*** This is a clean version of Chapter 19. For anyone who is over 18 years, you can find a book on my profile called 'The Forbidden Diaries' which contains the explicit version. If any problems occur where you cannot view the book then you may have to follow me. Reading the explicit version is done at your own choice as I have made sure to notify you beforehand. ***

Chapter Nineteen - My Valentine

I'm sitting in the office of The Mad Twist as the comments on the issue pour in. It's Valentines day today and the issue dropped first thing in the morning. Blade, Lia and AJ had surprised me by decorating my office and bringing a cake to celebrate. Jordan and Cory had also left me a sweet message this morning to congratulate me.

Throughout the four hours after the issue was released I have seen so many positive comments online about the pictures on Mystique's social media pages. I posted some of the images on my own social media handles too and I've been receiving praises ever since, even from my colleagues, professors and supervisor. It feels so good to know that people love my work.

But my family has also been texting me. I've seen their messages but refuse to pick up their calls. Them congratulating was enough of a surprise when I read that they wanted to meet for dinner. They brought my hopes up at reconnecting only for them to crash and burn moments later when they started talking about introducing me to more connections. That's when I realized that only my success matters to them, not me. I'm so glad I didn't put my last name down for the issue. Besides, I have all the people I need who care about me and my happiness.

"This is a hit, Zoe! We're so proud of you!" AJ grins excitedly as he flicks through the magazine I had brought with me.

"I love this one!" Lia squeals as she shows me one of the pictures which makes me laugh.

"It's about time everyone knew how talented you are." Blade smirks as he cuts another slice of cake for himself.

"Thank you guys." I smile softly as I watch them look at the photos and comment on which ones are their favorite.

I'm quickly distracted by my phone which vibrates in my jean pocket. Fishing it out I see that it's a text from Hunter. Congratulations, Red! You already know how proud I am of you! Date night tonight?

Thank you and sure! What should I wear? I type back with excitement.

Something fancy and be ready by six. Love you, he replies and I'm left to wonder what options I have at home.

"Ooh, did Hunter text you?" Lia smirks playfully and the dreamy smile slips right off my face.

"Yeah, we're going out to celebrate later." I blush when she wiggles her brows teasingly.

"When?"

"He said be ready by six." I shrug as I edit a picture on the computer.

"It's four thirty! You need to leave now!" Lia exclaims before looking up at AJ expectantly who nods with an amused smile.

"Oh no, it's okay. I can get ready within an hour –"

"Nope! Get up, we're leaving!" She makes me stop what I'm doing and shut down the computer.

I look to AJ and Blade for help but they only chuckle in response to Lia bossing me around. Sighing in defeat when she brings me my coat and bag, I take them from her before following her out of the office. We bid goodbye to the boys before getting into the car and I tell Zeke to take us home.

Lia has never seen the place before and I make a mental note to ask Hunter if we can invite them over for dinner sometime. When she walks into the apartment after me I hear her loud gasp and turn to see her eyes wide in awe. I give her a little tour and she seems to fall in love with the place.

"This is so cool! I love how homey it is even if it's obviously expensive." She grins before pushing me into my room after I point it out to her. "Now, let's get you all dolled up!"

We rummage through my wardrobe and she spots the blue mermaid gown Hunter had gifted me a while ago. I had never gotten the chance to wear it much to his dismay but today feels like the perfect time to surprise him. It's sleeveless with a plunging neckline and the top part is entirely velvet. The skirt is long and touches the floor, sewn with ombre sequins.

I head into the bathroom to change and put on my lace panties, knowing that I'm going to have to go bra less for this dress. Slipping it on, I smile widely when it fits like a glove and makes me feel confident. Lia grins happily as I walk out before working on my hair and makeup. Thankfully I had showered and cleaned myself up this morning so I wasn't going to be running late.

Lia straightens my hair but curls it slightly at the ends which I end up loving. After much persuasion I let her add some color to my eyelids before finishing the rest of the look off with a rosy hued lipstick. I put on my black heels with some perfume before she comes over with jewelry and my clutch.

"You look so beautiful, he's not going to be able to keep his hands off you!" She giggles and I blush fiercely. "You're so bashful, Zoe! Wait...you guys haven't done it yet?"

"Uh...no." I shake my head and watch her eyes widen.

