Page 7 of Valentine's with the Cartel

I felt a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth, also feeling amused by his polite response even as I sensed the undercurrent of tension beneath it. This omega was not as passive as he seemed on the surface, and that intrigued me.

"Do you need any more time to prepare?" I asked, glancing around at the flurry of activity still ongoing in the room. "I don't want to rush you."

Mara stepped forward again. "No, we're almost done here," she said firmly. "Anan is ready for the ceremony."

One important thing about this encounter was that it couldn't be happening at all. But then again, I wasn't one to follow rules all the time.

I nodded, eyes locking with Anan's. He met my gaze once more, his expression unreadable as he waited for me to make the next move.

And really, what else was there left to do? It was time to get married.

I glanced around the room at the various staff members still flitting about, their voices a low murmur as they went about their duties. Mara still stood off to the side, observing our exchange with a critical eye that made me want to roll my eyes.

But I restrained myself, not wanting to start this new relationship on the wrong foot with Anan. And really, it wasn't the right time or place for that kind of behavior anyway.

"I think that's enough preparation for now," I said smoothly, turning to Mara with a slight smile. "Why don't you go and see to the guests downstairs? Make sure everything is in order for the ceremony." I wanted to get her out of there as soon as possible.

She hesitated for a moment, glancing between me and Anan as if debating whether to protest. But one look at my face must have convinced her otherwise, because she simply nodded and swept out of the room without another word. It was quite unusual, coming from her.

I waited until the door closed behind her before turning back to Anan, who had watched the exchange with a neutral expression that I sensed hid a great deal of tension. He wasnervous, but trying not to show it. I could understand that. I felt that way sometimes, too.

"You must be tired of all this fussing and primping," I remarked, stepping closer to him and gesturing at the various people still in the room. "Why don't you give everyone a few seconds to finish up their work, and then we can have some time alone before the ceremony? It's important that we get acquainted properly."

Anan blinked at my words, surprise flickering across his face for a moment before he quickly schooled his features back into a polite mask. I sensed he wanted to refuse, but he couldn't without appearing rude.

"That would be... nice," he said after a brief pause, clearly choosing his words carefully. "But are you sure? You have important guests to attend to as well."

I waved away his concern with a dismissive gesture. He didn't have to worry about something like that. "Let them wait," I said, shrugging one shoulder. "This is more important right now. After all, we'll be spending the rest of our lives together. We should start off on the right foot."

There was a flicker of something in Anan's eyes at my words—a flash of longing or hope perhaps—but it was gone almost as quickly as it appeared. He understood me. He didn't say that, but he understood me.

He then gave a small nod, accepting my decision without further argument.

"Alright," he said quietly, glancing down at his hands clasped loosely in front of him. "That sounds good."

I smiled, pleased with his acquiescence even as I noted the way his fingers trembled slightly. The reason for that was because he didn't know what to say next.

He was still nervous, but he was trying to be brave. It was admirable.

The seamstresses and hairdressers hurried to finish their work (there was still so much to be done than I had thought previously), clearly sensing the tension in the air between us. Within a few minutes, they had packed up their things and filed out of the room, leaving Anan and me alone at last.

Finally. The moment I most longed for was happening.

I took a second to study him as he stood there, looking small and vulnerable amidst the opulent surroundings. He really was beautiful, with his soft features and luminous eyes. But there was also a strength in him that I sensed just beneath the surface, a core of steel that would be interesting to uncover over time.

"I must confess, Anan," I said softly, taking another step closer until I could smell the light floral scent of his cologne. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. You intrigue me in a way I can't quite explain."

Anan's eyes widened at my words, and he swallowed hard before speaking. "You do?" His voice wavered slightly, betraying his nerves even as he tried to keep his tone steady.

I reached out to cup his chin with my hand, tilting his face up towards mine as I held his gaze captive. He never thought I would do that.

"Yes," I murmured, my thumb brushing lightly across his lower lip in a gesture that was both tender and possessive. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew there was something special about you."

He shuddered slightly under my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before opening again to meet mine with a newfound intensity. It made me feel a rush of power and desire that I had never quite experienced before.

"I... I don't know what to say," he whispered, his breath hitching as he leaned instinctively into my hand. "This is all so overwhelming."

I tilted his chin up further, my eyes boring into his as I held his gaze captive. "Anan," I murmured, my voice low and intimate despite the situation. "You don't need to be nervous. I won't bite... unless you want me to."

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