Page 101 of Capuleto

"You've already heard me."

"I have selective and short-term memory. Besides, I want you to tell it to me alone, looking into my eyes. Is it too much to ask after you left me exposed?"

"You're not Scottish enough to have a gust blow up your skirt for all to see. Plus, your memory excuse doesn’t fly."

"Then tell me because I ask it of you, because I’m dying to hear you say it just to me and no one else." I saw her hesitate, biting her lip between her teeth while her cheeks reddened more. "Don't mess with me," I murmured with a laugh.

"What?"

"The bold and fearsome Nikita Koroleva is scared of love for her husband."

"I’m not scared of anything."

"Oh, really?" I teased, running my thumb over her lower lip.

"No," she admitted, her chest rising and falling from my attentions.

"Prove it," I challenged. She huffed and pursed her lips in annoyance.

"I love you," she muttered under her breath.

"I can’t hear you, I’m also hard of hearing." She looked around, annoyed.

"Such a gem. If I’d known, I’d sell you off piece by piece." I licked her lip and she closed her eyes.

"Tell me, you can do better."

"I…I love you," she repeated, unable to keep her gaze fixed on mine.

"That doesn't count, there’s a clause in this love thing that says the declarant must do it looking at their beloved, otherwise, the declaration is void." Nikita snorted. "In fact, I'm going to end up thinking you’re a coward or that what you said in there was a lie," I said to provoke her.

She parted her lips like a mailbox and maneuvered to switch positions, pinning me between her body and the wall.

"I love you, you damn bastard. Is that clear enough?" she growled. "I didn’t expect it to happen, but it did, and now I have to deal with a pack of panthers in heat roaring in my guts every time you walk by. I’m not thrilled about having an Italian dick as my Achilles' heel." A laugh burst from my lips. Nikita was unique even in her declarations.

"What about butterflies?"

"Creatures born from cocoons? Pass, I prefer those that fight with claws and teeth for what they consider theirs."

"Interesting. Is that a declaration of intentions? Do you consider me yours?" She pushed her lips up.

"Of course, what's yours is mine, and what's mine is also mine."

"Selfish."

"I leave generosity for good people. I always knew I preferred warm places, so I booked my next life in hell."

"I'll see you there."

"Unless you get tired of me first."

"Impossible. At first, I didn’t understand, but now I know it’s a lie that you have to look for someone perfect to fit with, sometimes, it’s enough to find someone you don’t mind not fitting with and having the most epic fights for the most pleasurable reconciliations."

"Then, are we enemies or lovers?"

"You can consider us whatever you like, as long as indifference doesn’t settle between us, we can love or kill each other, you choose, the only thing I know is that I don't want to stop being or being by your side. I love you above all, Nikita Koroleva."

"And I below my sheets, you damn Capulet." I got the impression I had overwhelmed her with so much. "How about we get out of here and I show you the great love I have for you in the best way I know how?"

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