Raven looked at Penelope's face and then at their intertwined hands. Being with her felt like a dream come true for him, and she had no idea how long he'd been in love with her. If she knew, Raven had no doubt she would freak out and might find him stalkerish.
For Penelope, she only met him just recently. She had no idea Raven had harbored feelings for her for years. She enjoyed his company and found him kind and thoughtful, but she didn't suspect the depth of his emotions.
Her hand felt delicate and small in his hand. He couldn't resist the urge to intertwine his fingers even tighter with hers, hoping to convey through touch what he couldn't muster the courage to speak aloud. He faintly smiled at her, content that she was finally with him.
They were about to return home to their lives and the responsibilities waiting for them. But at that moment, Raven wanted to cherish this rare time alone with her. Raven was aware of the problems awaiting their return, and he was worried about what Penelope would do now that she could enter the social circle as his wife. She might even need to face the past she'd been trying to avoid for the past five years.
Raven was worried she might get hurt again, but he wanted to believe Penelope could overcome her past issues and forgive herself so she could move on. He thought that she had the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges came her way.
As they watched the starry night silently, Raven hoped things would get better for them. As for her missing sister, he was sure Melody Dimitriou was set to get her heart broken by Oscar Millani. The young man was known for his charming smile and playboy reputation.
Raven knew Melody was head over heels for Oscar, but his gut feeling told him there was something off about the suave young man. Penelope, however, seemed oblivious to the brewing storm in her sister's love life. She was so caught up in her whirlwind romance with Raven that she failed to see the warning signs right before her.
He made a mental note to keep a close eye on Melody, knowing he couldn't let his feelings cloud his judgment regarding protecting her. He had promised to look out for both sisters, and he intended to keep that promise no matter what obstacles lay ahead. He knew their journey together wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to fight for her with everything he had.
It wasn't long before Raven felt a pressure on his arm and found his wife fell asleep against him. Her soft breaths tickled his skin, and he couldn't help but smile at her peaceful expression. Penelope looked so serene in her sleep, a stark contrast to the turmoil Raven knew lay beneath the surface. He gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer as they sat together. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying a sense of tranquility that Raven wished could last forever.
In the quiet of the night, with only the sounds of nature surrounding them, Raven allowed himself to bask in the moment. He knew this peace was only temporary and that challenges awaited them back home. But for now, he wanted to savor this moment with Penelope in his arms. As the moon cast a soft glow over them, he felt gratitude for having her by his side.
Raven brought his sleeping wife into their room when the night went colder. He gently tucked her under the covers, brushing a lock of hair away from her face as he watched her sleep. Penelope stirred slightly, snuggling closer to him in her slumber.
A small smile spread on his lips as he looked at her. Raven sat by the bedside, watching Penelope as she slept. The faint moonlight streaming through the window illuminated her features, casting a gentle glow over her peaceful face. He couldn't help but marvel at the sight before him - the woman he had loved from afar for so long, now here with him, her presence a balm to his weary soul.
Their first night together was unforgettable. He couldn't forget the expressions she made as he made love to her. The memories of their passionate night lingered in Raven's mind as he watched Penelope sleep. However, since then, Raven tried to hold back and didn't touch her intimately again.
He wanted to respect her boundaries and give her the space she needed to navigate their new relationship at her own pace. Despite his desires, he was determined to show Penelope that he valued her beyond physical intimacy.
Raven knew that their relationship was still new and fragile, and he didn't want to do anything that might push her away. Although his desire for her burned fiercely within him, he suppressed it for the sake of their future together.
He knew he needed to be patient and understanding if he wanted their marriage to work. He was willing to wait as long as it took for Penelope to trust him fully, but that didn't mean keeping his hands away from her was easy.
Whenever she was near, he found himself fighting the urge to reach out and pull her into his arms, to feel the warmth of her body against his. But he held back, reminding himself that their relationship was still in its early stages and rushing things would only jeopardize what they were building together. Penelope had been through so much already, and Raven was determined to be the supportive partner she needed, even if it meant sacrificing his desires.
Raven leaned down and gently kissed Penelope's forehead, whispering softly, "I'll always be here for you, my love."
Regardless of what others say about his wife, he was determined to protect her, not because she was a woman. Penelope was his woman, and anyone who dared to harm her would instantly make him their enemy.