“What shall we drink to?” she asked.
“To my sire, Charis,” Stefan said. “If not for her, I would have passed away long before you were born. I cannot imagine my life without you. How could I have lived so long without knowing the warmth of your embrace, the sweetness of your kisses?”
His words moved through her like summer sunshine.
“I love you, fair Bryony, with all my heart and soul.” Rising, he took the glass from her hand, then led her onto the dance floor. “I cannot wait another moment to hold you,” he remarked as he took her into his arms. “Were it possible, I would never let you go.”
She looked up at him, mesmerized by his voice, his words, the love in his eyes. The rest of the world fell away and there was only the two of them. She sighed when he lowered his head and bit her. There was no pain, only incomparable pleasure and a sense of belonging.
“Bryony, say you will be mine.”
“I’m already yours,” she whispered.
“Will you be my wife?”
“Yes, Stefan. Oh, yes.”
He kissed her then, not caring if the whole world was watching. It wasn’t the world, but it seemed as if the eyes of everyone in the club were turned their way. Bryony blushed to the roots of her hair and buried her face in his shoulder.
A few of the men applauded when he led her off the dance floor. With a wave to the crowd, Stefan put his arm around her and they left the building.
“Did you mean it?” he asked when they were outside.
“Yes. It’s going to cause a lot of trouble with my father, though. I know he said I could marry anyone I wished, but…” She bit down on her lower lip. “I’m not sure he meant it.”
“And if he refuses?”
“Then we’ll just have to run away. Or we could be married in secret.”
Taking her hand in his, they walked down the street. It was a lovely night. A yellow moon hung low in an indigo sky. Millions of stars were spread across the vast expanse.
“It might be fun to have a secret marriage,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What do you think?”
“Only as a last resort. I do not wish to sneak in and out of your bed as if I was a thief in the night.”
“When should we tell my family that we are betrothed?”
“Whenever you feel the time is right,” Stefan said. As a last resort, he could mesmerize her father and make Barrett give them his blessing. Hell, he could hypnotize the whole family.
They walked in silence for a while, stopping now and then to kiss in the shadows.
“Tell me,” Stefan said, his knuckles caressing her cheek. “Tell me you love me.”
“Why don’t you just read my mind?”
“I want to hear the words.”
“I love you, my Stefan, more than words can say.”
Pulling her into his arms, he rained kisses on her cheeks, her brow, her lips, the hollow of her throat. “I will love you your whole life.”
She rested her head on his chest. And then frowned. Nothiswhole life, butherwhole life. The thought hit her like a splash of cold water. He had already lived for centuries. He would live centuries more after she was gone.
“Bryony, do not think about it.”
She looked up at him, her expression troubled. “How can I help it?”
He pulled her closer. “No one is guaranteed tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Not even vampires. You might outlive me.”Cupping her face in his palms, he kissed her again. “It is almost midnight. I must get you home, my Cinderella.”
