Page 184 of Cruel Devotion

The intensity of our connection was intoxicating, like a fine wine swirling in our veins, igniting a fire that threatened to consume us both.

In that moment, I saw everything and nothing at once.

Her hand trembled in mine.

We had bared our souls, exposing the raw edges of our desires, and now the moment hung suspended in time.

I leaned closer to her. “I want nothing more than to love you with every fiber of my being.”

Her breath hitched.

“I know this is fast and my father put it together and. . .I even had you in handcuffs at one point. . .”

She grinned.

“But I can't deny any more what's going on in my heart.”

She let out a long breath. “I've never felt this way before, Lei. It scares me, but it also excites me.”

“That's how I feel.”

“Good. Then, I'm not by myself.”

“Not at all.”

The candlelight flickered, and the food was forgotten.

“Then, it's settled.” I shrugged. “We will get married tomorrow.”

She took her hand from me. “What?!”

“I'm just joking.” I laughed.

She scowled. “That's not funny. You looked absolutely serious.”

“Probably, because. . .I would marry you tomorrow if I could.”

“I can't with you right now.”

“I would but I wouldn't want to make you a widow after a few days.”

She blinked. “Don't say that.”

“It's a small possibility, Moni. I just wanted to make that clear.”

She put her hand back on mine. “You will win against your father.Hewants you to win.”

“But he won't make it easier either. I should be training, but I can't. . .I just want to be with you.”

“That's your advantage over him.”

I raised my brows. “What do you mean?”

“Your father is ready to die, while you are ready to live, ready to love, ready to even. . .start a family.” She touched her chest. “I'm not a fighter but that has to hit different on the battlefield.”

I smiled. “It would.”

The next server came in, pushing a cart to our table. A platter with a large duck lay on top. Its skin was roasted to a perfect, glossy crispness.

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