Page 68 of King of Deception

“Yeah?” I ask, suddenly feeling insecure. “Is that… is that how sex always is?”

He gives a stuttering laugh. “Not even close.”

I relax at that. “Oh good. I got worried for a second.”

“Arabella,” he says, lifting up to hold my face in his very large hands. “I meant what I said. Whatever comes next. It’s me and you. I want to spend my life with you. I want to marry you.”

I nip at my lip. “I want that too.”

“Good.”

“I might just need a little time, though.”

“Why’s that?”

“I still need to cancel my first wedding.”

He stares at me for a second before he gives a hearty chuckle. “Preston and Mason can take care of that shit. It’s their mess to clean up.”

“Not a bad plan.”

He lifts up, sliding out of me. But when he looks down, he freezes. “What’s wrong?”

“Jesus, Bella,” he curses. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” I look down and there is blood everywhere. “Oh. Jeez.”

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, not really. I thought it was wonderful.”

But he’s lifting me again, carrying me toward the bathroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Gris

I wake early,the early morning light streaming in through the windows.

Arabella lays next me, the bruises even harsher in this light. She’s still asleep and I don’t move for a while, just holding her close. She needs her rest.

But at some point, I’ll need to get up. I have to get back to my place and get proper clothes for today.

If I’m going into battle, I’m going to be dressed for it.

I meant what I said. My family is going to be furious when they realize that I’m marrying Arabella without any advantage to our business.

But I can’t have there be any confusion in Arabella’s eyes. I’m doing this because I love her. Everything else will be second to that.

She stirs next to me, stretching as she pushes back into the cradle of my body. I don’t hesitate, my hand on her belly, I pull her close.

It’s so strange. I never wanted to marry. Have kids. But now… the very idea of a baby in her belly makes my chest tight. My fingers splay out, possessive.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning,” she hums, sounding half asleep still. “Get any rest?”

“I always sleep best when I’ve got you in my arms.” I skim a hand down her arms, hoping to soothe her angry-looking skin. I need to call Killian. Find out the plan for dealing with Preston.

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