Page 12 of Dangerous Devotion

A sudden panic washed through me, I stiffened, and tore open my eyes, ready to fight whoever was doing this to me.

The first thing I saw was an amazing ceiling fresco, then Vince’s face leaning close. “Look who’s finally awake,” Vince murmured, his deep voice rumbling through his chest. “You’re cute when you’re not plotting my demise.”

His masculine scent enveloped me, a mix of sandalwood and something uniquely him.

My body immediately calmed down. I scowled at him, then looked around and took in the opulent surroundings as he carried me up a staircase. “Where are we going, and why are you carrying me?”

“You’ve drooled all over my shirt. The least you can do is let me deposit you somewhere before I change.”

“I do not drool!” I protested, mortified. Then I noticed the dark stain on the dress shirt above his chest and winced. “Okay, maybe a little.”

Vince chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. We entered what could only be his master suite—all sleek lines and muted grays, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush grounds.

It screamed wealth and power, just like his apartment in the city. Just like the man holding me.

Suddenly, I caught sight of the blood stains on his shirt and the makeshift bandage on his bicep, stark red against the white of the shirt. “You’re hurt! Put me down this instant. You shouldn’t be carrying me with an injured arm!”

He pulled me tighter against him. “It’s nothing,” he said, but I could see the tightness around his eyes. He was hurting.

“Nothing, my ass,” I retorted, squirming in his grip. “Let me go, right now.”

Vince’s arms tightened around me, his gaze intense as he looked down at me. “You’re mine,” he said, his voice low and possessive. “And I will never let you go.”

My heart stuttered at his words, a mix of panic and exhilaration coursing through me. I wanted to argue, to push back against his claim, but a part of me—the part that was unequivocally falling in love with this man—was thrilled at the idea of being claimed by him, of belonging to this man.

Oh man, how far gone was I?

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my body—and mind—reacted to Vince’s possessive declaration. “Put me down,” I said, my voice wavering slightly. “You’re injured, and I’m perfectly capable of walking next to you.”

With a reluctant sigh, Vince gently lowered me to my feet right next to the bed. The moment I was steady, I turned to examine his arm. “We need to clean this properly,” I said, my fingers hovering over the makeshift bandage.

“It’s fine,” Vince grumbled, but I could see the pain etched in the lines around his eyes.

“Don’t be stubborn,” I scolded him and slapped his chest.

He narrowed his eyebrows and stared at me. “You care for me; you must really like me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re hurt and obviously lack any self-preservation skills. Of course, I care. Now, we need to clean you up and take care of this. Where’s the first aid kit?”

“We’re not even married yet, and you’re already bossing me around,” he said and pulled me closer.

I raised my head and faced him. “And you’re surprised, how?”

Vince gave me a lopsided grin, one that showed a dimple I’d never seen before but which made my heart jump in my chest. “I’m not. I just wanted to state it, so there’s no misunderstandings in the future.”

I rolled my eyes. “What kind of misunderstanding are you talking about?”

The second corner of his mouth joined the first one into a full-on smile. “That you belong to me, and you like it.”

I raised my eyebrow. “There’s quite a difference between caring for someone and belonging to someone.”

“Well, we’re lucky enough to have both.” He gave me a peck on the nose, then let me go. “Let’s take a shower first and deal with that”—he nodded at his arm—“afterward.”

I cocked my head. “You just want to see me naked.”

He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Damn right, I do. I wanted to take you in the shower ever since you surprised me and watched me jerk off that day.”

Oh man, I could feel the heat rise up my chest. I couldn’t believe it had only been a couple of days ago when I’d surprised him and witnessed his self-care under the shower. Was that the beginning? Was that the moment my hatred for this man changed to intrigue and later affection?

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