CHAPTER THIRTEEN #3
The way my heart hammers against my chest makes me lightheaded. It’s good that I’m lying down, safe in his arms. And it doesn’t escape me that I do feel safe, maybe for the first time since my parents died. Maybe in forever.
“I don’t think I’m strong enough to love someone who doesn’t love me.” Again, words I don’t intend to say slip from my lips.
He chuckles, a dark, almost depraved sound. “Sweet one, I’m half in love with you already.”
“You are?” I startle, rotating my upper portion to look at his face, but he makes sounds to settle me back. His hand grips me closer, so close, I can feel the length of him hard against my back.
“Maybe more than half. I was attracted to Karu’s looks, which you share, but not her personality. But you—you’re strong, brave, resilient, capable, and most of all, best of all, kind. How could I not hold tender feelings for you already?”
“And you think all those nice words describe me? You’ve read my journal. You know what I did to be secure.”
Again, he shrugs. “You sought Mary’s protection against the world.
Karu sought Gil’s. But she didn’t value him as you do your friend.
I read your words, after all. Plus, you were willing to sacrifice your place in this world rather than savage Mary’s reputation by returning once you thought yourself ruined by me. ”
“And look what happened. Sir Gilead…”
“Will leave the country. Immediately. If he dares talk, I will silence his wandering tongue forever. I instructed Mary to pass along the information when she ousted him from her home.”
A small little laugh escapes me. Mary isn’t often pushed to do what another intends. And yet, I’ve no doubt Alad twisted her easily to his plans.
He settles me in closer, his paw hot against my belly.
“You wrote in your journal about your guilt in returning to Mary after selling your virginity. ‘I feel I am making mockery of her friendship when she is the best person I have ever met, but if I tell her what has occurred, I shall place her in an untenable position. And so I must lie, but I swear upon any shred of honor I still hold to always put her needs before my own.’”
Hearing my own words parroted back, I feel unworthy of my sentiments.
“And have you done so?” he demands. “Put her needs first?”
“I think so. I’ve tried, anyway, though sometimes I fail, like when I forced her to find me in the closed section of the museum because I heard Sir Gilead’s discovery of a monster was to be unveiled.” A snort of laughter escapes me before I add, “I owe Mary everything.”
“Not everything, but loyalty, yes. It’s what we owe those we love.” He pauses before flipping me towards him. Holding my gaze with his, he demands, “Is there a possibility you could ever grow to love me?”
The naked question startles me, but the answer is so simple, it’s a wonder that it takes me by surprise.
I lift my hand to cup his cheek. Sharp bones smooth against my fingers.
A hint of stubble pricks. “I think I’m half in love with you already.
” I parrot his words, but who wouldn’t fall in love with him?
He’s noble and kind, and he makes me feel so safe. And heated.
I mustn’t forget heated.
A light illuminates his golden eyes before dimming. “And for the rest of it. The physical mating a union between us would encompass? I could attempt to maintain my human form…”
“I want this form.”
“…but doing so is impossible upon release. Perhaps you could close your eyes and… what?”
I can’t help the gurgle of laughter that trickles from my throat. “I prefer this form. It reminds me of your magick. It makes you something other than…” My humor suddenly dies. I swallow, hard, before continuing. “Being like this makes you something other than a man who’d trade gold for brutality.”
“My sweet one.” His paws caress my face, brushing back my falling coiffure, leaving strands out of order.
“I will make you forget that kunga ever took anything from you. I will exalt you above all others. I will worship you.” His voice is so sincere, so certain, I believe him.
He clears his throat, a rough grumble of sound.
“Charlotte Butters, will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears spring to my eyes. Again—but how could they not, in this single, most magical point of my existence? “Yes,” I whisper my agreement before laughing again. “Yes! Alad, yes, it would be my honor!” I squeal as I jump closer to him, rubbing my front against his as I do so.
“Sweet one—truly?” He laughs, too, a low, sexy rumble that hits me exactly where it shouldn’t. Or where it should.
“Yes, and maybe, if it isn’t too much trouble, we could anticipate the vows?”
“Miss Butters!” He pretends shock, but his smile is too wide. His paw cups me under my bustle, squeezing my buttocks. The action places my quim against his enormous member. “Such devilish thoughts will have to be punished.”
“Punished how?” But he nuzzles into the spot between my neck and shoulder. His lips burn hot against my skin. The ripples return, speeding over my flesh. Aching need rises within me.
His teeth graze my tendon, lighting stars. “Let’s anticipate the vows and find out.”