Life had been going so smoothly that she almost forgot this was still the apocalypse—where death could come at any moment. Maybe this time, there really would not be another chance to start over. And yet, she had not even experienced the man right in front of her. Just the thought of it felt like a regret she could not afford. Natalie frowned. Had she been too uptight before? Did she really need to go to the city hall in the middle of the wasteland just to take things a step further? She pushed Cassian upward slightly, opened her eyes, and tried to clearly see the man in front of her. Her gaze focused—Cassian's chest rose and fell, his warm breath brushing against her face, making a shiver run down her spine. Life was short. Shouldn't they seize happiness while they could? Cassian had been immersed in that kiss, but when she pushed at him, he lifted his head in confusion, only to see Natalie's wide eyes staring back. He paused, thinking she was nervous again. He kissed her cheek gently and whispered softly. "Don't be afraid. I just want to be close to you. I won't hurt you." Liking is indulgence, but loving is restraint. Back when Roderick had been dating, he had said this once, and Cassian never really understood it. Until he met Natalie. Only then did he realize how deeply she pulled him in. Just one direct look from her, and he had already lost control and leaned in. And yet, he could force himself to restrain that hunger for her. Every time he teased, he somehow managed to stop himself at the very edge. Cassian buried his face in her neck, took a deep breath, then pushed himself up."I'll go prepare a guest room for you." Natalie froze. Then, biting her lip, she reached out, grabbed his collar, and pulled him back down. "I'm not sleeping in the guest room." Cassian did not quite get it. "I wasn't being thoughtful. You can have the main bedroom, I'll take the guest room." Seeing his gentlemanly attitude, Natalie almost laughed. She pressed her lips together, locked eyes with him, and hooked her long legs around his waist. "Let's sleep in the main bedroom together." Cassian felt her tightening hold around his waist. His breath caught, and he looked at her in disbelief. "What did you just say?" Natalie held his gaze, her voice steady. "I said, I'll sleep with you in the main bedroom." Cassian's heart thudded wildly. In an instant, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up with him. To hell with restraint. He shot a glance at the three little ones nearby, tightened his grip on Natalie, and strode upstairs. Lucky tilted her head, watching Cassian carry Natalie toward the main bedroom, then quickly scrambled to follow. At the door, she tried to slip inside too. But Cassian was quick. Still holding Natalie, he shut the door with his foot, then freed a hand to lock it.Locked out, Lucky stared at the closed door in shock. What was that supposed to mean? She pawed at the handle, but it would not open. Inside. Cassian carefully, almost reverently, laid Natalie down on the bed. He searched her eyes again. "Nattie, are you sure?" Natalie did not answer. Instead, she rose up, looped her arms around his neck, and stared into his eyes. Cassian almost drowned in that gaze. He suddenly pressed down, pinning her beneath him, and kissed her with more heat than ever before. Natalie carried a faint natural scent—hard to define. A little like milk, a little like roses, but neither. It was uniquely hers. Enveloped in her breath, Cassian froze at the very last moment. His eyes locked on hers, his voice hoarse and low. "Nattie, let's get married." Married? How? Natalie's mind was hazy, unable to grasp what he meant. Half-lidded, her arms still clinging to his neck, she mumbled, "Okay." And then came a storm like never before. Outside the door, Lucky's eyes widened. After a moment of staring blankly, she turned and kicked Cash and Baron, who were pressed against the door trying to listen in. "Ow ow!" Move it!She shook her head and led the two little brothers downstairs. Her master was sparring with Hottie again! When they fought, they did not like anyone interfering. Last time at the mountain base, she had butted in and gotten scolded for it. Inside. Natalie curled her toes and let out a breathless sigh. "Cass ... " Cassian froze, stopping his movements, and stared at her. "What did you just call me?" Natalie's face was flushed. She pressed her hand to the back of his head, whispered in his ear, "Cass, don't stop." Cassian went mad. He had never lost control like this in his life. Fog blanketed the world outside, while inside, love and heat consumed them. The next morning. Natalie stirred awake, her eyes still heavy with sleep, only to meet Cassian's shining gaze. She yelped, startled. "Ah!" Cassian was lying on his side beside her, elbow propped up, head resting against his hand, staring at her intently.