Amelia's eyes fluttered open to Ryan's smiling face.
"Good morning," he whispered.
Amelia's cheeks flushed. "Morning."
Ryan's arms wrapped around her, their bodies entwining.
"Last night was incredible," Ryan said, his lips brushing hers.
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "For me too."
Ryan's gaze turned serious. "Amelia, I have to tell you something."
Amelia's instincts prickled. "What is it?"
Ryan's pause stretched. "I don't share."
Amelia's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Ryan's eyes burned. "You're mine now."
Amelia's pulse quickened. "Yours?"
Ryan nodded. "Completely."
Amelia's thoughts whirled.
Ryan's fingers traced her jaw. "Amelia, I'll never let you go."
Amelia's heart raced.
Their morning passed in a blur.
Ryan made love to her again.
As they dressed, Amelia felt trepidation.
"What would happen next? Would Ryan's family accept her?"
Ryan's reassuring gaze met hers. "I'll protect you."
Amelia smiled. "I know you will."
Their hands intertwined, they walked into the unknown.
As they stepped into sunlight, Amelia felt hope.
Maybe their love could conquer all.
Ryan's arm wrapped around her shoulders. "I love you, Amelia."
Their lips met in a tender kiss.
Sealing their fate.
Ryan received a text from Mark.
Ryan's tension grew. "My family's expecting us for dinner tonight."
Amelia's heart sank.
"I'm not sure I'm ready," she admitted.
Ryan's arm tightened. "You'll be fine. Just be yourself."
But Amelia knew it wouldn't be simple.
"Are you nervous about meeting my family?" Ryan asked, his eyes scanning Amelia's face.
"A little," Amelia admitted. "What are they like?"
Ryan chuckled. "Complicated. But don't worry, I'll be there to protect you."
"Protect me?" Amelia repeated.
Ryan's expression turned serious. "Yes, Amelia. My family can be...overwhelming. But I won't let them hurt you."
Amelia's heart swelled. "You're always looking out for me, aren't you?"
Ryan nodded. "Always. You're mine now, Amelia. I'll do everything to keep you safe."
Amelia's pulse quickened. "And what if I don't fit in?"
Ryan's lips curved into a smile. "You'll fit perfectly. You're the missing piece I never knew I needed."
Amelia's doubts began to fade.
"Ryan?" Amelia said.
"Yes?"
"What do you want from me?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's eyes burned. "Everything. I want every part of you."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat.
"I want that too," Amelia whispered.
Ryan's arms wrapped around her.
"I love you, Amelia," Ryan said.
"I love you too, Ryan," Amelia replied.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss.
"I want to know everything about you," Amelia said, her eyes sparkling.
"Everything?" Ryan repeated, his brow raised.
"Every secret, every fear, every dream," Amelia whispered.
Ryan's expression softened.
"I'll tell you anything," Ryan said. "But promise me one thing."
"Anything," Amelia replied.
"Promise me you'll never leave me," Ryan's voice dropped to a whisper.
Amelia's heart swelled.
"I promise," Amelia said.
Ryan's eyes searched hers.
"Amelia, I have to tell you something," Ryan said.
"What is it?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's pause stretched.
"My family's business...it's complicated," Ryan said.
Amelia's curiosity piqued.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's expression turned serious.
"I'll tell you everything tonight," Ryan promised. "At dinner."
Amelia nodded.
Their lips met in a tender kiss.
As they pulled back, Amelia's phone buzzed.
"Who is it?" Ryan asked.
Amelia checked her phone.
"It's Evelyn," Amelia said. "My best friend."
Ryan smiled.
"Answer it," Ryan said.
Amelia answered the call.
"Hey, Evelyn," Amelia said.
"Hey, girl! How's it going?" Evelyn asked.
Amelia glanced at Ryan.
"It's going amazing," Amelia replied.
Evelyn squealed.
"Spill the tea!" Evelyn demanded.
Amelia laughed.
"I'll tell you everything soon," Amelia promised.
Evelyn's voice turned serious.
"Amelia, be careful," Evelyn said. "You don't know much about Ryan's family."
Amelia's instincts prickled.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asked.
Evelyn hesitated.
"I overheard some rumors," Evelyn said. "About Ryan's family being involved in some shady dealings."
Amelia's heart sank.
Ryan's expression darkened.
"I'll handle it," Ryan mouthed.
Amelia nodded.
"Thanks, Evelyn ," Amelia said. "I'll be careful."
As Amelia hung up, Ryan's eyes locked onto hers.
"Tonight," Ryan whispered. "We'll face everything together."