Page 180 of A Second Dawn

Her expression screams ‘Duh’. It’s so Ella… my heart swells bigger with all the love I hold for this woman.

“While the baby is inside me, it doesn’t make much of a difference who was targeted. I’m actually surprised they didn’t try to kill me. That would have taken care of a few things. It wouldn’t just kill your heir, but also the immediate possibility for another one. Plus, it would almost be better than killing you because it would eternally wound you. It’s obvious to the world how you feel about me.”

The thought of someone laying a finger on her makes me see red. Murderous anger boils up in an instant. I’ll destroy anyone who tries to harm her. Whoever switched the IVs today is living on borrowed time.

“I would burn down the entire world if something happened to you.” I mean every word.

But this conversation is now a long way from where I want it to go.

I take Ella’s right hand in mine. At that simple touch, the jolt of electricity I’ve come accustomed to surges through me. It erases the anger, centering me in this moment.

All I need is right here in front of me.

“Angel, I love you with all that I am and all that I have. I knew from the moment our eyes connected, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re it for me. I’ve wanted to marry you from the first day we met. In fact, I had these exact thoughts in that small room in the café in Taormina after you left.”

Her eyes go wide with disbelief.

“It’s the truth. That’s how certain I was that you were my ‘One’. And before you ask, I’ve never contemplated marrying anyone else before.

“So this isn’t a rash decision, nor is it a spirit of the moment proposal. It’s been a long time coming.

“Today’s events have only highlighted what I’ve known all along. I don’t just want you to be my wife. It’s not a mere feeble wish. It’s a necessity. I need you to be my wife. I want to be bound to you and only you for as long as we both shall live.

“This ring has been in my pocket every day since we left Sicily, because I wanted to be ready when I had the perfect moment to propose. You might think that was pointless after you ran and we were separated, but holding it in my hand reminded me every day of the only important thing in my life. You.

“There isn’t a better moment than now. It has you and it has me in it… and that’s all we ever need.

“I want to grow old with you, raise our children together, make many more of them,” I wink and my favorite blush spreads across her cheeks. “So I ask you again, Ella. Will you marry me?”

I stare at her, willing her to give me the answer I yearn for more than anything else in this world.

Realization hits me. I’m nothing without this woman.

My stomach goes into freefall as I wait for her answer. Time stretches as seconds feel like hours. I’ve bared my soul, and now I’m suspended in this agonizing limbo.

Her eyes go from me to the ring and back. But why isn’t she saying anything?

Chapter Fifty

Gualtiero

Ella’seyesconnectwithmine again.

I see the love in her eyes, but it’s not enough to save me from drowning, only her ‘yes’ can do that.

It feels like I’ve been cast to the wind. Why isn’t she giving me the answer I’m craving?

Ella sinks to her knees, taking my face into her hands. It’s awkward with her plastered arm, but she’s determined. I nuzzle against her good hand, staring into her beautiful blue eyes.

“Tiero, I love you more than life itself.”

Fuck! There’s abutcoming. I can sense it.

“It’s Burg, isn’t it?” I’ve never been insecure in my life. Why am I starting with this shit now?

“No, it’s not Aiden. You are the only man I can see myself marrying—”

“Yes!”

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