Page 26

It had been a year already, a year and a few months since Clarice and I decided to take things to the next level. In all honesty, I hadn’t been this happy and fulfilled before in my whole life. I almost didn’t realize what I’d been missing until it arrived.

Clarice, the sunshine girl, was the light in my darkness, the better half who completed me. This woman brought out the best in me and helped me view life and people through a different perspective.

Because of her, the change in my behavior, my interactions with people, and the way I handled situations was so palpable. I wasn’t the same mindless animal that I used to be—the one who lacked self-control.

Slowly, Clarice had slithered her way into my stone-cold heart, thawing it without even trying. She taught me how to be a better version of myself, how to manage my anger and keep my fury in check.

It wasn’t an easy ride, but over time, I surrendered to her teachings. I learned, I practiced, and eventually, I got the hang of it. These days, because of Clarice’s intervention in my issues, I learned to listen more and act less.

Thoroughly analyzing a given situation before unleashing my fury became my top priority. Clarice believed that I didn’t always have to physically exert my fury to inflict fear on people. And once again, she was right.

I used to be of the opinion that my uncontrollable rage was the reason people feared and accorded me the respect that I deserved. But Clarice showed me the flaw in my thinking and helped correct it.

In no time, word got out that Raziel Tarasov was a new man—a man in control of his demons as opposed to the old me. However, just because I had total control over my anger didn’t mean that I wasn’t still as dangerous as I used to be.

The incident with Damon and Bella Barlow had earned me a shit ton of respect from both friends and foes. The Barlow family had learned the hard way never to cross the Tarasovs again.

Considering the risky stunt she pulled—kidnapping my Clarice—Bella Barlow was lucky that I let her go unharmed. If it was her brother who’d pulled that stunt, he would have taken a bullet to the head. After Damon was discharged from the hospital, his pride and arrogance dropped significantly.

We’d crossed paths a few times within the last couple of months, and he’d been on his best behavior. Damon Barlow knew better than to start a fight with me or declare an all-out war on my family. It would be suicide because we’d wipe every last one of his men off the face of the Earth.

The name “Barlow” used to strike fear in people’s hearts, but now, the name seemed to have lost its weight. I had no grudge or bad blood against the Barlow household and all that they stood for. They messed with the wrong person, and they paid the price. Life went on.

We win some; we lose some. And they lost this one.

It might take a while, but with steady hard work and dedication, they would eventually regain their respect. But for now, let them wallow in self-pity, shame, and disgrace, knowing that I, Raziel Tarasov, was responsible for their misfortune.

Perched on the edge of the bed, I glanced over my shoulder, drinking in the sight of the beautiful naked woman lying asleep under the sheets. She lay on her side, her delicate features softening as she slept. I watched her sexy form rise and fall with each gentle breath, her eyelids fluttering slightly as she chased dreams.

The soft, golden light of the setting sun creeping into the room seemed to caress her, accentuating the gentle curves and contours of her sleeping form.

My lips parted into a genuine smile, and I reached out, pushing a loose strand behind her ear. She looked so beautiful—so innocent and at peace. Clarice’s shoulders relaxed at my touch, and she released a soft sigh, a testament to her safety around me.

I stared at her face, admiring such an incredible work of art with nothing but gladness in my heart. She and I had come a long way, our love growing stronger by the day. Clarice tolerated my bullshit and was very patient with me; she didn’t give up on me even when it seemed like I would never learn. And for that, I was grateful.

I was a better person today because of her, and I didn’t need anyone telling me that it was time to do the right thing. Clarice Evelyn was the woman with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life.

I’d come to realize over time that she was my world and that my life revolved around her. Without Clarice, my world would be dark and empty—desolate, chaotic, and incomplete. I’d grown so attached to her, and there was no way that I could live a day without her. I couldn’t even imagine it.

I let out a soft exhale and rose to my feet, stripped from the waist upward. The marble floor was cool beneath my feet as I strode over to the balcony of this secluded villa. There, I drew a deep breath, bathing in the vibrant hues of the setting sun.

The sky was ablaze with warm oranges, purples, and deep pinks, a breathtaking canvas stretching across the horizon. The air was filled with the scent of blooming beach flowers and the aroma of salt water as the sound of waves gently overlapped against the shore.

I gazed out at the endless expanse of ocean, basking in the soothing melody, the ebb and flow of the tide. My hair, tousled by the sea breeze, framed my face as I leaned forward, both elbows on the polished handrail.

My eyes narrowed against the dying light, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon. My mind was flooded with thoughts of spending an eternity with Clarice Evelyn, and all I could do was hope that she felt the same way I did.

Not that I doubted her love; I just wasn’t sure whether she was ready to commit herself to me for life. Clarice was everything that I ever wanted in a woman. She checked all the boxes. Losing her would be my loss, and I just might end up worse than I was.

