A smile tugs at my lips. "Is that what you want? To rule beside me? To have a voice in how this family operates?"
"Yes."
"Done." I kiss her hard, possessively, claiming. "This mansion is yours. My men answer to you. My brothers will respect you. And any decision that affects this family, you'll have a voice in."
I pull back to look at her.
"But, like I told you before, work has it’s limits. When we're out there, when we're dealing with the other families, when we're in situations like tonight—I am King. My word is law. You can challenge me in private. You can question me behind closed doors. But in front of them, you stand with me. Not against me. Do you understand?"
She considers this, her expression thoughtful.
"And if I disagree with you? If I think you're wrong?"
"Then you tell me. Before we leave. After. I'll listen. I'll consider. But in the moment, when we're surrounded by enemies, I need to know you're with me."
She's quiet for a long moment.
Then she nods. "Okay."
"Okay?"
"I can work with that. In public, you're the King. In private, we're equals." She pulls me down for a kiss. "Now shut up and show me what it means to be yours."
I don't need to be told twice.
I kiss down her body, taking my time, worshipping every inch of her. When I reach her center, I pause, looking up at her.
"Open for me," I command.
She does, spreading her thighs wider, and I lower my mouth to her, tasting her sweetness, feeling her tremble beneath my tongue.
I take my time, building her up slowly, methodically, until she's writhing beneath me, her hands fisted in my hair, her thighs shaking.
"Salvatore," she gasps. "Please."
"Please what, mia regina?"
"I need you inside me."
I strip off the rest of my clothes and position myself at her entrance. But I don't push in. Not yet.
"Tell me you're mine," I growl.
"I'm yours."
"Tell me you love me."
"I love you, Salvatore. I love you so much it scares me."
I push inside her, slow and deep, watching her face as she takes all of me. Her eyes flutter closed, her mouth falling open on a moan that's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.
"Look at me," I command.
Her eyes open, and I see everything there—love, desire, trust, and something else. Something that looks like hope.
"I love you, so fucking much, baby. " I tell her, moving inside her with long, rough strokes. "I love you more than I thought I was capable of loving anything. You're my queen, my partner, my everything."
She wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me deeper, and we move together like we were made for this. For each other.
