Mr. Mitchell Billionaires' Club Book 2 - Raylin Marks Page 0,112

realized that I was more than in love with you. I can’t imagine my life anymore without you in it, Avery. Having you in attendance tonight was the most incredible part of this entire thing. You supporting me. Fuck, your goddamn smile? I could hardly think.”

I licked my lips and smiled at his eyes returning to mine. “Didn’t seem like that from where I sat. All I saw was a man who knew what he wanted, charmed the room with more than his looks and expensive suits, and I saw your passion for your company in just the way you spoke. All of it. It was intriguing for me to finally experience this side of you.”

“My passion for the company is earnest, and nothing has ever replaced or matched that, and, until tonight, I never believed anything would. Then my eyes fell on the one person that has helped me find life again, life outside of all the bullshit that suffocates me at times. I never understood everyone’s pity for my being married to it until you pulled me out of the pit I’d fallen into. I wasn’t living, I was running a goddamn business and using that to help others have better lives while putting mine on hold.” He took my hand and brought it to his lips. “You have reminded me that my happiness was lost, and I now see that. I saw it tonight more than ever.”

“Jesus, Jim,” I said, my heart sort of breaking for the man. “Was it all that bad?”

“You have no idea.” He smirked, his lips caressing my jawline now. “I won’t lose the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Avery. Even Addison and her sweet, fiery spirit, it’s more than I deserve, but I’m not shying away from stating that I want it. I want it all, gorgeous.”

I smiled at him. “Shit just got real with us, then?”

“It was real before.” He kissed along my abdomen. “It’s just more solid now.” His eyes drifted up to mine while his lips massaged along my hip. “Unbreakable. When I say you’re mine, I mean that sincerely, and I want to take you and me to a level where I’ve never been before in my life.”

“I’ve never been here,” I answered. “I couldn’t imagine what it is you’re referring to now?”

His body covered mine. “You and me, gorgeous, forever. No matter what may happen with your ex, anything—I want you wholly.”

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I’d never had anyone—damn it, anyone—feel this way about me. What the hell did I do to bring this compassionate and loving man to beg me for a solid relationship?

“Avery,” he said while he cradled me in his arms, his hands drying my tears. “Talk to me. Did I take this all too far and too fast on you?”

“No,” I reassured him with a kiss to his lips and then smiled at him. “Jim, you have to know that I…” I sighed, pulling back the tears that I didn’t expect to surface. “How do I say this? My life has been nothing but shit, and I’m not even close to exaggerating.”

“It’s all in the past,” he said. “I’m here now and never letting you go. It’s you and me now. If anyone wants to waltz in and try to fucking bring tears to your eyes over anything, I won’t tolerate it. I will protect you and Addy from all of your ex’s bullshit. Anything you ask, I’m here for you.”

I swallowed hard. “Is this even real?” I softly laughed. “What did I do to make a life of horrors turn into this dream come true with a man like you?”

“I feel the same as you do.” He smiled. “I had my own hell that I’d built for myself before you, and your sexy little ass pulled me out of it,” he said, nuzzling my neck and rolling my body to mold into where he laid next to me on his side. “I love you, Avery…I fucking more than love you.”

I bit and tugged at his bottom lip. “All in and forever, eh? You’re taking on Addy and me and never letting go?”

“I’d make one phone call, and both of you will be calling my home yours as well,” he said. “Or we take it slow with Addison. I’ll let you lead the way with what’s best for her.”

“Why don’t we start with the fact that I am on birth control.” I eyed him, “I’ve never had