"We're married now, Seluni," he whispered, his lips grazing mine, "It's mandatory that we . . . do this."

My mind was whirling. I could hardly move as Gaara's body was pressing me to the bedroom wall. Part of me knew he was right – how could I deny my husband in this way? – But another part of me hated this feeling of weakness he gave me, hated the way he owned me. I didn't want to live as his inferior, being taken advantage of whenever he wanted me.

"Gaara, I'll be with you on one condition." I watched the corner of his mouth twist into a smile. "I want to make love to you. You, not the demon inside you."

The demon blinked and snickered and Gaara's head nodded a bit as he regained control of his body. His forehead drooped onto mine and he closed his eyes, a delicate smile dancing on his lips. He then took my hand and led me to the bed, his grip noticeably softer than before.

Sitting on the bed and placing me on his lap, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck.

"Thank you, Seluni," he said between kisses, "He's letting me have you for myself."

His hand reached down to hold my legs tightly to his lap. I leaned away from his kisses to look at the face of my new husband. His light eyes shone in contrast to his dark lids, and his lips were parted in a soft smile.

"You will have me for yourself," I murmured as I touched his face. And I meant it, I did want him now, I wanted the real Gaara that wasn't willing to force me into submission.

He was gentle as he placed me down on the bed and crawled over me. He was gentle while he stripped off my clothes and his own. As he parted my legs and pushed himself deep inside of me, I gasped his name and dug my hands in his hair. It hurt much more than I expected, but he was patient and rained kisses down my neck and shoulder until the pain ceased. Pleasure washed over me as he pumped deep into me, satisfaction clear on his face.

"You're mine," he whispered afterwards, while we lay breathless and sweated under the covers, "You're all mine."

I leaned over to kiss the tattoo on his forehead and snuggled into his arms to sleep.

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eek! this chapter is too short, i know!

im not sure whether to continue with the storyline or have seluni find out where shes from. suggestions??