She shrugs and avoids my gaze. “I mean, would we live together?”
I chuckle. “Honey, our marriage would be a real one. We would live together. Sleep in the same bed. We’d make love and?—”
She whimpers, and her eyes fly to mine. “So uh, you’re talking about a real marriage?”
I nod.
She lifts her chin. “And would there be other women for you?”
I put my hand on her wrist and slide my fingers down to hold hers. I feel her pulse against my thumb, and it’s beating erratically. “No. I don’t cheat, Luna. There are things you should know about me and my family. We do a lot of things, things you may not approve of, but I will never hurt you. I will protect you with my life. And I will be honest and true to you.”
She lifts her shoulders. “Do you hurt other people?”
I tense and tell her honestly, “Yes, but it’s people that deserve it. We don’t hurt people for the fun of it.”
She sucks in a breath and blows it out. “When do you need an answer?”
My dad gave us six months, but I’m not willing to wait. The sooner I get a ring on her finger, the better I’m going to feel about it. “Tomorrow.”
She gasps. “Tomorrow?”
I nod.
She pulls her hand away and then lifts Leo into her arms, stands up, and walks across the room. “I need to think about this.” She laughs. “And I can’t believe I’m thinking about it. I just told you today that I can’t be bought.”
I follow her across the room, lift a strand of hair off her face, and tuck it behind her ear. “I’m not trying to buy you.”
She laughs. “Okay… but I think you are.”
I don’t know why I feel guilty about this, but I do. I put my hands on her shoulders. “I’m going to help you with the shelter no matter what your answer is.”
She looks at me in surprise.
I put my hand on the side of her neck. “Can I kiss you, Luna?”
She bites her lip. “Do you want to?”
I nod, my eyes glued to hers. “Yes, since I saw you standing on the curb earlier.”
She sets Leo down at her feet. He meows loudly and walks away. I gently pull Luna closer, and I’m surprised when she melts against me. Her body trembles, and she smiles up at me. “You smell good.”
Unable to hold back, I lean down and press my lips to hers. I intended to give her a small peck and give her time to adjust to me, but the feel of her lips against mine overpowers any restraint I have left.
I tilt her head, giving me better access to deepen the kiss.
My tongue slides along hers, and she whimpers.
I can’t get enough of her. The kiss is hot, heavy, and seals the deal for me. Luna is going to be mine.
I break the kiss even though it’s the last thing I wanna do. I wish I could pick her up, carry her to her bedroom, and not come out for a week. But this is too important to fuck up.
Panting, I lean my head against hers. “I’ll be by tomorrow for your answer, sweet Luna.”
Before I can change my mind, I pull back and walk away.
That kiss will get me through tonight. But tomorrow, I’m going to want more.
CHAPTER 6
