Page 77 of The Panther's Pretend Mate

We began this journey as two complete strangers, each wishing for something opposite. Now I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

“You know, you’ve really grown,” I said softly.

Raja’s eyes flashed. “How so?”

“When we met, you were… How do I say this without offending you?”

He quirked a brow and said, “Pretentious? Naive?”

“Let’s say innocent about the world,” I offered with a smile. “Not only that, but you were also a bit reckless.”

“You’re going somewhere with this, right?”

I laughed. “Yes. When I met you, you acted like a boy, even though you were an adult. Now, you really seem like a young man.”

He lifted his chin proudly. “Well, after having a child, I sure hope so.” When he spoke again, his tone was softer. “But yeah, I do feel like a different person. I wouldn’t do half the stuff I did back then.” He paused, then said, “And I know I made a lot of mistakes, but meeting you wasn’t one of them.”

I smiled. “Definitely not. It was the best thing to ever happen to me.”

“Me, too.” He kissed me, soft and tender. “I love you, Lorenzo. Thank you for giving me my freedom.”

I kissed him back but I shook my head. “You earned your freedom on your own, Raja. Be proud of yourself.”

“Iamproud of myself, dummy. But you were the one who helped me work things out. So shut up and accept my gratitude.”

He kissed me aggressively and I couldn't help but laugh into the kiss. “Sorry. I accept it.”

“Good. Now shut up again and kiss me.”

“Of course, my love.”

The End