“But back then you were convinced my father would and could do whatever he needed to break us apart.”
“Within reason, yes. As distant as he’s been with you, he is a man of honor. He won’t break the law to get his way. You’re no longer a citizen of his country, he can’t legally order you to do—or undo—anything.”
She realized Sebastian had been a lot more impacted by her father’s position than she’d ever given credit. And not because he was in awe of it, but he saw it as a potential to hurt her. In his own way, her lover had been trying to save her further heartache eight years ago.
“You tried to talk to me twice.”
“I couldn’t let you go completely.”
“I never let you go, either.”
“I’m glad.”
“Say it.”
He grimaced.
“If you want me to wear this…you have to say it.”
“Another deal?”
“Nope. This time it’s pure blackmail.”
He walked forward, took her into his arms and she was surprised to find he was trembling. Their eyes met.
He cupped her cheek. “I love you, my princess, today and every day throughout eternity. You are everything I ever dreamed a woman could be and more.”
She wanted to tease him about being so corny, but she was too busy swallowing tears of joy. Finally she sniffled and said, “I love you, too.”
“Marry me?”
“Yes.”
Sebastian waited at the front of the exclusive wedding chapel for Lina’s uncle to walk her down the aisle. Contacting the couple who had raised her had been a calculated risk. There was a strong chance that they would tell Lina’s father of Sebastian’s plans and the king and his entourage would show up to try to stop them.
But he also knew it would mean a lot to his princess to have the older couple there. So, he trusted in their love for Lina and called them.
And they’d come through. Not only had they been willing to take the private plane he had arranged for them to arrive in time, but they had brought the dress Lina now wore.
She looked like a vision…an incredible too wonderful for him but he wasn’t letting her go vision. She’d pulled her long, black hair into an intricate knot on top of her head and then placed the tiara in the perfect spot. The dress accentuated her gorgeous curves and the heels lent a swing to her walk that sent his temperature straight toward the heavens.
When her uncle placed Lina’s hand in Sebastian’s, he felt as if his life had finally reached where it was supposed to be.
She smiled and his heart squeezed.
“Thank you,” he said with fierce conviction.
The minister cleared his throat. Lina’s aunt and uncle both chuckled, but she just gazed at him with a wealth of love. “For what?”
“For loving me enough not to give up.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for loving me enough to come after me.”
“The pleasure was entirely mine.”
The rest of the ceremony was a blur of emotions and promises that rang true to the very depths of his soul.
Afterward, they had a celebratory dinner in a little known restaurant at the top floor of one of the larger downtown buildings. It was reserved for high rollers and visiting royalty. Sebastian thought his princess qualified.
His princess. For the rest of his life. Contentment poured through him in waves.
And those waves turned into a tsunami of passion when they got back to the house.
They were in their bed. He was poised above her, having brought her to completion once already. He throbbed with the need to be inside his wife.
He pressed until he had barely breached her most intimate flesh. “Until death.”
“Until death,” she repeated and lifted herself, impaling herself on him.
“I love you,” he cried out as he came. “Lina, you are my life.”
“Love, love, love…” she chanted over and over again as she ed around him, lending her pleasure to his until the circle was complete.
They were one, never to be torn asunder. He would make sure of it.