Page 276 of Inferno

As we descend deeper into Decadence, through the familiar thumb coded door, Declan stops and laughs.

“I still can’t believe you cut one of my men’s thumbs off.”

My eyes go wide in horror. I kinda forgot about that one.

“I need to apologize for that, a bit awkward otherwise.”

Declan shakes his head and taps my ass, walking me through.

“I paid him off, he’s pretty useless to me now.”

We keep walking on the purple marble tiles, my heels clicking against them until we reach the final room.

“What happened to the other girls? Where did they end up?” I ask before we go in.

“They all work for Enzo in some capacity. They’re all safe and well and busy working. Depending on what their background and skill was, he has businesses in most industries across the globe at this point. We ensure they’re safe from their families now. New lives, fresh starts.”

“Even Tara?” I frown, I doubt she took any of this well.

“She was harder. Finn dealt with her family first to avoid her running back there,” he says matter-of-factly, and I pause.

“Dealt with?” I question.

“Yes. That’s Finn’s role. The kind of scum that enters women into these games deserves to die. So that is exactly what happens.”

“I like that.”

“Good.” He pulls me in and kisses me.

“That is why you are perfect,” he mutters.

He opens up the door and that huge chocolate fountain is flowing, except this time, the room is smothered with purple and black roses, just like my bouquet.

“Are you ready to play for your golden ticket?” Declan’s deep Irish accent sends pulses to my pussy.

“I am,” I reply, taking a step inside the room.

“Do I get the million dollars? Or something else?” I bite back a grin.

The first thing I find is our contract pinned up on the wall amongst the flowers. Next to it, a shining golden ticket to Decadence.

“There are new terms and conditions for this game. Your first instruction is to retrieve the contract.”

I walk over and snatch it from the wall. I spin round to face him and find him on one knee, a ring box in his hand and a smile on his handsome face.

“Declan…” I gasp.

“Rip that piece of paper up. I don’t want you as my property. I need you as my wife.”

In one swift move, I tear down the middle of the paper and throw it on the floor, and it lands right next to the Decadence Milkshake beside him.

“No games. No rules. I just want forever with you, heartbreaker. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife? Marry me, Charlotte.”

My heart almost stops.

Vlad was never my husband. On paper, yes. In every other way? No.

This man down on one knee, this is my future.

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