Page 88 of The Veiling

My gaze widened. “You’re giving us the Hamptons house?”

He nodded. “We will have everything out by—”

“You can’t give us that house,” I murmured. “That house is all of ours. It would feel weird taking it.”

“You’ve always been so difficult about accepting gifts.”

“Because you guys gave me everything I wanted when I wanted it,” I laughed.

“The home is yours. We will be turning it over to you after the first of the year.”

“Wow.” I sighed, resting my palm on my father’s shoulder. “I don’t know what to say other than thank you.”

“Just promise me this is it for you and you’re actually going to stay married and be happy.”

“I promise.”

“And what about your life of crime?”

“I’ll never stop that, but I’m much different about how I do business now.”

“That’s good enough for me!” He jerked his head back toward the dining room. “We should get back to the family.”

After returning to my parents’ house, soon to beourhouse, I pulled Isabelle against me once we were alone in the bedroom. She slipped her heels off, then buried her face into my chest. We stood in each other’s arms, silent for a few moments before she spoke.

“Tonight was great. I love how amazing the family is. The memories I have before Felipe…did what he did and took me away, were nice, but I was so young. The memories are faint. I’ve loved how accepting your family has been.”

I held her arms, gently peeling her away from me so I could gaze into her eyes. “Bella, they’re your family now, too. Please get used to it. I have to admit, though, I was shocked at how quickly my mother accepted you. She’s sweet, but she’s suspicious of everyone until she gets to know them. She can be a bit high maintenance, but she loves you.” I pressed my lips to hers. “But never as much as I love you.”

She crashed her lips into mine. I walked her backward to the bed. She fell back, spreading her legs for me. “I want you.”

Hungry for her, I gazed down at her body, wanting nothing more than to devour her all night. However, we had discussed a few rules we set in place.No sex the night before the wedding.Which was stupid. That was her request, not mine. But I was going to make us both follow it.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

I groaned, taming my semi-hard cock as best as I could. Then Isabelle stood. She placed her hands on her hips, trying to look as nonchalant as she could muster.

I crossed my arms. “Come in.”

Tanya stuck her head in the room, shielding her eyes. “Are you guys decent?”

“Do you really think I’d saycome inotherwise?” I scoffed.

“Good point.” She glided over to Isabelle, hooking her arm in hers. “I’ve come to steal your woman for the night.”

“The whole night?”

“Sorryyy,” Isabelle whined, reaching out for my hand.

“Why are you stealing her for the night?”

“It’s bad luck for the bride and groom to spend the night together the night before the wedding.”

“I’m calling bullshit.”

“I thought you might,” Tanya joked, “but it’s true.” She tugged Isabelle toward the door. “Don’t worry. Tomorrow she’ll be all yours.”

Isabelle twisted out of Tanya’s grip and sped over to me, draping her arms over my shoulders. I held her hips, kissing her one last time before she disappeared for the night.

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