Page 48 of Enraptured

“WHERE ARE WE GOING?”

“It’s a surprise. Mrs. Fitz packed your bags.”

“But Christmas is in two days. I wanted to spend it here, at home with you.”

He twines our fingers together. “I am going to give you the most magical Christmas you’ve ever had.”

My heart races as his dark eyes find mine. I think he might propose. It’s what I’ve been waiting for. My heart pounds in excitement as he leaves to bring the car around. I shove my arms into my ski parka and hurriedly tie the laces on my boots.

“I’ve arranged most of the details for your surprise trip. I had all your gifts to him wrapped and sent there.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Fitz. Merry Christmas.”

“Happy Christmas, Jessie.” She responds turning away. She appears sad, leaving me confused since she’s leaving shortly as well.

But as Christos pulls up, with a grin on his face, I forget all about Mrs. Fitz. All my focus is on my sexy man, whisking me away again.

“Oh Christos! It’s so magical!” I breathe, with my face pressed against the window. London at Christmas is a world all on its own. I feel like we’re driving inside a snow globe. The drive was long and slow as the wet snow stuck to the roads. But I didn’t mind. I’ve been at Exmoor since he captured me in Greece. I drank in every new sight, my thirst for new adventures never stopped. It was just on pause.

“Is this where we are staying?”

He nods, pulling into the valet parking area of the Rosewood hotel. Candles glow in every window, sprigs of holly and garland hung on the expansive wrought iron gates as we drove past them. This isn’t a hotel. It rivals Kensington Palace. I made him drive by it before coming here. I shrink back in my seat feeling completely out of place in my parka and worn jeans as an elegant older man in uniform opens my door. “Welcome to the Rosewood, Miss.”

“Thank you,” I breathe, inhaling the crisp air that smells of pine and snow. Christos hands the valet his fob key and takes my hand leading me inside. My boots track slush across the marble lobby floor. People try not to stare. But I don’t care. Christos looks at me like I’m his miracle. He loves me. And that’s all that matters.

He checks us in, never letting go of my hand. “We’ll have a late lunch sent up to our room. And then I’ve arranged a private physician to perform a pregnancy test and if we’re clear…put you back on birth control.” He whispers against my ear.

“Good. I’ve needed you.” I answer honestly. I’ve missed having him fill me deep, driving us both over the cliff. His hand rests on the small of my back as he leads me to a private elevator.

“What? Did you think I’d book just any room?”

The elevator finally opens. It’s a wing. He booked a private wing of the hotel that’s more of a residence. It has a formal living room, a kitchen, and a sitting room with views of the city.

I’m drawn to the windows. “You don’t have to stare out anymore. In case you haven’t noticed—I’ve opened your cage door.”

“I know.”

He takes my hand. “There’s something I need to tell you.” His eyes drop, as his hand strokes the inside of my wrist. My heart stops. I’ve never seen him this serious since being back on medication.

“What. What is it?”

“Did you ever wonder how I found you so quickly when you were down in a rocky ravine, five miles deep in the woods?”

“I-I thought Simone led you to me?”

“Noagápe.I had my personal physician, Beckett insert a tracking device right here,” his index finger strokes my wrist, “while you were drugged as I flew you across the ocean.”

“That makes sense. I couldn’t understand why you never chained me or locked any of the doors. You didn’t need to. I was never going to get away.”

“No. You weren’t.”

“Why are you telling me now?”

“I’m having it removed. The doctor coming will do it.”

“So, you trust me completely? You believe how much I love you?”

“Yes. I don’t doubt your loyalty and love for me. As I hope you never doubt mine for you.”

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