Page 130 of Hostile Love
My heart pitter-patters.
“If you were a decent hitman, you would have taken your shot by now, smartass.”
“Or maybe I’m biding my time. Perhaps I’m planning to toss you off this very high bridge?”
Almost toe to toe, he lunges forward and effortlessly throws me over his shoulder.
My squeal echoes far and wide. Not from fear of him actually tossing me over, but from the thrill of his playful energy when he lightly swats my ass.
He quickly covers the final planks like he’s participating in an army endurance test and with care lowers me onto the deck.
The earthy smell from the understory isn’t as strong up here. The air is fresher and it’s easier to see the constellations.
I sweep messy strands out of my lashes and take in the view. We’re nestled high in the treetops and thick pillar candles contained inside tall glass jars litter the deck.
It’s breathtaking.
“Think you’ll be alright up here?” he asks, taking my hand.
I nod, oddly emotional. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Never dreamed about a vacation in a treehouse with a man who makes me feel so many big things.
He walks me to a rustic bench fronting the cute wooden house, sits me down, sinks to his haunches, and unbuckles my sandals one by one.
Despite my stubborn independence, I let him without hesitation or fuss. And God, it feels good to surrender control to this man.
Matheus looks right at me.
The way he’s staring is different now. Everything twists and my lungs trap air, not sure why his mood seems so contemplative.
I frown. “You, okay?”
“Yeah.” He straightens. “It’s been a long day. Stay there.”
I remain seated, not sure what else to do, and watch as he pushes hair back off his forehead. He saunters inside and returns seconds later, looking exactly the same. Magnificent—and noticeably on edge.
He wanders across the deck and stops next to a bunch of flickering candles.
“Come here. I want to show you something.”
I push off the bench and pad barefoot until we’re facing each other. Without thought, I inch closer and place my hands on his chest.
“Show me.”
My voice comes out quiet, because I’m suddenly breathy and my heart thumping. I don't know why, but an unusual vibe’s coming from him.
Firmly sliding his hands into my hair at either side of my head, he drags my face to his and covers my mouth, kissing me hard.
“I love you, Dani,” he exclaims, his mouth against my lips seconds before pulling away.
In a heartbeat, he’s lowering to one knee, removing a tiny black bag from his pocket, and holding out a ring.
I suck in sharply and feel my heart rate soar. My face tingles and my hands shake when I reach for him.
“Daniela Blanco, you deserve romance. You deserve respect. You deserve a happily ever after. You deserve to be loved. And I’ll do whatever it takes to give you all that stuff and more. In return, all I ask is that you love me forever as my wife. Will you marry me, baby?”
What…this is unbelievably surreal.
I feel so happy I could cry. I draw in a tattered breath and stop myself from ruining the moment.
