Yours Completely (Billionaires and Brides 1)

Relief filled Jace's eyes as a real smile flooded his features. “I didn't think it was you, but I had to know for sure.”

“I love you, Jace,” Ella stated. She had meant for it to sound more elegant. She had wanted to wait for the perfect moment, but it slipped out now.

Jace beamed and tossed the flowers to the driver so he could scoop her up in his arms. His lips came to hers before she had time to think, pressing into her and stealing her breath. There was so much passion that she didn't need the words to be spoken. She knew.

He said them anyway. “I love you, Ella,” he whispered, pulling back just enough to speak. Even if she didn't need to hear the words, they still made her heart flutter and her soul take wings.

She kissed him, joy bubbling up from the very tips of her toes all the way to the ends of her hair. She didn't know it was possible to feel this happy. This loved.

“Leave this place. Come away with me,” Jace said. “I see your bags are already packed.”

Ella laughed. “I was coming to find you. To say a real goodbye.”

“Say hello instead,” he insisted.

“Hello, then.” And Ella kissed him with no intention of ever stopping.

Chapter Thirty

“Well, I see you have met my son.” Charles's voice broke into their private moment.

“Hi, Dad.” Jace didn't let her go, he just pulled back enough to glare at his father. “Maybe we could chat later.”

Charles chuckled. “Don't mind me.” He leaned up against the limo, crossed his arms and grinned at them.

Ella and Jace looked at one another. It felt strange to have an audience.

“What can I do for you, Dad?” Jace asked. He kept his arms protectively around Ella as if he were afraid she would disappear on him.

He didn't need to worry about that. Ella was never leaving him.

“I told you, don't mind me.” He grinned, obviously enjoying their discomfort in the most paternal way possible. “I'm just happy to see you with someone I approve of.”

Jace rolled his eyes.

“I'm glad you approve of me,” Ella said diplomatically. “But, would you mind doing it from inside the limo. Or the inn. Or just not where we can see you. I'd like to kiss him some more and it feels weird with his father watching.”

Charles grinned. “I knew I liked you. I'll just be in the car.” The older man opened the limo door and stepped inside.

“So, where were we?” Ella asked, turning back to face the man that was making her heart patter.

Jace tipped his head, bringing his lips to hers once more. “Somewhere around saying, hello.”

But his lips never connected.

A screech came from behind Ella. “Get back inside now.” Delores was the epitome of fury. Her blonde hair was wild around her head and her green eyes blazed hotter than dragon fire.

Ella's warm feelings of happiness dissipated. If Jace's arms hadn't been wrapped around her, she would have bolted out into the street. She'd never seen Delores so angry or terrifying. She looked ready to murder. Ella wondered if she was going to survive angering her stepmother.

“Get back inside now,” Delores repeated. Her voice was harsh and cracked with rage. “You think you can do this? To me? TO ME?”

Ella trembled, but Jace's arms tightened around her. She had her hero and she knew he'd never let anything happen to her.

“No.” A calm peace settled over Ella, and her backbone stiffened. “You don't own me. I've let you push me around. I let you, because I thought it was worth it to get this place. It isn't.”

“Is that so?” Delores's mouth pursed as if she tasted something sour. Her eyes still flashed fury.

“Yes.” Ella took a deep breath and raised her chin. She even stepped forward, no longer afraid of Delores. The worst Delores could do was tell the judge Ella hadn't met the requirements. Ella could dispute that. Maria, Allison, Madelyn, and Jace would all be able to dispute that.