Page 81 of Twisted Embrace

She shook her head as if trying to rid herself of the sadness. “Ovarian cancer and an unplanned surgery. Afterward, the surgeon told my mother the chances of me having a child were very slim.”

Exhaling, I moved behind her, pulling her into my arms. “Here’s the truth, Ms. Joy Levin. I don’t need to procreate to feel worth in either myself or in the woman I love.”

“What about the deal we made?”

I eased her around to face me. “Did you hear what I said, my precious jewel? I love you. If what you described is really love, then there is no doubt about the way I feel. I would wrestle alligators for you.”

“Oh, you would?”

A single tear slipped past her lashes. I swiped my finger through it. “Yes. Bengal tigers too. I’ll even throw in wolves.”

“My. My. You are the most powerful beast in the kingdom.”

“Joy. Marry me. I will slay every dragon to keep you safe. I will die to do so. I can’t promise I’ll be everything you need, but I will try. All I need is you by my side.”

She leaned into my hand, taking a deep breath. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

I removed the glass from her hand, placing the crystal stem on the table. Then I opened the box, allowing her to see the ring.

The slight squeal of approval sent a wave of desire roaring through me. “It’s beautiful.”

“If you don’t like it, you select anything you want.”

“No, Enzo. This is perfect.” As soon as I slipped it on her finger, she wrapped her arms around my neck. There was a quietness between us that I hadn’t anticipated, as if we were both experiencing the weight of a decision that had taken days instead of months or years. I’d made a promise to her that I intended on keeping.

I would die if necessary in order to keep her safe.

As she pulled away, I captured her mouth, the feel of having her in my arms entirely different. I wouldn’t just lay down my life for her. I would eradicate everything and everyone who stood in the way of our happiness.

She was indeed the most precious jewel in my life.

CHAPTER 23

Joy

“Stay here, baby.”

Enzo’s soft voice awakened me from a beautiful slumber. I reached out, brushing my hand across his arm. When he kissed my cheek, a tiny shiver coursed through me. Seconds later, I felt the weight of the bed change and rolled over, dragging the sheets around my naked body. I watched in silence as he grabbed his pants, tugging them on. Shirtless and with his hair disheveled, he was absolutely the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen.

“Where are you going?” I asked in a seductive tone.

He threw me a heated look and I lowered the sheet, exposing my breasts in a blatant invitation. “A text from D’Artagnan. He needs to see me.”

“Please tell me nothing is wrong with Lucia.”

“Nothing like that. Just business. Stay here. I’ll be back.”

He grabbed his shirt, sliding into the sleeves. In the two days that had passed since becoming formally engaged, we’d shared the kind of passion I thought never existed. He’d let his guard down, laughing several times. Even though the entire dire situation remained hanging over our heads, he’d been attentive, allowing me to see additional sides of him. Lucia had been shocked, easing up on her condemnation of her brother.

“You better be.”

His growl was deep and sensual, a reminder of the night we’d shared. I glanced at the flowers in the vase on the nightstand, drinking in their fragrant essence. Just the fact he’d brought me a beautiful bouquet didn’t seem like him at all.

“I can see you need another reminder of who’s in charge.”

“Very funny.”

Laughing, he threw on his shoes and walked out, but not before glancing back at me one more time. I eased onto the pillows, taking several deep breaths. My body still ached from the intensity of our lovemaking.

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