What the—”

“Tay! Shh. Daddy is talking!” Rayne exclaims.

Throwing my hands up in surrender, I motion zipping my lips shut and smile down at Aries.

With a black leather box in hand, Ari clears his throat. “Taylor Sloane Morgan, you once told me your definition of love and now I want to share mine. Much like yours, it's simple. Love is knowing that you can lay your heart on the ground and trust the other person will care for it until their last dying breath. And that’s exactly what I am doing today. Laying my heart on the ground hoping that someone as strong and brave as you will find a place within your beautiful soul to keep it safe.”

Tears flow freely down my face, and I let them.

Flipping the lock on the leather box, Aries’ glassy eyes stare up at me. “Hellhound, will you do me the honor—”

Rayne jumps out from behind Ari, steals the box, and holds the open box up to me. “Will you please be my mommy?”

The floodgates open, and I drop to my knees, wrapping my arms around Rayne. “Of course! I love you so much, Raynie.”

“I love you too, Mama.”

My tears fall so hard I can’t see.

What is up with people with the last name Clark always making me cry happy tears?

Ari’s hand moves to my face and brushes tears away. “She stole my thunder.”

A tear filled laugh escapes me and I reach for Ari, threading my fingers through his hair to rest his head against mine. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Me either.” Leaning back, he presses a kiss against my lips, my hold on Rayne still strong.

Reaching around us, Ari plucks the box from Rayne’s hands and slips the ring onto my finger. A light blue oval stone sits in the center with small black diamonds wrapping around the entire band, staring back at me.

“Heck ya!!” Rayne exclaims, jumping in my arms.