Page 78 of His Eternal Claim

My eyes burn. “I need to know she’s alive.”

“She is.”

“I need to hear her voice.”

His expression hardens. “No.”

My knees nearly buckle. “Why?”

“Because I said no.”

A sob rips from my throat. I sink to the floor. The grief I’ve been holding back crashes over me all at once. I cry so hard that I can barely breathe. For several moments, all I hear is the storm and my own broken sobs. Then arms wrap around me.

I should push him away. I should hate his touch.

Instead, I am too exhausted to fight.

My forehead presses against his chest as I cry.

And for a moment, I hate myself for how natural it feels.

His hand slides through my hair. “I’ll bring her to you.”

Hope flares so violently it hurts. I pull back immediately. “What?”

His eyes lock onto mine. “I’ll bring your Mother back.”

My heart pounds. “Really?”

“On one condition.”

The hope dies. “No.”

“You haven’t even heard it.”

“I don’t care.”

“Marry me.”

I stare at him. Certain I’ve heard wrong. “What?”

“Marry me, Selene. Be my wife.”

Shock gives way to fury. I shove against his chest and stumble backward. “You’ve lost your mind.”

“I’m serious.” His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to his chest.

“After everything you’ve done?”

“Yes.”

“Dolcezza—”

“No.”

I point toward the door. “Get out.”

“I can protect her.”