Page 19 of Galen

“What areyou thinking about?” Galen asked her, voice low and husky.

She looked up at him, her gaze meeting his. There was something so tender in the way he watched her, a softness that belied the dangerous man she knew him to be.

“You,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.“I’m thinking about being your wife.”

He smiled, a slow, satisfied curve of his lips that sent a shiver down her spine.“Oh? Is that a yes?”

Bianca hesitated for only a moment, weighing the gravity of his question. Could she really say yes? Could she truly commit to a life with someone like Galen?

But the longer she looked into his eyes, the more certain she became. He might be dangerous, but he was also real, raw in a way that made her feel more alive than she ever had. And that was something she couldn’t ignore.

Her hand came up to trace the line of his jaw, her touch gentle but firm.“Yes,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Galen’s smile broadened, and his eyes darkened with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“Good,” he murmured, his hand sliding down her back, pulling her even closer to him.

Before she could say another word, his lips were on hers, claiming her with a passion that sent a surge of heat through her entire body. The kiss was possessive, almost demanding, but it was exactly what she needed. She melted into him, her body responding to his in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying. He kissed her like he owned her, and in that moment, Bianca realized she wanted to be his.

Galen once again used his hands to explore her body, fingers tracing the curves and contours that had been hidden beneath the sheets. Every touch was electric, sending sparks of pleasure through her.

She arched into him, her own hands moving to explore the hard planes of his chest, the ridges of muscle. Everything about him was solid, unyielding, and utterly commanding. He was a man who knew what he wanted, and right now, that was her.

When he finally broke the kiss, his lips trailed down her neck, over her collarbone, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Her breath hitched, her fingers tangling in his hair as she clung to him.

“Galen,” she gasped, not even sure what she was asking for. More? Less? She didn’t know, but he seemed to understand.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered against her skin, his voice rough with desire.“You’re mine now, Bianca.”

There was no denying it. She was his. Completely and utterly his. And as his hands continued their exploration, she knew there was no turning back.

She didn’t want to. Not with the way he made her feel—like she was the only woman in the world, the only one who mattered.

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his thumb brushing over her swollen lips.“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this,” he said, his voice low and intense.

“For what?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“For you,” he said simply.“For someone who can match me. Challenge me. Someone I can protect, but who’s strong enough to stand beside me.”

His words sent a thrill through her. She had never thought of herself as strong, but with Galen, she felt like she could be. Like she was more than just the sum of her past mistakes and heartbreaks.

He kissed her again, slower this time, more deliberate. It was a kiss that spoke of promises, of a future as dangerous as it was intoxicating. And as she kissed him back, Bianca knew she was ready to step into that future, whatever it held.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily, their bodies tangled together in the sheets. She rested her head on his chest again, feeling the rise and fall of his breath, the steady thump of his heart.

“Tell me something,” she murmured after a moment.“Why me? Why did you choose me?”

He was silent for a moment, and she could feel him considering his answer.“Because you’re different,” he said finally.“Because you’re the first woman who’s ever made me feel like this.”

“Like what?” she pressed, needing to understand.

“Like I could lose everything if I lost you,” he admitted, his voice low, almost vulnerable.“And I’m not willing to take that chance.”

His words hit her deeply, in a way she hadn’t expected. He wasn’t just possessive—he was vulnerable, too. And that vulnerability made her want him even more.

She tilted her head up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.“Then I guess it’s a good thing you’re not going to lose me,” she whispered against his mouth.

Chapter Nine

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