Page 214 of Brutal Savage

My cock strains. Muttering a curse, I hurry off into the kitchen, grabbing the salad and honey-glazed carrots I also prepared.

Except for Iseult and Fionn, we all know how to cook. Those two are hopeless. It’s a good thing for Iseult that Gio knows his way around the kitchen, or they’d be surviving on takeout.

When I’m finally seated and filling her plate, I watch her take the first bite. As she does, her eyes shut and she groans.

“Wow, this chicken is so tender. Please cook for me anytime.”

Her compliment hits me right in the chest. “Always, baby. I love feeding you.”

A grin spreads on her face. And soon after, I’m replacing dinner with dessert while my heart hammers in my chest.

Fuck, why the hell am I so nervous? We’ve done this before.

Not like this, though.

Holding her plate in a tight grasp, I take this moment to stare at her, thankful I have her.

I still can’t get over the fact that she loves me.

I didn’t expect her to say it back. Hell, I thought she’d run when I did. But she hasn’t. She’s still here because she wants to be. And I’ll always be thankful for that.

Shit. I’m gonna have to pay Devlin that million, aren’t I?

I grin.

It’s worth it.

She narrows a curious gaze. “Are you alright?”

Yes. Because of you.

“I love you, Elara.” I tread closer. “I can’t seem to want to stop saying it now.”

She smiles sweetly, tilting her face to the side. “I love you too.”

“That’s good.” I chuckle “Because this would be a bit awkward otherwise.”

Before she can wonder what I mean, I place the plate before her. As I do, I lower to one knee, a small box in my hand.

She gapes at me. Completely in shock.

On the plate, written in chocolate, are the words, Will you marry me again?

May not be original or grand, but I know Elara by now, and she doesn’t need those things. I wanted to do it the right way this time. The way she would remember and tell our children about. The way that I’ll know if she truly loves me.

“Tynan?” Tears fill her eyes. “I—I don’t understand. We—we—we’re already married.”

“I know, but last time you didn’t have a choice. This time, I’m giving you one.”

Her gaze lowers to the ring, similar in design to the original engagement ring I gave her. Slowly, she returns her eyes to mine.

She cups my cheek, and every time she does, her touch… It hits me right in the center of my chest.

“And if I say no?”

My pulse quickens. But when I find the crack of her smile, I know she’s just teasing me.

“Do I really have to answer that, mo ghrá?”

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