Page 61 of Gilded Desires

“All three of ours.”

All three swear their devotion to me and with each promise, I feel the ties binding us strengthen around my heart.

“Harlon, I’m sorry. I owe you an explanation. Reasons why I did what I did. Hell, I haven’t even told you what I did.”

He holds a hand up. “This family is really good at keeping secrets. Keep yours. You don’t owe me anything but your happiness. I’m only sorry you thought you had to lie to me. I thought we trusted each other.”

I go to him. “You controlled me. The walls only drew closer the older I became. I couldn’t live like that anymore.”

His eyes narrow on me, his tone curt. Cold even. “Only out of love.”

I’m already shaking my head. “You loved too much, Harlon. You suffocated me.” I hate the weakness in my voice. The tears and emotions bombarding me.

I’m crushed to his chest. “Don’t you dare fucking cry, woman. I didn’t want to lose you, Belle. You’re the one good thing left in this world.”

I kiss my brother’s cheek. “You haven’t lost me, Harlon. I’m here. I’m still here.”

He chuckles softly, looking down at me with not an ounce of humor in his eyes. I see pain, loss and hurt there. Plenty of all three, but not humor. My heart breaks for the man. “I won’t admit this outside this room, but I was wrong. You deserve happiness. Go with them.”

“I don’t mean to leave you carrying the family burden.” I have been so busy thinking of what I want I forgot to think of him.

“You’re not, kiddo. He has us.” Cassius and Santi each kiss me on the cheek and tap the end of my nose. They lean their weight against a nearby lounge seat. They cross their arms, arrogance written all over their faces.

“Yes, he does.” I turn. “And I have them.”

Harlon pushes me toward Gage and my alpha man pulls me into his arms. My weakness for the dimples in his smile is never-ending. He wraps my arms around his neck, and I cling to him willingly. “Let’s go home,” he growls possessively. I tremble under his caring touch. The way his hand settles over my womb.

Home. My heart swells so large I have a hard time breathing for a moment.

Home.

Not a suite in the underground’s tower of secrets full of betrayal, hidden enemies and death. But a real home. Where a family can be raised, loved, and live freely.

A home where my filthy seals can do anything they like to me.

Rush and Aziel take the place of Santi and Cassius. I swivel my head and catch Harlon’s gaze over Aziel’s shoulder. I silently mouthI love you. He does the same and for the first time in my life I feel like my life is complete. In my heart of hearts, I know he will find happiness again. I only hope he lives long enough to enjoy it. Death is a constant companion in our world of crime and bloodshed. His world, I correct. While I’ll always be blood and die for my family, I have a new one to protect now.

Gage swings me into his arms as we head for the elevator. “I think we need to call New York and tell them we can’t come after all.”

“You sure about that, sweetheart? You round and plump with our baby would be sexy as hell to show off.”

I turn to make sure we are out of earshot of my brother. “We’ll see,” I say and let them lead the way to the rest of our lives.

Epilogue

Belle

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Now or never. Another few months and I’ll need a crane to lift all this.” I gesture toward my growing baby bump.

I’m sitting across the table from Nyx. She’s lost the pigtails and is in full supermodel glamor mode with her long tresses of hair and painted-on body suit.

Like for real. Actually painted on. I’m wholly green with envy.

“Will you stop staring at my nipples? You’re going to make them hard and then my little pasties will pop off.”

I giggle uncontrollably catching the eye of a few The Gilded Key Society key bearers.

---