Page 127 of Absolution

“We’re gonna have to visit the Salvatore household tonight, hon.”

My heart makes an unhealthy leap and a groan escapes my throat.

“There’s no getting away from that. There’ll be a gigantic Christmas party, like every year, and my uncle doesn’t take no for an answer.”

“Who’ll be there?”

“Everyone.”

I groan again and bury my face in the sheets.

“Christmas is the time for forgiveness,” he says and lets the tips of his fingers trace the hairline on my nape. “If you could forgive me, then anything is possible.” I inhale deeply and let the air out on a shudder. He pulls me to him harder. “I’ll take care of you, Kerry. Now and always.”

There’s no getting away from meeting his family. Not today, not in the future. I’ve chosen this man and with him comes his baggage, a mob family, ice cold, dangerous men and women. I’ve stood up for myself before. I can do it again.

I kiss him on the earlobe, then graze it with my teeth. “I trust you. I’m with you, I’ll stay with you. I’ve chosen you, and it means I’ve chosen the rest too.”

He lifts his chin in silent acknowledgement. “Do you love me?” he asks, echoing what I asked him last night when everything changed, when our worlds finally melted together.

“Christian,” I catch his hand, twining my fingers with his. “I have loved you for a long time. Thank you. Thank you for her, for tonight. Thank you for being you.”

The look he gives me shatters my heart. I have never seen someone so naked, so happy, and so afraid.

“It’ll be all right, you know,” I say with a profound feeling I’m holding his heart in my hand. I could crush him with a flick of my wrist, but he is my whole world too.

“Marry me,” he says.

My heart leaps, but I tsk and he widens his eyes.

“I want you on your knees, with a ring.”

A sly smile spreads on his face, his gaze devouring me. “Yes, ma’am. Your word is my law, will always be.”

“Always?”

“Except in bed.”

I laugh. “I can live with that.”

Till death do us part.

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