Page 74 of His Ruthless Obsession

"Let me finish, little dove." He opens the box, revealing a stunning oval diamond set in platinum, smaller diamonds cascading down the band like falling stars. "I've never said these words before, to anyone. But I love you, Jasmine Holliday. Your strength, your fire, the way you care for everyone around you 00 even when they don't deserve it. Especially me."

Tears blur my vision as his free hand takes mine. The city lights sparkle behind him, but all I can focus on is the intensity in his gaze.

"I want to give you everything — my name, my protection, my heart. Will you marry me?"

I never thought I would want to get married. Never thought I’d want to be tied to someone else after Leo – who still haunts me long after his death. But Nerio has shown me that I have nothing to fear in him, except a life without him in it.

"Yes." The word tumbles out before he's even finished speaking. "Yes, you impossible man."

His hands shake slightly as he slides the ring onto my finger - the first time I've ever seen him anything less than perfectly controlled. Then he's standing, pulling me into a kiss that feels like coming home.

"I love you too," I whisper against his lips. "Even when you drive me crazy."

He laughs, pressing his forehead to mine. "That's what makes it interesting."

30

JAZZ

Icup Jazz's face, pulling her into a fierce kiss. Her mouth opens for me, inviting, and I dive in, my tongue exploring, claiming. She moans, clutching my shirt, pulling me closer. I walk her backwards, pressing her against the half-glass wall of the terrace. The city lights glint behind her, but all I see is her.

"You're mine now, little dove," I growl against her lips. "All fucking mine."

Her breath hitches, but her eyes flash with that defiance I love. "And you're mine, Nerio. Don't forget that."

I grin, nipping at her bottom lip. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Jazz."

My hands slide down her body, feeling every curve. She arches into my touch, gasping when I grip her hips, grinding against her. I want her to feel what she does to me, how much I need her.

"Nerio..." she breathes, her voice heavy with desire.

I kiss her again, deeper, hungrier. My hands slip under her shirt, her skin soft and warm. She shivers at my touch, her nails digging into my shoulders. I can't wait to get inside her, to feelher heat wrapped around me. She's my fucking fiancée now, and I want to mark her, claim her, make her scream my name.

I scoop Jazz off her feet, her tight skirt riding up her thighs as she locks her legs around my waist. She starts to grind against me, her heat driving me crazy.

But when I pull her blouse off, she jerks back, hissing, "Nerio, anyone can see us."

I grin, my voice a low rumble. "Let them. I want the whole fucking city to know you're mine."

She gasps as I rip her bra away, my mouth finding her nipple, sucking hard until she's writhing in my arms, her breath coming in sharp, desperate pants. "Nerio...oh God..."

I switch to the other nipple, giving it the same treatment, drawing out a low moan from deep within her. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer, her hips moving in sync with mine.

Setting her on her feet, I step back, my eyes raking over her body. "Get rid of the skirt." My voice is commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Her eyes dart to the street below, but she obeys, her fingers finding the zipper, slowly pulling it down. The skirt drops to the floor, leaving her in nothing but a lace thong.

I drop my jacket, unbuttoning my shirt as I watch her. Her eyes follow my every move, her breath still coming in quick gasps. I can see the pulse at her throat, feel her anticipation.

"All of it," I say, nodding towards the thong.

She hooks her thumbs into the waistband, slowly sliding it down her legs. When she straightens, she's completely bare, her body on full display.

I finish unbuttoning my shirt, letting it fall to the floor. Her eyes widen as she takes in my chest, my abs, the trail of dark hair leading down into my pants. I undo my belt, the sound of the buckle sharp in the tension between us.

"Come here," I say, my voice a low growl.

Jazz moves towards me, her eyes never leaving mine. She sinks to her knees, the city lights reflecting off her skin.

---