Page 131 of Hostile Love
While he gazes up at me, holding the ring in his hand, my belly does a somersault and my poor heart thunders.
I love this man more than anyone. And that’s one dangerous admission for a woman like me to make. But it’s also the honest truth.
I’d sooner die first than live without him—and happily slaughter any person who tries to hurt him or cut up any woman who dares to touch him.
That’s how messy this love of mine is.
Heavy emotions make my knees go weak and I sink down to his level, fighting hard to hold back a silly sob.
“I’ll marry you on one condition,” I whisper, dropping my gaze to the thick gold band encrusted with diamonds.
Matheus thumbs my chin and nudges my jaw, bringing our eyes in line.
“Anything.”
I swallow hard. “Don’t break my heart, Mat.”
He smiles. A wide, devastatingly handsome smile that makes my blood heat.
“I’m all yours, Dani. Every single part of me belongs to you. Where you go, I go. I’ll take good care of your heart. I promise.”
“You’d better,” I mutter. “Or I’ll put a pillow over your face when you’re sleeping.”
We both laugh and he wipes a tear from the corner of my eye before it falls, sucking it into his mouth.
“Such a gentle way to kill your loving husband,” he says and chuckles, the deep texture of it hoarse. “So…is that a, yes?”
I nod, and he leans in to kiss me. His lips linger a breath away and he adds, “Say it, Dani. I need to hear you say yes.”
I circle my arms around his neck, instantly feeling our warm connection.
“Yes…I will love you forever as your wife, Matheus.”
“Thank fuck,” he declares and sighs, relieved. “Once this ring goes on, there’s no backing out, comprendes?”
“Comprendes.”
I draw my lips between my teeth as he gathers my left hand, slides the engagement ring onto my finger, and presses his lips to my knuckles.
The band must be an inch wide and the jewels are buried deep in the gold, so they sit flush. It’s beautiful and practical, and I never want to take it off.
“It doesn't seem fair.” I stare at the twinkly stones.
In the distance, nocturnal insects chirp and an owl hoots.
“What do you mean?”
“I get to wear this ring of ownership, which I love, by the way.” My gaze cuts to his deep-set frown. “But you don’t have anything to wear that tells people you’re mine.”
Matheus laughs, deep and raspy. “Really, Dani? So, there’s not an epic buffalo skull inked onto my skin for life?” He smirks. “Don’t worry. I’ll happily wear a wedding ring and slay the hearts of every woman on TikTok when they find out I only have eyes for my hot little firecracker who’d slit their throats.”
How this guy manages to make me blush is a mystery. But he does. And I’m warm all over.
I do my best to hide the giveaway smile that would signal to him I’m giddy.Me…giddy. Who would have thought?
These emotions…feelings are so new to me—raw and compelling.
My attempt fails and I end up grinning when he shirks off his shirt.
