Page 81 of Guarding Zuri
She nodded. If she had known her father would die that day, she would’ve spent every second with him. Asked him every question that remained unanswered now. “I’m sorry about your father, Daemon. Of course you had to be with him.”
“Thank you. Look, I didn’t want to be a distraction.” His shoulders dropped. “If not telling you was the wrong decision, then I’m so, so, sorry. I’ll understand if you want nothing to do with me.”
She slipped her arms around his waist. “You’re alive. I think I can forgive you.”
His brows rose and a look of relief crossed his features. “Good, because I’m here in an official capacity, in case you wanted me dead—for real. Knight Industries heard Bendola was looking to contract out mining operations. I’m here to present our proposals. You’ll find it’ll be ethical and generous, especially to the Bendolan workers. If Bendola hasn’t chosen a company, I’d appreciate it if your government would consider our offer.”
“You’re the CEO of Knight Industries.” She scanned his face, looking for signs of regret. “How are you handling it?”
“After taking two bullets for you, I think I’m good at sitting behind a desk for a while.”
“Daemon!”Twobullets? Her hands felt his chest, looking for wounds she couldn’t see through his clothes. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
He chuckled and leaned into her hands. “If I tell you I’m not, will you keep feeling me up?”
She grinned and then boldly kissed him on the mouth. “I don’t need a reason,” she whispered against his mouth. “I’ve never wanted to touch anything so much.”
He growled and took her lips more aggressively, lifting her into his arms. He carried her over to the couch where he sat down and positioned her firm in his lap. She saw a slight wince and became alarmed. “What is it? You’re hurting.”
“Never mind, Princess. Kiss me.”
He leaned forward, but she evaded his attempts. “No! Daemon, if you are still in pain—”
“I was shot in the chest and the thigh.” He patted his left leg. “My leg is fine, but my chest is still giving me some issues. Overdid my workout yesterday. I’m good, Zuri. Don’t worry.”
“Of course I’m going to worry.” Her eyes moistened. “How can I not worry when you nearly died protecting me?”
“Watching my father die and knowing you were across an ocean, believing that I was dead… Zuri, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I didn’t want to lose my father, but I also couldn’t wait to return to you.”
Her heart took flight at the look of love in his entire face.
His gaze landed on her lips. “After all, I’ve been through, you’re going to make me work for this, aren’t you?”
She pressed her lips to his. Thinking her weight might be too much for him, she tried wiggling off his leg, but he held her in place. “Stop moving. It’s better if you just stay still.”
“I’ll try.”
“Nothing is going to keep me from the woman I love.” He cradled her face in his hands. “I love you, Zuri Msongo. And I want to be with you. Here, in America, wherever. Tell me I haven’t come all this way for nothing.”
Zuri smiled, relishing the small show of fear in his eyes. The arrogant, know-it-all Daemon was at her mercy, and she was in control. If she didn’t love him so much, she’d take the chance to toy with him before giving in. How could she not?
She placed her lips against his, kissing him gently, still fearful of hurting him. Again, she thought about slipping off his lap, but his hands went right back to her hips, holding her steady. If he could handle it, she was happy right where she was. “I love you too, Daemon Knight. No more working for me. I’m yours.”
His eyes locked with hers. “Marry me?” he whispered.
Her heart stopped. “You just want to be the First Husband.”
Daemon laughed. “Whatever you want, Princess. As long as I’m with you.”
She nodded and kissed him again. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I’m still in need of a personal bodyguard at all times.”
“Hmm.” His grin was wicked. “All times? You don’t feel safe enough in the palace?”
“I do. During the day.” Her lips pressed against his. “But not so much at night.”
He pulled her closer. “Then I’ll start immediately.”
EPILOGUE
