Page 134 of Brutal King

I stand too, refusing to back down. “You’re right, I should hate you. You held me against my will, seduced me. You used me.”

He fists his hands and clenches his jaw. “Yes, I did.

“And you destroyed your world to save mine.” I reach for his hand and lace my fingers with his. “So I’m left with only one choice. The only one I ever had.”

His gaze lifts to mine. “What’s that?”

“I’m going to keep you, Gideon.” I lean into him. “Forever.”

EPILOGUE

CARINA

Something borrowed, something blue. If you forgive me, I’ll forgive you.

“Fifteen-minute warning, everyone! If you’re not downstairs at exactly five o’clock, you’re not going.” I twist to watch Selena, the same wedding planner that helped me get ready the day I married Luca, rush past me, clipboard in hand. “Come on, people. This is not a drill. Let’s go!”

“Jeez. Was she like this with you?” Emily hurriedly collects her things from a nearby chair—a tiny clutch that can only hold a lipstick, her cell phone, and her bouquet.

“Honestly, I don’t remember. The whole thing is a blur.” It’s the sad truth.

My marriage to Luca wasn’t the joyful occasion it should have been. Back then, I thought of him as the beast forcing me to marry him. My heart was beating so hard, the rush of blood to my head made me dizzy. Everything seemed so distant. LikeI was a spectator at my own execution. The end of my life. My freedom gone.

If only I’d known how much I would come to love him. That he would become my entire reason for breathing.

But I wouldn’t change a thing.

I pause at Sofia’s doorway. She’s standing in front of a long mirror, staring at herself. Dressed in a pearl tulle maternity bridal gown, with long, off the shoulder puffy sleeves, her long dark hair cascading down her back in loose waves, she’s an absolute vision.

It’s been months since the night at Kingsbrook Manor. Months since Stephen Black’s terror was finally brought to an end. In that time, we’ve all finally begun to recover.

Sofia and Gideon have spent much of that time healing. Though she insisted that she hadn’t been affected by his actions,hewas. In fact, his issues ran so deep he was sent to a rehab center for two weeks.

Luca took advantage of the time and spent most of it with Sofia. They fought a lot, mostly over his need to overprotect her in spite of everything that’s happened. I’m not sure he’ll ever stop. It’s in his blood.

She finally gave up and realized she’s just going to have to accept his love language.

Once Gideon returned, they began construction on a new house closer to Briar House. Although the relationship between Luca and Gideon is tense at best, for Sofia’s sake, they are trying.

That, and I think Gideon is growing on Luca. Though he’s a pain in the ass, he’s also funny, witty, smart. But the biggest reason is that he’s completely and utterly devoted to Sofia.

Through the reflection in the mirror, she spots me and smiles. “How do I look?”

I go to stand beside her and have to stifle a sob. “Breathtaking.”

She laughs, then grimaces and hugs her huge belly. “I don’t feel breathtaking. Although I can hardly breathe, if that counts. But, I’m happy anyway.”

“Is my niece giving you a hard time today?”

“Always.” She glances around the room before leaning in and whispering conspiratorially. “I made a wish when I found out about the pregnancy.”

“What?”

“That she would absolutely terrorize Gideon.” She laughs again. “I think she’s anxious to get started.”

I wrinkle my nose and giggle. “I hope she gives him hell.”

“Ladies.” Selena comes in. “It’s time.”

---