Bearly in Control (Shifters Undercover Book 1)
Page 18
“Charli, can I tell you something without you freaking out and shoving me over the balcony?”
She leaned back, eyes wide. “Do you remember something from your past?”
He grinned and shook his head, no longer saddened by the fact that he couldn’t remember. “More than that. I see my future, love. It’s you. I want you. For now. For the future. For always. Without you, life isn’t worth living for me. My past is irrelevant. The person I was is gone. You’ve gotten to know me. The real me. You know my heart, Charli. It’s yours. Beats only for you.
“Please promise me that whoever I was or whatever I did won’t scare you away. Please, Charli. I don’t ever want to be without you.” He steeled himself for the worst. “I guess I’m asking you to marry me. Eventually. Once I have an identity again.”
Her body stiffened against him. Fuck, that wasn’t good. He kept quiet, letting her absorb everything his heart poured out.
Charli didn’t say she wouldn’t freak out, but she wasn’t anyway. Her heart felt lightened like a weight of pending doom had been avoided. He was right. The person he was no longer existed. She communicated with his bear and felt the good in him, the genuine love in him.
She also remembered how she almost died, thinking Barry had left her in the hotel room. That told her the truth of her heart. What the brain said was important, but she could control her brain. Her heart, she could not.
She looked into his shiny eyes. “Barry, I agree with all you said. It takes a real man to put himself out there like that and not be worried about rejection.”
“Never said I wasn’t worried over here. I’m about to shit my pants.” Barry cupped her face with his big hands. “Promise me, sweetheart, you won’t leave. I love you.”
Aw damn, she was about to cry, he was so sweet. So many emotions swirled around her, all making her want to jump up and down screaming yes. And she loved him. No questioning what her heart said.
It was insane to think true love could happen in three days, but when you had the right person, the one person who touched the deepest parts of your soul, how could you not know immediately? He was the person her heart and soul recognized as the one, at first sight. And for those who didn’t want to believe, fine. Because she was happy and in love.
“You know, when I saw you and the other bear fighting and you were about to become bug food, I nearly lost it. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. I didn’t realize how alone I’d been until you showed up. And now,” she took a deep breath, letting the shaking in her hands calm down. “I won’t let you go.”
She wasn’t afraid to say it any longer. “Barry Bear, I love you and will marry you. Eventually.”
EPILOGUE
Charli glanced at Barry with a smile. Maybe he’d remember his life soon. She’d love to know more about him, the original him. He was such a great guy, but she knew deep down that no matter what he said, he would always feel like something was missing until he finally knew his past.
Barry glanced up from the salad he’d helped chop and grinned. Man, she really loved him. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind he’d do anything to protect her.
He dropped the knife and wiped his hands on a kitchen towel. She placed the lid back on her stew and turned to face him.
“What are you thinking about, my beautiful mate?” He wrapped his hands around her waist, their bodies flush together.
“I was hoping you’d start to remember your past. For your own peace of mind.”
He nodded and met her gaze, the gold from his bear always right under the surface. “It doesn’t matter. I’d like to remember, but if I don’t, it won’t change how I feel about you, sweetheart. I love you.”
She lifted her face and brushed her lips over his. “I know. I love you, too.”
Her only hope now was that once his memory returned, there weren’t going to be other obstacles in their way. Her gut told her there was a lot more coming.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book wouldn’t be possible without some amazing people supporting me.
My Readers – Thank you
Tina Winograd – Your intelligence helps me tremendously when I’m writing. Thank you for dropping everything and getting back to me right away. You don’t know how much you are appreciated for all you do.
Mr. T (aka Hubby) – Thank you for pushing me and believing I can rule the world. One day, I just might.
My Kids – Aiden, for your love and random (only when you want) hugs. Alan, for sitting with me while I write, to keep me focused (it mostly worked). Angie, for the cute emoji messages (I love the little whale). You can be anything. I know; I’m proof of that.
Bianca – Where have you been all my life? We all need that one friend that makes life brighter. You’re it.
Julie – For your unwavering support and willingness to read anything I send you. No matter how bad it looks.
My Girls: Jennifer – For your help. Sheri – For your love and time. Teracia – For the midnight encouragement. Nicole – For all the cake. Jessica – For your continued support. Bambi – For making my life easier. Heather – For keeping me on track.
My Street Team and Curvy Reader Group – Thank you all for your support and telling everyone about my books. It’s massively appreciated!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Milly Taiden is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous series, including the Sassy Mates books and the Federal Paranormal Unit novels. Milly loves writing sexy stories so hot they sizzle your e-reader. When her curvy humans meet their furry alphas, inhibitions give way to animal instincts—and carnal desire. She lives in Florida with her husband, child, and Needy Speedy, their spunky dog. Milly is addicted to shoes, Dunkin’ Donuts, and chocolate and is aware she’s bossy. Visit her online at www.millytaiden.com.