Page 128 of Vicious Vows

“I won’t apologize for that.”

“I’m not going to be a mafia bride, Marchello. I won’t be a duty or an obligation to you, and I won’t allow you to force me into an arrangement that isn’t sincere on your part.” Her voice cracked. “I can’t. I won’t. You mean too much to me.”

“I know that.” I turned her back to me. “Do you think that’s what I’m doing? Do you think that’s what I want?”

“I don’t know what you want. One second we’re having mind-blowing sex, and the next, you’re demanding I marry you so I’m not sold off in some terrifying auction.”

“Well, if it’s any comfort, I do believe that anyone who bought you would give you back in the first hour.”

“How dare you!”

“Shh…” I pressed my finger to her lips. “The reason I know that is because there is no one meant to be with you more than I am, and I didn’t give you back.”

“You wanted to,” she said.

“I do want to marry you to protect you. There is no safer name for you than mine, and I want to give it to you.” I took her face between my hands. “Not out of duty or obligation. We crossed that line long ago.”

“But you came up with this idea when you found out what Danny was planning.” She gazed into my eyes. “That isn’t how I want to start our future. I don’t want you to marry me because you think you have to.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

“Am I?”

“I only found out about Danny’s plan tonight.” I released her from my hold and went over to the dresser. I slowly opened the top drawer and took out the pale blue box, then I joined her by the window.

“What is that?”

“I’ve had this for a few days.” I held up the box. “I probably should have led with this before I demanded you marry me, but I got caught up in my rage and fears of what could happen to you if I’m not careful.”

“Is that…” She stared at the box. “You bought a…”

“Have I rendered you speechless?” I laughed. “If an engagement ring was all it took, I should have asked you this question a while ago.”

Popping open the jewelry box, I revealed the stunning princess cut diamond mounted on a platinum setting. The large diamond sat high, with several smaller diamonds surrounding it.

“Lissia, my one and only princess.” I dropped down in front of her and took her trembling hand in mine. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

“Um…” She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “If I say yes, you’ll be stuck with me for the rest of your life.”

“It’s not a bad problem to have.” I squeezed her hand. “Do you want to be stuck with me?”

“Yes.” She put her hand over her mouth. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

I plucked the ring from the box and slid it on her slender finger, admiring the way it fit.

“It’s perfect.” She held her hand in front of her face. “Amazing.”

“If it’s not what you would have chosen, we can get whatever you want.” I stood and wrapped my arms around her waist. “I want you to be happy.”

“The ring is gorgeous.” Her smile lit up her face. “I’ll always be happy with you.”

“I love you.”

I swept my lips across her mouth. When she draped her arms around my neck, the blanket she had been covered in dropped to our feet, leaving her in nothing but the sparkling ring that brought us one step closer to a powerful and undeniable future.

I glided my hands along her soft sides as I trailed my mouth down her neck to her throat. Guiding her against the wall, I leaned my hand against it as I locked my gaze with hers. Her quick breaths caused her chest to heave toward me.

“I love you,” she said.

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