"Oh honey, he better ravish you tonight otherwise there's something wrong with him!" She smirks devilishly which makes me swat her arm. "Anyways, I better go. Text me all about it...tomorrow morning of course after a long night of hot –"

"Lia!" I shriek as my cheeks feel like they're on fire.

She cackles evilly before running out the door. I follow her with a sigh and bid her goodbye as she leaves. But just as I've walked out of the room again with my clutch the door opens and Hunter steps in. His eyes find mine and they darken slightly as they roam over my figure. I feel the butterflies in my tummy go crazy at how intensely he's staring at me right now.

He's dressed in a dark plum colored suit with a white button up underneath and black shoes. Overall he looks so sexy and I have a hard time refraining myself from doing or saying something stupid.

"You look stunning, Red." He breathes as he walks up to me.

"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."

"Just handsome? Because the way you were staring at me moments ago told me otherwise." He smirks devilishly and I chuckle.

"If I say that you look incredibly sexy will we be on time for our reservations?" I tease and he groans huskily before resting his forehead against mine.

"Not a chance."

"Handsome it is then." I wink with a laugh.

"Fuck, Red. You drive me crazy." He hisses before shaking his head with a smile. "Ready to go?"

"Yep." I grin as I take his outstretched hand. "And for the record, you drive me just as crazy."

He smiles down at me with tender eyes as we make our way downstairs. I get into the car beside him before Zeke drives out onto the main road. The restaurant that Hunter made reservations in is a bit far away but thankfully we don't get stuck in a traffic jam. When we pull up outside it my jaw drops as I recognize it immediately as a Michelin starred restaurant. Hunter laughs at my expression as he helps me out of the car before we make our way inside.

We're seated immediately and brought our wine choices. Neither of us like champagne too much so we went with a classic red. We're then served a four-course meal throughout the night as a valentine's day special which is amazing.

"Everyone else is in red, you stand out." He grins as he glances around the room.

"My hair is enough!" I laugh as I take a bite out of my main course. "What day are we leaving for the wedding again?"

"Friday around ten in the morning. The wedding is on Saturday afternoon but I have to be there for the rehearsal dinner." He explains and I nod in understanding.

"Are you nervous about being the best man?" I tease and he pauses before laughing.

"Kind of. It's an important day for him and I want everything to be perfect." He bites his lip as a hint of worry flickers in his eyes.

"Don't worry, I know you're going to be great." I smile as I squeeze his hand reassuringly. "Cory obviously knew what he was doing when he picked you as his best man. Do you have your speech ready?"

"Half of it yeah, but I think I'll need to cut a lot of parts out." He chuckles mischievously.

"Oh wow, well I can't wait to hear it now."

"Can I practice with you beforehand?" He asks a little nervously and I nod.

"Of course! You'll be good to go on the day, don't worry."

"Thanks, Red." He grins before the waiter takes our plates. "I can't wait for dessert!"

"Your mind is always on sweet things." I shake my head in amusement.

"Yeah and you're definitely one of them." He winks cheekily which makes me smile.

We're served dessert next which we share with each other and it pairs well with the wine we've been drinking all night. Eventually, we decide to leave and I walk out to the car with Hunter slipping in beside me. I loop my arm through his before resting my head on his shoulder with a content sigh.

But then I hear my phone buzz in the confines of my clutch. Frowning I take it out and unlock it to see a few messages from my family along with some missed calls. Immediately, I put it back inside but Hunter manages to catch onto the change in my mood.

"What's wrong?" He asks as his fingertips trail up and down my arm.

"Nothing, just some texts." I smile up at him reassuringly.

"Filled with praise I'm assuming?" He teases before kissing the corner of my lips. "Some people were talking about the photos in the office too."

"R-Really?" I stutter in surprise.

"Yeah, there's a few of them that love art and photography." He grins with a proud glint in his eyes.

"Wow, well I'm glad they liked it." I smile happily just as we pull into the garage.

We thank Zeke and Hunter lets him off for the night before we make our way upstairs. As soon as we step inside I take my heels off instantly with a relieved sigh. Hunter makes sure the doors are locked and the security system is engaged before following me to the bedroom. I open the door as I take off my earrings when the sight before me makes me gasp in surprise.

The ceiling is hidden by numerous red balloons with a bouquet of roses and a chocolate box left on the bed. I turn to see him grinning widely which makes me shake my head with a laugh. Both of us had forgotten about Valentines day until last night when Margo texted me about the release time for the magazine issue. We had then agreed not to do anything since it was too late to make plans.

