Page 71 of King

“Hey, gorgeous.” He says with a smile. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“Hey, you.” I step into his arms and press myself against his solid chest.

My heart feels heavy with the secret. Taking a breath I step back to look at him, his gaze is warm as he looks down at me, his eyes so blue they make my thoughts drift away for a moment.

He smiles and takes my hand.

“Zina.” He says, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. “I want you to stay.”

“I want to stay?—”

“No, listen to me.” He grins.

To my absolute shock he drops down to one knee, opening his hand I see he’s holding the most beautiful ring. “I want you to stay with me, but properly. To be together. You and me. You have to belong to me - and be fully mine.”

I stare in surprise, unable to say a word.

“Marry me.” He says. His voice full of authority.

I stammer, hesitating, even though I know exactly what my answer is. My heart thunders in my chest, wanting to beat right through my rib cage.

“Yes.” I blurt out when I manage to pull myself together. “Yes. I will marry you.” I squeal in excitement.

He stands up, wrapping his arms around me as he does, and lifting me off my feet, he spins me in a circle, laughing loudly.

“I’m so fucking in love with you.” He shouts.

Laughter spills from my lips and he kisses me passionately, not stopping until I can’t hold back the smile anymore.

He drops me slowly to my feet, letting my body brush over his.

Then he takes my hand and gently, with the most beautiful expression on his face, he slips the ring onto my finger.

My heart somersaults and dances wildly.

I am going to be his wife.

Nothing else matters in this moment except that.

The years I’ve spent waiting for him - everything finally came to this moment.

* * *

Tonight is not the night to discuss secrets after all. I don’t want to ruin this moment with more drama and more stress. I will tell him what I know soon - but it won’t be tonight.

Giovanni raises his brows, slipping his arm around me again.

“I want to do some vile things to you.” He says darkly.

I bite my lip. “But - I’m going to be your wife - a lady of honor and respect and?—”

He lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder. I giggle and kick, trying to escape his hands as they drift up my legs, between my thighs.

“You’re right. You’re going to be my wife. And that means I have the right to do anything I desire.”

“I don’t think that’s what it means—” I squeal as he throws me onto the bed.

I watch him tugging his belt from his pants as desire heats my body.

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