Page 45 of Merciless Desires

“Because I want you with me, but I will give you a choice.”

“What is it?”

“Do you want to be mine?”

“I know who I’m destined to be with. I’ve known for years, Gio. You are my heart and soul.”

“That’s all I wanted to hear.” I tugged her to me and kissed her lips, pushing her against the wall. “As soon as you stepped off that plane and into my view, I knew I had to have you.”

“Now that I understand why you’ve been pushing me away, I’m relieved.” She rubbed her hand along my stomach and chest.

“You are?”

“I’m not happy, but it’s not because you don’t want me.”

“It was never that.” I kissed her neck. “I want you.”

“It’s your loyalty to my father that stopped you. “ She gripped my sides. “That should be rewarded.”

“What you're suggesting could get me killed.” I pushed the straps of her dress down her shoulders as I kissed her throat. “But I don’t care. You’re worth it. If making love to you is the last thing I do on this earth, I’ll die happy.”

“No one is dying, and I’m not going to let anyone dictate who I can and can’t be with.”

“You’re very brave.”

“I want to stay loyal to my father too, but I will not be with another man. I won’t be sold off to a stranger.”

“I won’t let that happen.” I lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. “I promise.”

“I know how we can guarantee that I don’t have to marry him.”

“How?” I placed her on the center of the bed and climbed in next to her.

“If you take away the most important detail of the contract, what good would I be in an arranged marriage deal?”

She was right. No man who entered into an arrangement to take a wife for power and control, would want what another man had touched. I rolled on top of her. “Tell me what you’re saying so I know you understand.”

“I’m saying you should make love to me.” She wrapped her legs around my waist. “What man who accepts a deal to get his wife would want a bride who isn’t pure?”

“If we do this, it makes you mine. It seals our fate. It sets off consequences that we won’t be able to stop. The consequences could be catastrophic.”

“You are my fate.” She tightened her hold on my hips with her legs, pushing me a little closer to insanity.

“I’ll be betraying your father.”

“He’s betraying me.” She took my hand and slid it under her dress. “Let’s not mention him any more tonight.”

“I can do that.” I pushed her onto the bed and settled in next to her. “I want you.”

“I’m yours.” She turned her head and kissed me. “Right now.”

“Always.” I moved my hand up her skirt as we kissed, pausing when I reached her bare skin. “Cin?”

“Hmm…” she hummed against my lips.

“Where are your panties?”

“I took them off before I came in here.”

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