Page 100 of King

For the first time in a very long time - I’m happy. I’ve let go of the weight I was carrying on my shoulders.

I don’t question everything or feel like I have to stalk every move she makes. At night we lie together in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms and savor each moment. I enjoy her body, her lips against mine, her love.

I no longer look at her with doubt or fear or anger.

She loves me - and I love her and that is all that matters.

The estate is still on high alert, because we still don’t know who attacked. But I’ve come to the decision that until we have solid information pointing to an inside job - I have to assume that the enemy is only planting seeds of doubt to try to destroy me from within - and I am the one who controls whether or not I let that happen.

I can’t let it happen.

I can’t let some unknown force push between me and the woman I love.

She deserves a king who supports her and defends her.

She deserves me.

I take my seat at the head of the table and reach my hand over to take Zina’s. She smiles at me, her face lighting with radiance.

“You look gorgeous.” I say.

She leans over and kisses me.

Santino turns away, shaking his head.

“How’s your arm, Romeo?” I ask, picking up my fork.

“It didn’t fall off.” He snaps sarcastically.

“So, Zina did a good job with the stitches?” I push, trying to force some kind of grateful attitude into me.

“It doesn’t make up for the rest of the shit she did.” He mutters under his breath.

I clench my jaw and Zina reaches under the table to touch my leg.

She shakes her head, ever so slightly, asking me to ignore his snide remarks.

She is incredible.

The patience she has shown through everything - from the moment she arrived here - with me treating her like some dark secret I never wanted to reveal - to the patience she showed towards my sons, despite their open hatred of her - I am in awe of her.

And now again, her patience shines through.

She is stronger than I am.

Late at night she’s snuggled against me and I brush my fingers through her dark hair. “My love, tomorrow night I have some special planned.”

She rolls over and props herself up on her elbows to look at me. The curious smile on her lips is beautiful. “What it is?” She grins.

“It’s a surprise. But if you look on the back of the bedroom door, you’ll find something—” before I can finish talking she’s already wiggling out of bed and running to the door.

She squeals in delight when she unzips the protective bag around the dress and the gorgeous dark blue fabric floats to the floor.

“It’s beautiful.” She gasps, unhooking it and holding it against her naked body.

She spins slowly and I watch her, completely obsessed with everything about her.

She hooks the dress on the door again and climbs back into bed, snuggling against my side. “Are you taking me somewhere?” She whispers.

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