Page 119 of The Gangster King

“No. My father’s death surprised me. I thought it would happen when I was older, but I’ve been struggling with some of the industry we trade in. Leaving you was not an option, or I may have done it years ago,” I confess.

“I didn’t know.”

“I’m serious about this, Addy. No humans have moved through the business since I took control.”

She smiles.

Hope blooms in my chest every second she stays on my lap. My cock gets a little excited having her so close.

But I stay focused.

I need her to know everything.

“The rest I can’t put into action until I set up a few things.” I cup her face, rubbing my thumb over her cheek.

She softens under my touch, and all I want to do is kiss her.

“Ask me again,” Adelina says suddenly. “Ask me again, Dante.”

My heart slams into my chest, thumping like I’m being chased by a fucking lion.

Is she joking?

I sit up, almost dropping her off my lap and stare into her emerald eyes like she’s speaking French or something.

She giggles.

“If you are messing with me right now Addy, I will...”

“Hurry up before I change my mind.” She nudges my pec.

The fucking hell?

I’m not sure if I’m hearing her right, but I stand up, scooping her with me, and then place her on the sofa.

She giggles again and I’m so fucking—almost—happy I think I’m going to die. I push the coffee table so hard out of the way it flies across the room.

“Hey, that’s my new table!”

“Don’t care. Stay right there.” I say and get to my knees.

Fuck, I don’t have a ring.

Oh yes, I do...I pull off my family crescent ring and take her hand.

“Adelina Maria Angela Baldoni. Will you do me the honor of finally being my fucking wife?” I rumble.

“Say it again without cursing.”

This fucking woman.

“Marry me. Goddamn you.”

She giggles. Then throws her arms around my neck with full force, knocking us both onto the floor and kissing me.

She kisses me for so long I never want it to end.

I grab her face with both hands once I’m on top of her.

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