I twisted my hands together. “Yes. I don’t know a single thing about caring for someone, or being with someone, or…love.”
He stopped in front of me.
“You could have anyone, Bastian. There are women who are more beautiful, smarter, normal?—”
“There’s only one of you.”
The way he looked at me… I knew now that the look in his eyes was love.
“I love you, Lark Smith. All of you. Just as you are. I love your skills, I love your fierceness, I love when you smile. I love when you’re curled up against me, I love when you’re breathing.”
A small laugh escaped me. “I don’t know anything about love. About giving it, or being loved.”
He cupped my jaw. “Yes, you do. Your parents loved you, and you loved them. And for better or worse, Ed loved you in his own way. And… You love me.”
“I don’t know how…”
“You don’t have to know, you just feel.”
He pulled me close. With a small sound, I threw my arms around him. His strong ones engulfed me, and we dropped to the floor on our knees.
His kiss was hot and fierce. A claiming.
“I love you, Lark. My little bird. Together, we’ll work everything out.”
My throat was too tight to speak, but I managed a nod.
“Be mine?” he asked.
“I already am,” I whispered. “I think I have been for a long time.”
His smile was as sexy as the rest of him. “Promise me that you’ll stay?”
I nodded.
He opened his palm and I saw my bracelet on it. My heart squeezed. I’d hated taking it off. I held up my wrist.
He quickly fastened it.
“But be warned,” I said, “If you piss me off, or even look sideways at another woman, you’ll feel my blade.”
“Darling, I felt your blade, and I like it.” He pressed his mouth to mine. “And you’re the only woman for me.”
CHAPTER 43
BASTIAN
Iwalked through the casino lobby with Chance.
“The VIPs were happy with the opening last week.” Chance looked sideways at me. “You didn’t stick around for opening night.”
“I had other business to attend to.”
My fake casino owner smiled. “Was she a blonde or a redhead?”
“Neither.” I smiled, stopping near the elevators. “Well, sometimes she likes to change it up, but it’s usually silky black.”
The actor’s eyes widened. “You sound like you’re keeping this one.”
