He didn’t deny it.Instead, he chuckled softly, eyes dropping briefly to the baby in his arms.“I guess life has a way of cutting through the noise and giving us the right answer anyway.”
Her pulse spiked.“What does that mean?”
Zayn looked up at her again, his expression shifting—no longer tired or hesitant, but resolute.
“It means we’ll be married,” he said, voice steady.“And we’ll be heading to Lativa after all.”
Chapter 21
Zayn watched the emotions flicker across Azlyn’s face.
He remembered her skin—pale, smooth, warm beneath his fingertips.He remembered the way her lips would part, soft and trembling, as pleasure washed through her… and the way those same lips would curve into a sweet, satisfied smile afterward, when he pulled her into his arms.
He remembered a lot about her.
But the truth was… they didn’treallyknow each other.
Oh, they’d known how to pleasure each other.That much was certain.He knew she loved when he ran his fingers through her hair, how she would nuzzle against his chest, dozing off while he stroked those long, curly locks.He knew she liked riding him until he was nearly incoherent, laughing wickedly as she tormented him—bringing him right to the edge, then stopping, her fingernails sinking into his abs in warning.And he remembered flipping her over and thrusting into her until she screamed his name.
But her favorite color?
No idea.
Did she like long, luxurious bubble baths?Probably not.No, Azlyn didn’t strike him as the bubble bath type.Slowing down wasn’t her style.She was active, focused, a live wire of energy and intent.A tub full of scented water would likely irritate her.
“I’m not marrying you,” she blurted.
Zayn didn’t flinch.Not this time.
He might not know her favorite color, but now he understood that Azlyn was fiercely independent.And logical.The woman currently bristling on the stark white sofa—hair tousled, eyes fiery, cheeks flushed—wouldn’t be won over by pressure.But shewouldlisten to reason.
He should’ve known that a year ago.He should’ve come back after cooling off.
But the truth was… he neverhadcooled off.Every time he thought about the way she’d rejected him, the fury flared fresh.
So now?Logic.
He drew a slow breath, carefully choosing his words.
“Marriage would be easier,” he said, keeping his tone even.“But that’s not the only reason I brought it up.You gave birth to my heir.That means both you and Griffin are now in danger.You both require protection.”
He glanced down at the baby, who was still working through his bottle with laser focus.
“He’ll need a full security team,” Zayn added, then looked back at Azlyn—reading the horror in her expression instantly.“I’m sorry,” he said.
Except… he wasn’t.
Zayn was used to getting what he wanted.He negotiated billion-dollar trade agreements and diplomatic accords with world leaders.He didn’t back down.
A year ago, he’d failed to bring Azlyn into his world.
This time, he would not fail.
Because of Griffin.But also because… now that he saw her again, held their son, breathed in the life they’d created—he realized he’d only been half alive without them.
He’d figure out what it would take to get her to Lativa.Then he’d figure out how to make her happy there.Not just safe, not just comfortable—fulfilled.With him.With their family.
His mind shifted to her small house.Charming, tastefully decorated.But far too modest for what she could afford.He knew her income—she wasn’t poor.But Azlyn had never let him buy her anything.Even during their brief time together, she’d insisted on paying for at least half of every meal.
