CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate had used his whole brain to give Lara anything she could need: food, cuddles, pleasure when she felt like it... He had used his brain so much that, when he remembered what he wanted to do during their holiday, one day had passed.

The ring was in a safe place in his bag, hidden from any sight and deep between his clothes. Lara wouldn't have found it by chance, so he had to come up with an idea to propose.

He could have done it under the moon, in the pool. He could have talked about it over breakfast or lunch. Or when they were lazying under the sun.

During their stroll in the wild nature near the hotel? It could have been perfect! But he hadn't brought the ring, and he was so focused on Lara that he forgot about the proposal.

Just like that, one day was gone.

What about proposing over dinner, he wondered. Maybe, he could get on his knees... But would Lara like or hate attracting everyone's attention?

Oh, but proposals were one in a lifetime. And those were so important for humans. He had to be perfect. It had to be a moment they would tell their kids and grandchildren when they were old.

Dinner should have been fine. Humans would often do something like that. They would even organise big things like letters in the sky or booking a billboard to project the question on a crowded big city.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

However, he knew better than asking her in the centre of Norwich. The last thing they both wanted was the press on the case.

So, he had to go with something small like kneeling for her in a nice restaurant or in front of a breathtaking scenery.

But, to do so, he had to be ready. He couldn't leave the ring in the room and lose good chances - like when they were strolling in the wild nature. That chance was hard to forget.

They were alone, Lara was relaxed, and he was ready. But the ring wasn't with them.

He couldn't let that happen again!

«What do we do tonight?» Lara inquired. «We can order room service and eat on the terrace.»

She walked in the room, but Nate hid the small box just in time. He made it slip in his pocket, where it would stay from that moment until the right time for him to kneel and ask.

He would bring it with him at all times, it was settled.

«We can eat out,» he said. «At a restaurant.»

«Are you sure?» she asked, tilting her head. «I thought you wanted to avoid publi

«We're not hiding. Everyone knows we're together, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise for the press either if we dine together. Unless you feel uncomfortable, of course.»

She blinked, feeling a little guilt for her worries. How could she treat him that way?

She stepped next to the bed where Nate was sitting and put her hands on his shoulders.

«For me, it's fine!» she said. «I'm not worried, nor do I want to hide! I would be happy to show the whole world you are mine!»

Her words hit spots he didn't know could hurt of happiness. She wanted to show him around! To impress the whole world with their relationship instead of hiding away!

What else could he ask for?

His brain broke, but he was getting used to working with half of it on tilt. It happened more often than not with his mate.

«Really?» he managed to say.

«Of course! I want everyone to know they shouldn't try anything with Nathaniel Woods.»

«He's yours,» he said, and Lara nodded.

«He's mine,» she repeated, making his heart skip a few beats.

She still had that effect on him, and he was starting to think it would never change. He wouldn't get used to all of that, and he would transform into a fool every time she said something romantic or daring. He would be at her mercy for his whole life, wouldn't he?

Just that thought made him lose focus and think of the future, of all the times Lara would take advantage of him with no mercy.

«But if we're spotted today, we might have no peace tomorrow,» Lara pointed out, remembering how annoying paparazzi could get. They wouldn't leave them alone if they dined in a famous place. «Let's find a low-key restaurant for today.»

«Tomorrow, we can dine at the most famous restaurant in this place,» Nate said. In that place, he could propose.

For sure, he couldn't do it in an anonymous cafe.

«As long as it's you and me, any place is good. Even eating on the terrace, Nate.»

«No, no. Let's go out.» They were on holiday. They shouldn't lock up in the room and see nothing.

Even though that option sounded good to his ears. But they didn't need to travel so far just to lock up: they could do it at home.

The ring weighed tons in his pocket, and he would sometimes touch it to check whether it was still there. He just hoped Lara wouldn't notice.

He wanted it to be a surprise.

«Let's go find a nice, low-key place,» he said.

«Sure! Let me change clothes, though!»

While he watched her find another dress and comb her hair for a night out, staring without shame nor worries, his heart beat steady. He loved observing her get ready. It felt as if they were married... As if they had been married for years.

«Should I put the blue or the pink one?» she asked him.

«Blue,» he said, picking a random colour. To him, she was beautiful in any dress, with and without clothes. But he wanted to sound invested, so he had to pick one.

«Good,» Lara said while changing. «I was going to pick that one, too.»

Nate's lips distended in a smile. He observed her every motion, forgetting that human women might feel pressure while changing clothes. But he couldn't move his attention away even if he tried.