Page 349

When she finally turned her face toward me, her hair was everywhere, and she looked thoroughly exhausted.

“You’re beautiful when you’re needy and taking everything I give you,” I said. “But this might be my favorite version.”

Her eyes narrowed lazily. “What version?”

“Completely wrecked.”

“You did that.”

“I know. I intend to keep the look on you whenever possible.”

She made a tired sound of protest as I slid one arm beneath her knees and the other behind her back.

“I can walk.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“Bossy.”

“And yet you said yes to marrying me.”

“That may have been the orgasm talking.”

“Wrong. The ring came first.”

She laughed and rested her head against my shoulder as I carried her into the bathroom.

The shower was quick, warm water doing little to hide how thoroughly I’d worn her out.

I kept one hand at Isabella’s waist while she leaned against me beneath the spray. When she shifted, she winced.

I chuckled into her wet hair.

“You’re enjoying that far too much.”

“Aye.”

“I may never sit comfortably again.”

“You’ll survive.”

She turned in my arms and gave me a tired glare that had considerably less bite than usual.

I brushed the damp hair from her face. “You know what I like about this part?”

“What?”

“Seeing exactly what I did to you.” I let my gaze linger on her heavy eyes and flushed face. “The sleepy look. The shaky legs. You leaning on me because apparently standing has become a team sport.”

“You are insufferably pleased with yourself.”

“I did excellent work tonight.”

Her laugh dissolved into a groan as she rested her forehead against my chest. “Please don’t make me laugh. Everything hurts.”

I kissed the top of her head and held her beneath the water for another minute.

“Isabella Byrnes.”