It’s peace.
It’s a broken prince laying down his arms because he finally found a reason not to fight.
Her.
It’s always gonna be her.
Chapter Thirty-Nine-Cecilia
Stavros Castle, Rumson, New Jersey
Wedding Night
I don’t remember how we got here.
One second, I was in his arms, surrounded by applause and laughter and the scent of winter roses—his mouth on mine, his hands gripping my waist like he was afraid I might vanish if he let go.
The next, we were in our suite. Alone. Finally.
The air hums between us like something sacred.
Like something dangerous.
Atlas is already removing his jacket, his eyes never leaving mine as it falls to the floor.
His shirt follows—each button undone with slow, measured purpose.
Like he’s unwrapping a gift he’s waited his whole life to open.
“You’re staring,” I whisper, trying not to shake as I reach for the tiny clasps of my dress.
“I married a goddess,” he says, voice rough. “And I’m trying to figure out how I got lucky enough to worship her for the rest of my life.”
My breath catches.
I want to tell him that I love him, again and again. But right now, words feel too fragile.
Too small.
So instead, I face him, breath catching in my throat, heart beating like a wild thing, and I let the dress fall.
Atlas freezes. His mouth falls open, those caramel colored eyes wide as he drags them over my almost naked body.
Then he steps towards me, silent as sin, and drops to his knees.
“Christ,” he breathes, lips brushing my belly. “You’re going to destroy me aren’t you, wife? Look what you’ve done,” he whispers, kissing the tiny scrap of silk that covers my already dripping pussy.
“W-what have I done?” I ask, licking my lips and gazing down at him.
“You’ve made a beggar of a prince,” he replies, a wicked grin cutting across his ridiculously handsome face.
“A beggar, huh? What’re you looking for then? A meal?”
“Yes,” he hisses, nudging my thighs apart and tugging my panties to one side. “I’m so hungry for you, kardhoúla.”
His mouth moves closer. Reverent. Possessive. Hungry.
“Then eat,” I tell him, and his eyes flash gold before his mouth opens—and then he feasts.
