Page 46 of Dark Desire

“You assume I would say yes. Though…” I quirked a brown as I sat up straighter in the seat. “You haven’t really asked.”

I watched as the others in the room cleared out, leaving us alone for the first time since getting out of jail. Vincenzo slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved a box. I thought he'd been joking when he said he planned to drive straight to a chapel. Easing off the couch, he slipped between my legs and kneeled in front of me. Vincenzo pulled my hand into his and rubbed the soft flesh beneath my thumb.

“Riley. I believe people are put in our path for a reason, and sometimes, defying all odds, it turns out to be the best thing to happen. You are that person to me. Everything says we shouldn’t be together. The path was turbulent from the start—both of us hiding secrets that could inevitably destroy us. But we led with our hearts and didn’t let it keep us apart. I shouldn’t have fallen in love with you. I should have guarded my heart better. The truth is, I worried my darkness would engulf you and taint your purity. Instead of clouding you in black, you lifted me up in light. You’ve changed me into the man I want to be. Without you, the air I breathe is poison. Will you take a chance on me? Will you give me your heart to protect and become my partner in life?”

He opened the box, revealing the sparkling gem inside. Vincenzo held my eyes as he slipped it onto my ring finger, waiting with bated breath for me to say something. The tears trickling down my cheeks had him paralyzed with fear. I could see the feeling of impending rejection. Glancing down at the band glittering on my finger, I cupped his cheek.

“Vincenzo.” I whispered as I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his. My arms wrapped around his neck as I dominated his mouth with mine. Breaking the kiss, I rested my forehead against his. “Yes. I’ll marry you. I can’t imagine life without you.”

He pulled me against my chest and buried his face into my neck.

"I love you, Tesoro."

I ran my palm down his back. "Vin."

"What is it, baby?" He leaned back, pressing kisses to the hand that now adorned his ring.

"Take me to bed."

Twenty-Seven

Vincenzo

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I squeezed Riley's hand as we stared at the doctor. He pressed the wand against her belly and watched the screen.

“Interesting.”

“What?” I leaned in, trying to make sense of the grainy images on the screen. “Is there something wrong?”

“No. It’s not that. Give me a moment.” He moved the ultrasound around, searching for something. “I thought so.” He turned the monitor towards Riley and I smiling.

“Congratulations, you’re having twins.”

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Riley glanced at me. I was frozen to the spot, my face surely ashen and gray.

“You’re having twins. Fraternal from the looks of it. See this?” His finger pointed to a blob on the monitor. “This is baby one’s amniotic sac, and there is baby two. And these,” he turned on the sound and a rapid thumping filled the room. It sounded like a pair of hooves moving in rhythm across the pavement. “Are their heartbeats. You are going to give birth to two healthy babies in bout 4 1/2 months. From the measurements, they are right on track and growing as they should.”

Twins.

“Riley.” I brushed my lips across her knuckles. “You've given me everything I don’t deserve. Doctor,” He looked up at him. “Can you tell what they are? I mean, their gender?”

“Yep. You’re having one of each.”

“A daughter and a son.” The tears trickled down my face like a parade of happiness. “Wow. I can’t believe this.”

“I’ll let you get dressed. I want to see you back in four weeks unless you have any issues.”

“Are there any limitations in what she can do?” I helped Riley to her feet, holding her steady as she slipped on her shoes.

“Not as of now. She is in healthy shape and her pregnancy shows that. Keep up the diet and exercise you currently do—only stop something if you experience pain. Otherwise, no restrictions.” He winked at me, causing Riley to blush.

“I can’t believe this. I didn’t expect to walk out of here today having two babies. Are you okay with things?”

“Of course. This is amazing, Riley. But there is one thing I want you to do for me.”

She turned to face me. “What’s that?”

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