“Oh,” I try to say, but it’s more of a strangled sound in my throat. I shake my head slightly, but can’t seem to get my body to work.
Royal takes it as an invitation to keep talking. “I can backdate you and someone, of your choosing, into a secret marriage. I can fabricate the marriage certificate, financial records, vacations, photos, and anything else you would need to prove a marriage. If anyone questioned it beyond that, all you’d have to do is get Antonella and one of his friends or family members to give a sworn statement with recollections of your relationship.”
He finally pauses for a deep breath, waiting like he’s expecting me to need a minute to catch up.
He’s offering me an out, and I can’t take it. I knew this was inevitable. I knew playing house with him was going to hurt when the time came. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon.
I’ve been following, but I still ask for clarification anyway. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I can make it so that they can’t marry you to Steffano because you’re already married to someone else.” And then, with a nod, he takes it one step further. “To me.”
“I couldn’t ask Antonella to do that.” I start with the easiest objection, despite the clawing at my heart, begging and pleading me to say yes. “I appreciate the offer though.”
“Valor would do it in a heartbeat,” Royal says.
“Have you seen my older brother? Not a single man in their right mind would even look at me twice, let alone risk being killed over touching me. You should feel the same way.” I warn him off as more moisture pricks my eyes, threatening to freeze over in this cold. “It’s too dangerous.”
“I’ll do it,” he casually says, no hesitation. “I’m not afraid of Berto. I’m a wolf, remember.”
“Royal, I can’t —”
“I’m offering because I want to. I want you. You can’t help that your dad and brother are assholes. You don’t deserve what they’re putting you through. You deserve a choice. I want to fight for your honor. I want to fight so that you can make a choice. Give me the opportunity to fight for you.” Royal cocks his head and steps closer to me. I can feel the warmth radiating off him.
“How can you do all this?” I whisper, not believing it.Could he really protect me from them?
“It’s what I do. Don’t worry about how I do it.” Royal reaches toward me.
I let his fingers entwine in my hair. I let him place a kiss on my lips.
The last one. The last time.My insides feel like they’re coming undone at the seams.
Headlights from the SUV illuminate the trees as it comes up the driveway.
I step away from him, putting distance between us for the sake of no one knowing what we’ve done.
The SUV is here to collect me, to take me back to D’Medici territory, then I’ll go to Italy and meet Steffano. They’ll throw an engagement party and make a big deal of me finally getting married. An engagement ring will be given, a date will be picked, and I’ll find out all the plans that have already been made for me.
It’s all for show. Our family loves big weddings, and I’m already dreading it.
“Leticia.” Royal’s voice drags me back to the present and the distance between us. “Marry me?”
Iwantmore than anything to say yes. I want to jump up and down and scream yes so the entire world hears me. I want everyone to know how I feel about Royal.
The SUV pulls to a stop in the center of the driveway.
I force my feet to move one step and another. I don’t have a choice. Not if I want to keep him safe. “No.”
To Royal’s credit, he doesn’t fight or argue with me. He gives a single solemn nod. “You have my number, Leticia. Use it. Anytime, day or night. I’ll answer.”
“Thank you, Royal.”
I try to commit how he looks to memory. His reddish-brown hair and warm brown eyes. The soft beard, the strong hands, and the comfort he brings me. But tears pour out of my eyes, and I don’t wait for the driver to open the door for me. I climb in unassisted.
But I can’t help but leave it this way. If I anger my father and jeopardize this deal, it won’t just be me who pays for it. He’s likely to do the unspeakable to Royal, and what would that do to Antonella? To Valor? And Kerrianne? Losing Royal would be a house of cards toppling all at once. I wouldn’t be the only one suffering that loss.
Silent sobs form before we’re even halfway down the driveway. Every roll of the tires sends another ache through my chest. The dreadful ache of my heart staying behind with Royal.
42
