Roaring his satisfaction, he lifted his head and stared at me with a smoldering intensity that seared me. I was lax. Numb. Sated and shaking from the force of that orgasm, but under his gaze, I was grounded.
I was his.
Yet a small, nagging voice in the back of my head wondered if it would last.
35
ANDRE
Another deep sigh heaved out of me as I sat and watched Sofia sleep. Seated in the chair that I’d pulled up close to my bed, I dismissed the feeling of déjà vu. Just days ago, I’d been in here doing this. Watching her rest and knowing that a difficult conversation would be waiting for us when we woke.
Unlike that miserable wait, I was more confident now.
I would apologize for reacting the way I did when she told me about her secrets and lies.
I’d spend the rest of my life trying to make up for how she’d felt pushed away and rejected, assuming I hated her or wanted her dead. Without that mic Oleg had put on her, I wouldn’t have known how hurt she felt, how worried she was.
And that was on me.
Yes, it had been hard to hear her confess her wrongdoings, but I’d erred in assuming the worst of the situation. I had committed a colossal mistake in not believing in who she was. She was too good to hurt me, and I should’ve known that first.
“How is she holding up other than resting?” Claire asked as she prepared to leave the room. She’d been coming by to check on her since we’d returned. The initial plan was to take Sofia to a safehouse, away from here to further throw off her uncle from getting her back. One look at the bruises and wounds on Sofia had me furious and cautious, though. It seemed prudent to bring her here where Claire could be within reach for any medical emergencies.
“Time will tell,” I replied.
Hours had passed since I’d brought her back. Spies were still out there, observing and reporting in on Roberto finding her gone. We were in a waiting period, anticipating him to attack or declare war. Or to demand that we give her back.
Not fucking happening.
“Go easy on her,” Claire advised after a long moment of watching me. “Nice and slow.”
I almost laughed.
That was the same thing Sofia had told me when she found me bleeding out in my office.
“I will. Whatever she wants, whatever she needs…”
Claire smiled and leaned against the doorframe. “I think she just wants you. And safety.”
“Done.” I already knew which ring I’d give her out of the family vault.
“But I think she needs time. Space. And to know her cousin is all right. When she’s ready and more rested, please let me know.”
I lifted my gaze to my “stepmother”.
“I’ve been in contact with the hospice. Esmeralda is stable and adjusting. I know Sofia will be anxious for a report.”
My father entered the room, here to get his wife. “And I’ve checked that the security I’d sent there are monitoring the situation.”
I nodded at him, grateful that he’d go that far and compromise for this woman. A former—inept—spy who could’ve hurt our family.
Claire kissed his cheek. “I’m sure Owen’s impatient for me.” She smiled at me before leaving, letting me have a moment with my father.
“You’re sure about this? About her?” He came in and sat in another chair, glancing at Sofia. He scowled, and I knew that the sight of the injuries and bruises on her face pissed him off.
“Yes.” No question or doubt about it. “I will marry her,” I told him.
“And risk war,” he added matter-of-factly.