"Happy Valentines day, darlin." He kisses me softly before following me inside.

"You spoil me too much." I sigh with a smile as I smell the roses.

"Because my love deserves to be spoiled." He smirks as he takes off his suit jacket. "Do you like them?"

"Of course, thank you." I murmur as I move to put them in a vase in the kitchen.

When I return I watch as he takes off his shoes and puts on his slippers before stepping into the bathroom. A slow smile spreads across my lips when I hear him make a noise of surprise. I lean against the door frame and watch him read the many reasons why I love him. I had written them down on pink sticky notes and stuck them to the mirror in a heart shape.

He turns to me after reading them and chuckles when I hold out a box of his favorite chocolate. Stepping back into the room he wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me passionately. My toes curl as I wrap my arms around his neck, putting the box down haphazardly beside the one he gave me.

Nipping his bottom lip, I smile when he groans huskily and feel his hands tighten on my hips. A small squeak escapes me when the back of my legs meet the bed and I lose my balance. With a laugh I pull him down with me before our lips connect again. Swiping my tongue across his bottom lip I wait for him to open before our tongues become entangled in an enticing dance.

I feel his hands roam over my body before he tugs my skirt up. A needy moan escapes me when his warm hands trail over my bare legs. Hot desire shoots straight to my core the higher his hands travel and I pull away panting when his fingers tease the waistband of my panties.

He swallows my moan by kissing me again. My back arches over the heat of his hands uncovering my skin as he takes off my dress before my panties follow suit. I'm completely bare and his heated gaze makes me a little self-conscious. He mutters a curse under his breath before his hands are roaming my body again, followed by his mouth. It's like he wants to savor and memorize every dip and curve.

"You're so perfect." He whispers with intense emotion swimming in his eyes. I tangle my fingers into his hair and tug which makes him groan. He then starts to pepper hot, open-mouthed kisses to my neck. "Good?" 

"Y-Yes." I reply breathlessly as he takes a nipple into his mouth.

"I can make you feel even better, sweetheart." He murmurs before looking at me. "Do you want me to?"

I nod and watch as he chuckles before removing his shirt and pants. But he takes my hands and places them on his boxers with a mischievous glint in his ocean blue eyes. "Take them off."

"O-Okay." I gulp harshly before pulling the material down.

My eyes widen when his hard length is revealed and for a moment I wonder if it'll fit me. I bite my lip hard as he helps me take it off him before throwing it away. He goes back to leaving heated kisses of heavy desire against the base of my neck.

"Have you ever –"

"No." I shake my head as his eyes meet mine. "Have you?"

"Back in college but not in a few years so forgive me if I'm a bit rusty." He smiles nervously as he puts on a condom.

"You don't seem rusty at all so don't worry." I retort with a playful roll of my eyes.

"I'll take care of you, okay? Whenever you want to stop let me know." He murmurs as he caresses my cheek.

I nod with a smile as he widens my legs and positions himself at my entrance. He distracts me with another kiss and it works. My fingertips trail across his torso and I feel him shudder against me. My back arches with a gasp when he enters me and my eyes roll shut in pleasure. It's much more intense this time and I feel a pinch of discomfort as I try to adjust to his size. He peppers kisses over every inch of my face before continuing down my jawline and neck. I roll my hips against his and he hisses softly. 

"Hunt!" I pant when he starts moving and I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Fuck baby!" He groans huskily before gripping my hips.

I cry out as sweet pleasure overtakes my body again, making me feel as light as a feather. Our bodies quickly become slick with sweat as whispers of words filled with love and adoration escape into the night. I pull him close to me and kiss him fiercely.

My body tingles deliciously and I know I'm close. I'm a mess of gasps and moans as he takes me to the peak before I crash. I scream his name as he too finds his release. His curses under his breath softly before his lips come crashing down on mine.

We kiss as we come back down from the peak of pleasure. I moan softly at the feeling of being empty and watch as he brings a rag from the bathroom which he cleans me with. Throwing it away haphazardly he pulls me against him before draping the blanket over us. I cuddle into him as his hand slides down to rest on the small of my back.

"I love you." I murmur sleepily and feel him run his fingers through my hair.

"I love you too, Red. You're the best thing that's happened to me." He whispers before I feel him kiss the top of my head.

I drift off to sleep with his sweet words in mind.

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