Page 219 of Filthy Royal

“Damien!” Her fingers clutched his shirt as she steadied herself.

He just held her tighter. He refused to waste another moment.

The wounds inside him bled. But he pushed the pain and dark thoughts aside.

This moment was not for grieving. Or regrets. Or even for anger, though fuck knows that pulsed within him even now, his rage over the unfairness of it all almost as vast and bleak as the pain he knew was coming. But it wasn’t here yet…

Which was why this was a time for living.

And one he intended to enjoy. With his female by his side. Giving her all he could. All she deserved, and more.

He reached the viewing room at the back of his shuttle: a cozy room usually used for staring into space during flights. Now, however, it had a new function.

“Here we are.” He smacked the panel with his elbow and waited for the door to slide open, then ducked through the doorway, carrying Scarlett over the threshold.

Her delighted gasp echoed through the room. “It’s gorgeous.”

Satisfaction swept through him. He and his brothers had worked hard but fast.

The viewing room was cylindrical with tall, curved, transparent crystal on three sides and a matching ceiling, offering panoramic views of the golden shimmering desert beyond.

But he and his brothers had made it even better.

His favorite part was the central aisle they’d put together. A walkway that, thanks to Maxheim’s ingenuity, was lined with floating holographic crystal flowers swaying in a nonexistent breeze. All the blossoms colored in the stunning, sensual hues that were Scarlett: carnal reds, creative purples, tranquil blues, playful yellows, elegant golds, and even bold, fearless black. Each and every flower was a reflection of her. Each and every one of them beautiful and precious and worthy of worship for however long they existed in this galaxy.Always and forever.

Just as special, the aisle led to a slightly elevated circular platform with an arch of flickering golden crystals that glowed with almost as much light as the female he loved.

His brothers, minus Alexi, waited there now, crowded together in a semicircle. All dressed, like him, in their leathers, each steady and strong and ready to stand by his and Scarlett’s side whatever came their way.

Next to them, equally as important, were Luc and Kadon—Scarlett’s family, and now his as well.Forever and always. Again, no matter what any of them faced in the future.

Only one thing was missing.

“Anya, need you up there.” Damien jutted his chin toward the platform. “And take the omegas and Alexi with you. This wouldn’t be the same without them here too.”

Thankfully, for once, Anya did as he asked without argument.

Leaving him alone with a trembling, wide-eyed Scarlett in his arms.

“What is this? What have you done?” From the wonder in her voice, he got the sense that, despite not being sure what this was, she loved it anyway. “Is this for us? It’s… incredible.” Her awed gaze bounced from one item of decor to the next. “Like a dream.”

He set her on her feet but turned her straight into his arms when he was done. “You are my dream, Scarlett.”

She sucked in a soft, sweet breath.

Damien shifted again, turning so they stood side by side, and held out his hand. “You ready to begin again… again?”

Her breath hitched.

“Yes.” Scarlett grabbed his hand, her beautiful eyes glassy in a way he suspected matched his own. “I’m not sure what this is, but as long as it involves being with you, I’m in.”

If they were back on Abzal, he’d have supplied her with the softest, most elegant, gorgeous dress he could find, handpicked the best food from across the galaxy, and had her tell him everything she loved most so he could have had it there for her. He’d have spared no expense and loved having the chance to spoil her as she deserved. He still intended to do that.

But it all seemed so trivial and meaningless compared to simply being here with his family and with her. Stealing one moment out of time.

Breathing her in, holding her close, her skin pressed to his, her fingers threaded tight through his as he absorbed every scent, every breath, every sound. Imprinting. Memorizing.

So it would stay with him. Soshewould stay with him.Always and forever.

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