Page 84 of King of Sinners

I didn’t even say the words out loud, but somehow, he knew. He has candles in hand as well, and he lights them on the nightstand and dresser, turning off the lights as he hands me a glass.

“To us and our future,” he says as we touch glasses, a satisfying tinkling sound tickling my ears.

I take a drink and then wrinkle my nose, looking down at my glass. “What is this?”

“Sparkling cider,” he answers, sitting next to me on the bed.

“I am over twenty-one, you know.”

He chuckles. “True. But you also took heavy-duty pain medication today and I need to make sure I’m taking good care of you.”

My stomach drops because…yeah…it’s been a long time since anyone worried about my health like this.

I want to sink into this feeling. Mason has done what no one has for such a long time.

Not only has he made me feel loved, he’s taken my problems and one at a time, he’s made them disappear. I haven’t been this light in years.

I’d been drowning for so long. Mason wasn’t just a raft or a lifeline, he was an island. More than that, he was paradise.

I was never leaving.

I take another sip of my sparkling cider and then I set down the glass. “We’re getting married and we’re celebrating with no alcohol and no sex.”

Mason cocks a brow. “You are displeased, my queen?”

“I am.”

He sets his glass down too as he scratches his chin. “I might have an idea.”

And then he picks up two of the candles and carries them to the bathroom.

I’m still sitting there wondering what he’s up to when he comes back out and gets the others. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if he’s planning to leave me in the dark when I hear the water start in the tub.

A sigh escapes my lips. Our last bath had been heaven and it’s the perfect way to soothe my aching body and celebrate.

He comes out of the bathroom once again and gently helps me from the bed, stripping off my clothes, even the sling with the greatest tenderness and care.

The tub full, he helps me in.

I sit in the middle of the massive tub as I watch him undress too. He’s got a few new cuts and bruises as well, compliments of Leo, I’m sure.

But even with the marks, he’s steal-my-breath gorgeous and I try to process that this man is going to be mine.

All mine.

He reaches into his bathroom cabinet and pulls out several small bottles.

“Bubble bath?” I ask, my lips parting in pleasure.

He returns my smile. “Too drying. These are essential oils.” And then he uncorks the first bottle and climbs into the tub behind me.

Settling onto his chest, he waves the first one under my nose. “Lavender.”

“Very nice,” I reply, the smell filling my nose.

He uncorks the next. “Rose.”

My nose wrinkles. It’s a bit strong.

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