Page 42 of Sinful Empire (Mount Trilogy 3)
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.”
I use that as an excuse to fling myself the remaining few inches between us, and his arms wrap around me and hold me tight to his chest. He doesn’t wince, so I hope that means not only is the gunshot wound healing, but he truly hasn’t sustained any new injuries.
“I was so goddamned worried about you. Next time, I need a call, or a text, or the freaking bat signal. Anything. V grunting and nodding isn’t going to cut it. I need proof you’re safe.”
One big hand cups the back of my head.
“Bat signal?”
I breathe in his familiar scent, reveling in it and not caring that I sound like I’m crazy. “You’re basically Batman, so yeah, a bat signal could be appropriate.”
His chest shakes and I think he’s laughing at me, but I’m not about to move to check.
“You know that’s not how the bat signal works, right?”
“Don’t argue with me, Lachlan. That’s almost as bad as leaving your wife alone on your wedding night and not sending word that you weren’t dead.”
His lips press against my temple. “This is my first time as a husband. I’m pretty sure I’ll fuck it up a lot.”
Narrowing my eyes, I look up at him. “Rule number one—let your wife know you’re alive, especially after you’re done exacting vengeance.”
Wife. I still can’t believe I bear the title again, but it’s true. I said the vows, and I meant them.
His dark eyes flash. “You’re making rules now?”
I lift my chin. “Yes. I married the king. I feel like that gives me certain freedoms.”
He grips me tighter against his chest. “I still can’t believe you said yes.”
I untangle an arm from his grip and reach up to rub a thumb along his freshly shaven cheek. “Of course I did. I’m in love with you.”
Emotions fly across his face in wild succession, each one more vivid and intense than the last. “You can’t mean that.”
I meet the dark, burning stare that used to put the fear of God into me while stealing control of my body. Now, it infuses me with certainty. “You think I would’ve pledged until death do us part if I didn’t?”
“You got my protection—”
I tap my thumb to his lips, interrupting him. “I got you. That’s all I wanted. And if I have to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I mean every damned word, I will.”
“I’m never letting you go. Ever.”
His vow holds the same conviction as mine, and I know we’re going to be fine.
“Good. Glad we agree on that. Now, take me back to bed. We have a wedding night to make up for.”
Mount
Words have never held as much power as actions in my life. At least, not until this moment and this woman.
“I’m in love with you.”
The fierce possessive instincts fueling the fire in my blood increase every time I repeat her words in my head.
I don’t deserve to be loved. Not by her. Not by anyone. But that doesn’t mean I won’t take it. Keep it. Keep her. Protect her. Cherish her.
I’ve lied, cheated, stolen, and killed, and I will do it all again, especially if that’s what it takes to uphold the vows I made in front of a man of God and a judge.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
