Page 67 of Stolen Bride for the Don

“We’ll talk later,” I inform Killian; he nods and leaves the room. As soon as the door closes behind him, I turn to face Andrea, but she’s already watching me.

“Why didn’t you text or call me? Not even once while I was gone.”

I pause, not expecting her to ask that. I tighten my grip on her hand. “Because I’ve heard that if you love something, you set it free. I needed to see if my piccolo uccello would return to me.”

“That’s bullshit,” she asserts immediately. “You love me?”

“Of course, I do, Andrea. Why else do you think I set up this elaborate fake marriage scheme? I’m going to make you fall in love with me,” I add. “So our marriage will be a true one.”

She smiles drowsily. “That plan of yours is bound to fail.”

“What? You think I can’t do it? I’m going to take that as a challenge and–”

“It’s going to fail because I’m already in love with you. I love you and all your domineering, asshole ways.”

My lips part, “You do?”

She rolls her eyes, “Why else did you think I was coming back?”

I raise our joined hands to my lips and press a firm kiss to them. I’m not worthy of her love, but I’m going to spend the rest of my days protecting her and earning it in every way I can.

“I have one more question, one that has been on my mind in the weeks we were apart,” she asks nervously.

The mood clearly shifts as a serious tone fills the room. “What is it, my love?”

CHAPTER 42

ANDREA

I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but now is my chance to get answers. “Why didn’t you just ask me out? The night we met at my bar, I was ready to take you upstairs; our connection was undeniable.” I love this man. I can’t deny it, but I’m still trying to understand him and why he did what he did. “I know a night with me wasn’t what you were after, but why not try?”

A pained expression crosses his face. “I couldn’t risk it. I couldn’t risk losing you. To me, you were already mine, but I had to take you to be sure.”

“I would’ve said, yes. I would’ve gone out with you gladly and enjoyed getting to know you…the old-fashioned way,” I reassure him. Clearly there is something insecure below the surface that makes him unable to trust and hand over any semblance of control.

“At first, maybe. We would’ve had an unreal night together, exploring each other’s bodies, but that wasn’t enough for me. I needed all of you. And can you honestly say that once you knew the truth, who I really was, you would’ve stayed?” He’s kneeling before me as I sit on the edge of the bed.

“No. Probably not,” I confess.

“Exactly. That’s why this is how it had to be.” He stares at me like it hurts to tell the truth and expose his tortured soul. I realize how much he loathes himself for what he’s done; he sees himself as the monster I’ve always accused him to be.

“I’m here.”

His head falls into my lap, and I run my fingers through the soft strands. “I need you. All of you, Andrea. To be only mine. Forever.” He shakes as he talks. “Don’t you understand? You’re all I care about. I’m a slave to you, not the other way around.” He looks at me with a pleading look in his glassy green eyes. “Just tell me what to do,” he begs.

“I’m yours, Hudson.”

His eyes are laced with longing. “Don’t promise something you cannot keep.”

“I love you, and I’m yours. I have been since the night I stopped trying to hide from you, and myself. When I stared at you through the camera, exposing myself, I knew you were watching. I wanted you to see me. Only you. Now get in that chair.”

I start to pull the straps of my nightgown down my arms, but he stops me.

“You were in a car accident today, Andrea. And kidnapped. You need to rest.”

“What I need is you. Now get in the fucking chair, Hudson.”

He seems at war with himself, momentarily, before he gives in; a smoldering look replaces the one of desperation. He moves gracefully, never taking his eyes off mine. He places his hands on the armrests of the chair and spreads his legs, making himself comfortable.

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