Page 26 of Forbidden Touch

He throws his head back and laughs. “Oh, I see how it is. The lawsuit—that’s forgivable, but the drink and the dress—”

Pouting, I throw him a glance. “I’ll never forget. You still owe me a Valentino dress.”

“Ah. Didn’t you arrange that, though?”

Tilting my head, I think about his question before I eventually give up. “Arrange what?”

He bites on one side of his bottom lip. “You wanted me to spill that drink.”

My head rocks back, his retort taking me by surprise. Licking my lips, I arch an eyebrow. “I mean, I won’t deny it, but—”

“Come here.” He wraps his brawny arms around me and pulls me into him. “I’ve missed you so much.”

He plants soft kisses on my jawline before he lands on my lips.

Our bodies press together in a warm embrace, his hands encircling my waist and my arms wrapped around his broad shoulders. Our eyes lock, full of love and longing, as we stand still in the living room. “I’ve missed you too.” I break away to look at him. “And truth is, I need to ask you for your forgiveness as well.”

A tentative smile takes over his expression. “What on earth for?”

Tears come to my eyes, choking my voice. “Because I wasn’t there when you needed me. I didn’t support you with your heart issue.”

“Fiona, I gave you no chance. What we experienced last weekend was beautiful. To think that you had to learn of the lawsuit from a television is awful. It’s my family. I should have been on top of it, and I have no excuses, so I don’t blame you for not wanting anything with me.”

“But I should have listened to your side of the story first.”

“You did what’s best for your family, and that’s why we understand each other. And there’s something you should know.”

His eyes glisten. “There is no heart issue. The doctor has given me a clean bill of health, but Fiona… it’s worth nothing if I don’t have you. So, I’d like to ask you a question.”

As I nod my head, tears well in my eyes. He pulls a small, black velvet box from his pocket and goes down on one knee. My hand flies over my open mouth.

He takes a deep breath and exhales. “Things haven’t been perfect, but our problems are minuscule compared to the grandeur of the feelings I have for you. I want to unite with you, and it’s the only thing I desire on this planet. So, what I need to know is… will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears constrict words from coming out. I do an exaggerated nod before finally choking out an answer. “Yes, Jonathan.”

He rises to his feet, a wide smile spreading across his face.

My limbs tremble with joy. “Yes, yes, yes!”

He cups my face and thumbs away the tears that cling to my cheeks. Then he leans forward and plants a passionate kiss that’s filled with a promise of forever.

Once we break apart, he slips a ring onto my finger, and the diamond catches my eye. It’s bright and resilient, just like the love we share.

We embrace each other tight and sway in the comfort of togetherness. In the quiet moment, the only sound is the soft beating of our hearts as we hold each other, a steady rhythm of love and longing.

When I look back, it wasn’t the lies, the lawsuit, or the rivalry that held us apart. It was the scary feeling of finally having found someone who could match my pace and still capture my heart in the end. The truth has been with us all along. We just had to open our eyes and hearts to see it. We’re a perfect match.

Epilogue

Devin

Three Months Later

Mybesthotelpropertygleams under the setting desert sun, its sprawling gardens and majestic architecture exuding an air of luxury.

It’s the perfect venue for a wedding and a testament to the union of two powerful families. I lean against a marble pillar on the terrace, nursing my beer and observing the crowd. People flit around, their laughter and chatter blending into a soft hum.

Fiona, radiant in her elegant wedding dress, dances with Jonathan, my new brother-in-law. For a moment, I let myself relax. She deserves this. They both do, but I can’t help my protective instinct. Jonathan better not screw this up.

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