“What?” Lana lifts her head, a furrow creasing her brows. “What are you thinking?”
I swallow, failing to dislodge the lump stuck in my throat. “I love you, Lana. I may be an unfeeling bastard, but I know this wasn’t what you signed up for.”
Her lips twitch, brow arched high.
“Fine. ‘Signed up’ may be stretching it.” I lift my hand and trace her cheek, watching it bloom pink. “If you want to go home to your family…”
I draw in an inhale. “I won’t stop you.”
Her eyes flare and lips part in obvious shock. Then fury. Hurt.
Desperation surges as I press my lips to her ear. “But I’m a damn bastard, because I won’t give up that easily—”
She shoves me back. A little growl rips out of her. “My home is with you! If you weren’t recovering, I’d climb onto the bed and strangle you for saying that. Actually,” her eyes narrow, “I might do that anyway. Because howdareyou take the choice away from meagain! Try that one more time and I’ll chain you inside that dungeon of yours and show you what corporal punishment really means.”
Warmth floods my veins, waking up all parts of me. I fail to bite back my smile.
My fierce, merciless queen.
“Really now,” I rasp, gaze trailing over her soft skin, her pouty lips, the delectable swells of her chest straining against her thin shirt. “I won’t mind.”
“Oh, hell no!” Rex hollers, bolting out of his chair. “Not here for this. Definitely no sexy shit in front of me.”
My gaze flicks to the audience at the foot of the bed.
Fuck.
Totally forgot they’re here.
Ignoring them, I train my gaze back at Lana. “I’m sorry. I should’ve known better. You’re the strongest person I know, and I love you and respect you. Will you continue being my wife?”
Myzemërsmiles, a devious glint in her eyes.
She drags her finger down my cheek, lingering on my scar like she’s claiming it.
“Only if,” she whispers, leaning close, “you let me climb you later.”
“That’s it.” Rex mock scowls. “I’m texting the others that you are all fine and well…” He glares at me. “…apparently.” He storms out, muttering obscenities.
Lana laughs.
Maxwell steps forward and clasps my shoulder. “Glad to see you’re alive, my friend.”
I freeze. “Am I…still?”
His throat works, gaze softening. “Definitely.”
He nods at Sofia and Sebastian standing in the corner. Rafe pokes his head in.
“I’ll leave you to reunite with your friends. They were worried,” Maxwell murmurs, and leaves the room.
Rafe pulls up a chair, fingers tangled in his rosary. “I prayed for you.”
My lips curve up. “I expect nothing less. Although I’m surprised it worked on me.”
He rakes his fingers through his dark hair and smiles. “Prayers always work…even if not in the way you hoped for.”
“Bloody hell, I’m not here for a sermon,” Sebastian mutters. “Although with what happened in Sri Lanka—”
