Broken Kingdom (Corium University Trilogy 3)

“I’m not ducking out on anybody. I need a second to breathe.”

“Why do you think I’m out here?” He chuckles against my neck and makes goose bumps race over my arms. “It’s amazing. I truly had no idea.”

“No wonder it was so important to go out today and to be on time tonight.”

“I should know better than to take those two at face value.” He leans over my shoulder, and I turn my face toward him. “Are you happy?”

“Do you even need to ask? I’ve never been so happy in all my life. Tonight is perfect.” I look back into the restaurant, where soft music has begun to play. “I have not one but two families eager to welcome me into the fold. I have more gifts than I know what to do with—seriously, what are we going to do with all that?”

“I was going to ask you.”

“I guess we can store most of it until we’re out of school and setting up our own house.”

His brows draw together. “I meant to talk to you about that. A home. Dad and I had a discussion earlier today while you were out. He got it into his head that we’d like him to build us a house on their land, so we could be close by. Not attached to their house. We’d have privacy. But we’d all be together.”

He searches my face. “What do you think about that?”

I don’t have to think about it. “When can we get started?” And it was the right thing to say since Quinton’s face practically glows. Like I would turn down such a generous gift, especially when I know it would make him happy to be near the rest of his family. As for the rest of my family, we’ve already received three offers to pay visits over summer break. We’re going to be busy.

It’s almost too good to be true, all of it. I didn’t dream it would ever happen to me. Being loved. Cherished. Protected and valued.

I close my eyes when Quinton leans in for what promises to be a smoldering kiss.

Until someone makes a big deal of it by coughing loudly. “Um, you two? I hate to break it to you, but it’s pretty noticeable when the bride and groom disappear at the same time.” Scarlet’s barely able to keep herself from laughing as she waits for us in the doorway leading inside.

Quinton rolls his eyes at her. “Let them wait.” Then he turns back to me and winks. “We might as well make it worthwhile.” I don’t have time to laugh before his arms tighten and his lips find mine.

Considering everything Quinton Rossi has given me, a little smudged lipstick seems a small price to pay.