Page 83 of Devious Truth

I squeeze her hand.

“We’re not the royal family. I don’t need a son to take my place. There are plenty of ambitious men waiting in the wings willing to take any crumb of power we’re willing to give. When my father was alive, he ruled somewhat in that manner, but that’s not the case now.”

Leaning toward her, I cup her chin, drawing her closer to me. “And even if it was, it wouldn’t change anything here. Between us.”

“But I can’t give you?—”

“Babies are adopted, hell, even bought, every day, Vee. If we want children, and it’s not safe for you to carry a baby, we’ll figure it out.” I inhale, loving the scent of my soap on her skin.

Maybe I’ll move her into my penthouse this evening while she’s at work.

“I just don’t know that I want to get married again,” she repeats.

The car pulls up to the front entrance of Obsidian.

“And it’s too soon, anyway.” She gently pulls away from my grasp. “Maybe in a year, or two…”

“You’re adorable when you pretend that I’d let you keep me waiting that long.”

“Keep you waiting?” The fire ignites again, her body stiffening.

“Vee, I waited a year just to get you this far, letting you get used to the idea of us being together. I’m not waiting anymore. You’ll wear my ring. You’ll bear my name, and you’ll do these things much sooner than a year from now.”

I reach for the door handle.

“I’m banning Kieran from the club. If he reaches out to you again, I want to know about it. He’s not to set foot in the club or get near you.”

She blinks, surprised at my sudden change in topic.

“He’s harmless.”

I lean into her.

“He touched you, Vee. He left a mark on your skin. If I see that little prick, he’ll lose more than his hand. But I’d rather not start a war with the Irish if I can help it, so I’ll settle for keeping him away from you. And me.” I clench my jaw.

If she understood how much I’m giving in here, she might not look so annoyed with me.

“Fine.”

“And if he messages you, you tell me right away.”

“Fine.”

“Yosef will take you back to your apartment so you can get ready for your shift.” I nod toward our driver.

“Fine.”

I drag my fingers over her cheek, letting my nails bite into her just enough to get her eyes to soften for me.

“We’ll figure everything out. If we have to do it with you face down over my knee, we will.”

Anger and indignation flashes in her eyes. “You can’t just throw me over your knee whenever you’re not winning an argument.”

I smile. “Of course I can.”

She growls in frustration.

Not willing to miss a chance to get that red splotch to bloom across her throat, I lean closer. Pushing her hair away from her ear, I flick my tongue over her earlobe. She tries to hide her reaction, but I know her little sounds by now.

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