I’d never been so nervous in my life—never been so afraid of being rejected. The feeling was awful, and my heart wouldn’t stop pounding in my chest. It was wonderful how Clarice unlocked the parts of me that I hadn’t even known existed.

People said that I was the devil, that I had no feelings whatsoever. But as true as that might be, around Clarice, I was more human than anyone could imagine. She made me feel so strong yet vulnerable at the same time.

When I was with her, I was a different person: nice, loving, and kind. Even in her absence, I would sometimes find myself showing some sort of compassion to people—strangers I believed were deserving of it.

Clarice had effortlessly transformed me into the man she believed I could become. Honestly, I loved this new me.

“Hey.” Her sweet, soft voice came from behind me.

My lips curled into a smile, and my heart warmed as I turned to face her.

Clarice emerged from the villa's bedroom, the white sheets wrapped loosely around her body. Like a ghostly bridal veil, the hem trailed behind her, sweeping the floor. Her skin shimmered in the lights, her hazel-brown eyes sparkling with mirth. Her hair, a tangled mess, only added to her allure, a few errant strands escaping to frame her face with soft, seductive curves.

Her bare feet were soundless against the marble floor as she glided toward me. Her manicured hand grasped the hem of the sheets, holding them securely over her chest.

My eyes roamed her alluring figure, and a faint, proud smile lined my lips.

Clarice glowed under the soft, colorful light of the setting sun, her signature scent mingling with that of the blooming flowers. As she moved with a graceful elegance, the sheets revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her enticing, fresh thighs.

I’d never seen a goddess before, but somehow, I was certain that she looked like one. Clarice was so devourable, and even though we’d had sex before she fell asleep, I knew for sure that I’d lose control if she lingered long enough.

“Wow,” I said, my voice low and husky, tinged with a glint of admiration. “Now, that’s a sight to behold.” I raised my brows, my eyes drinking in her sexy body, shrouded by the sheets.

Her cheeks flushed, and her enticing lips curved into a radiant smile. “Are you trying to make me blush? ‘Cause it’s working.” She halted in front of me.

“I’m just stating the obvious, ma’am,” I teased, reaching out to hold her waist.

Clarice giggled, her expression soft and endearing. “Stop….” Her voice trailed off, her amazing eyes crinkling at the corners.

“God! You’re so beautiful,” I remarked, my tone a hushed whisper that caused her smile to broaden.

“Okay…” she drawled lazily, her head jerking up toward my face. “What’s gotten into you today?”

“Nothing,” I said, my fingers caressing the strands that framed her face. “Just taking some time to appreciate what a wonderful woman you are.”

“Aww.” Her face softened, a warm, tender light illuminating her eyes. “That’s so sweet, coming from a man who’s hard as a rock.”

“Oh, I know something that's hard as a rock right now,” I said, my tone light and playful as I ground my waist against hers.

Clarice threw her head back and laughed, unbridled joy flickering in her gaze.

For the next few seconds, we were silent as we stared deeply into each other’s eyes. I caressed her cheek with the back of my fingers, my gaze never leaving hers. In her eyes, I saw pure, undiluted love, and I knew instantly that now was the time.

I dipped my hand into my pocket and withdrew a diamond ring. Her eyes widened, and her brows arched in disbelief. Her hand fluttered to her mouth as if to contain the emotions brewing within. A soft gasp escaped her lips, and her eyes grew misty.

Down on a knee, I held up the ring, positioning it inches from her outstretched hand as I looked at her face.

“Raz…” she whispered, her chest heaving slowly.

“Marry me, Clarice,” I said, my voice laced with a hint of anticipation. “I’ve come to realize that I cannot live without you, and I don’t want to. So, let’s make this official.”

She hesitated for a while as if struggling to find her voice. “Are…are you sure about this? Is this what you truly want?” she stuttered, looking right into my eyes.

“It’s what I desire,” I said without breaking eye contact. “What do you say?” My heart raced with anticipation, even though I knew what her response would be.

Her lips curved into a beautiful smile. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

A wind of relief and gladness blew across my face, and I slipped the ring onto the appropriate finger. As I rose to my feet, she embraced me tightly, and my possessive hands wrapped around her like a protective shield.

She reached out and sealed my lips with a kiss so fervent that it left both of us breathless. I kissed back with the same energy, our heads tilting in perfect sync, directed by the flow of passion coursing through us.

My hand slipped down between her legs, and my fingers teased her entrance. Clarice broke the kiss and laughed. “Ooh, someone’s being naughty.” She wiggled her brows at me, her smile spreading across her face.

Clarice pulled away from me, her movements fluid and elegant. I watched her stride back into the bedroom and then turn around to face me with a seductive smile. Slowly, she let the sheets slide off her body, revealing her nakedness.

Clarice bit her lower lip and beckoned me with her index finger. “What’re you still there for? Come take what’s yours.”

A smirk twitched on my lips as I watched her sit on the bed, her legs slowly spread apart.

Now, that was more like it.