"It's complicated as hell. But it's also our one chance to have everything - each other, our families' acceptance, a future where our children don't have to choose sides."
I look into his dark eyes and see the truth there.
He's not conflicted about this.
He wants the life he's describing.
With me and our children.
"You've already decided," I realize. “This is what you want.”
He smiles at me and squeezes my hands. "I decided the moment I touched you that I wasn't giving you up. I was never letting another man feel the softness of your skin. This is the best way to make it work."
"What if I'm not strong enough for this? If I can't handle being the bridge between our families? I’m not experienced in those kinds of things. Papa sheltered me from the business as much as he could."
"Then I'll pick you up and carry you through it. We'll figure it out together. You told me once that you trust me. Do you still?"
I nod my head. “You know I do.”
"Then I need an answer, Viviana. Not for your father, not for the families, but for me. Will you marry me?"
Looking at him, at this dangerous man who's willing to risk everything for me, I know there's only one answer I can give.
"Yes, I’ll marry you."
Something fierce and possessive flashes in his eyes. "Say it again."
"Yes, I'll marry you."
"Thank God, Viviana." He pulls me against him, kissing me with desperate hunger. "Whatever happens, whatever we have to face, I’ll take care of you. You’re mind and nothing will change that. I will always protect you no matter the cost."
His hands are in my hair, on my back, holding me like he never wants to let go. I can feel his heart pounding against mine, can taste the determination on his lips.
"This might be the last time for us to be together," he says against my mouth. "Until your father makes his decision."
"Then we’d better make it count."
Chapter 26: Damon
She doesn’t need to tell me twice. Without a word I slide my hands around her waist, and lift her into my arms. She’s lighter than she looks, but the weight of her in my embrace feels right, like she was always meant to be there. Her arms instinctively wrap around my neck, her body warm against my skin.
I carry her through the house straight to the bedroom. The room is lit by the afternoon sun streaming through the blinds, casting a glow on the rumpled sheets of the bed. I lower her gently until her feet barely touch the floor.
“Are you sure?” I murmur, my thumbs tracing the curve of her hip.
Her fingers reach up and begin unbuttoning her dress. “I’ve never be more certain of anything,” she says. “All I want is you.”
The dress slips easily over her shoulders and falls in a pool at her feet. She stands before me in white lacy bra and panties.
My hands slide up her waist, her ribs. I can feel the faint goosebumps on her skin, the give of her flesh beneath my touch.
“You know what might happen if we do this,” I warn.
“Believe me, I know.”
“If we do this and you get pregnant, this gives us a better chance to be together.”
She smiles up at me and leans closer. “Then why are we wasting time talking when we could be doing it already?” she teases.
