Page 108 of Wreck Me

My heart swells so large in my chest, it feels as if it’s going to explode. My hand cups my mouth, and I feel my eyes widen.

It’s quick, but it feels so right.

James is it for me.

He’s everything.

‘Yes.’ I nod, our eyes locking. ‘It was always going to be yes.’ He slides the ring onto the fourth finger of my left hand at the same time as his thick length glides into me.

Our lips lock as I ride him hard. Strong hands grip my hips and drive me harder until both of us cry out hard enough to be heard in Paris.

Chapter Forty-Eight

JAMES

I had every intention of making my proposal a million times more romantic than a role play scenario in Scarlett’s new pole dancing room last night, but with everything hanging over us, wasting a single second seems imprudent.

Scarlett needs to know how much she means to me, but so does my father, the O’Connors, and the rest of the world. Which is why I plan to announce our engagement tonight at my father’s lavish birthday ball in front of every single person I know.

It’ll be a triple celebration to mark my father’s birthday, my engagement and the acquisition officially going through in the early hours of the morning. Chantel has already tipped off the press that something big is brewing , and I fully expect the story of my engagement to be plastered over the front page of every newspaper in the country. Except this time, I have no intention of asking any of the editors to pixelate Scarlett’s face.

She’s not in hiding anymore. She’s going to be my wife. And if anyone wants to hunt her down and harm her, they’ll have to get through me first.

By morning, the O’Connors and anyone else who threatens us, will have learnt that the Becketts never surrender.

I pace the outdoor patio area. The April sunshine is unseasonably warm. Scarlett bobs in the deep end of the hexagonal infinity pool overlooking the Irish Sea. She’s gazing out across the landscape like she’s seeing it for the first time. I hope it’s finally settling in that this is hers as much as it is mine, now.

As soon as Declan O’Connor is safely behind bars with his father, and we have Scarlett’s graduation behind us, I’m whisking her away to see the world.

I didn't realise what I was yearning for, but now I’ve found it, I intend on spending the rest of my life making her happy.

My phone rings in my pocket. Hopefully Killian with the confirmation I’ve been waiting for.

I pluck it from my pocket and glance at the screen. Mother. She’s probably calling to remind me about tonight. As if I could forget.

‘Darling, just reminding you not to be late tonight,’ my mother coos down the phone.

‘As if I would. I’m looking forward to it.’

‘You are?’ Doubt fills my mother’s voice.

‘Yes, Scarlett and I have an announcement.’

‘You do?’ Her voice shoots up ten octaves. ‘I wasn't sure if you were still together.’

‘Well, we are. Did Dad tell you she’s related to the O’Connors?’ No point beating about the bush.

‘He did.’ My mother is unusually sombre.

‘She’s not really related to them. Her mother was married to Jack. She’s had nothing to do with them for years.’

‘You don’t have to explain yourself to me, son. As far as I’m concerned, you’re old enough to make your owndecisions. As long as you’re sure. But you know this is going to cause one hell of a scandal.’

‘You of all people know I don’t care about scandal, Mother. I care about her. I’m in love with her.’

My mother squeals and I hold the phone a foot away from my ear while she gets it out of her system.

‘Calm down. You’ll deafen me.’

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