“You’re right, none of it matters.You helped get rid of her, and now it’s your responsibility to keep her away.Forever.By marrying me.”
With my heart thrumming in my ears, I shake my head.
“Yes, Audrey.I will only ever marry you,” he vows.
Despite the rushing in my veins, I close my eyes and sag into his hold.
“I’m tired, hungry, and my head is pounding.Now is not a good time to make such a big decision.”
Concern narrows his gaze.He shifts his grip and kneads the back of my head and neck.I bite back a groan.He drops a chaste kiss to my temple before murmuring in my ear.
“You said yes and kissed me in front of all those people.You can’t change your mind now, love.”
“What happened to me always having a choice with you?”I accuse.
He sighs, brushes his lips over my cheek, and kisses the tip of my nose before leaning back.
“Fine, you’re right.Now isn’t the time to make such a big decision.We need to try this engaged thing for a while before you say no.”
Exasperation pulls a slightly manic laugh from me.
“You’re the worst,” I grumble.
His smirk relays his thoughts on my remark, and I sigh at myself for falling into his trap.
He takes the ring and positions it near my finger.
“Wait, seriously, I can’t wear that.”
“Why not?”
He won’t listen to any objections I have about the price, so I wrack my brain for a plausible reason and surprise myself with my own words.
“Did you ask Ms.Baker to follow me home the other night?”
He stiffens and meets my eyes.
“No, I did not.”
His icy tone sends chills down my spine.
“If she stalked me before she drugged you, then wearing this will give her even more reason to focus on me.It’ll make me an even bigger target,” I explain.
“You could say it’s from another man.If it deters her and we both know it’s from me, then—”
I scoff.
“Like she’d believe I know anyone else who could afford something like this.”
He rumbles an unhappy note and closes his fist around the diamond ring.
“On one hand, I’m glad you don’t know anyone who can compare to me, but on the other…” He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles.Fissures of pleasure travel up my arm.“I need to protect you.You’re mine, baby doll.”
I open my mouth, whether to tell him off or agree, I have no idea, but my stomach steals the spotlight by rumbling.
He chuckles and peppers the back of my hand with kisses as he speaks.
“You weren’t lying when you said you were hungry.I’m sorry, love.Let’s find someplace to eat.”
