Not a question. A demand. Wounded he might be, but never weak. Her grin widened. “Of course I will. But I’m given to understand I have to anyway. A woman’s virginity belongs to her husband, doesn’t it?”
He didn’t betray one iota of compunction, only smiled with wolfish satisfaction. “True. But I don’t just miss you in my bed,” he added with deep sincerity. “I miss you in my life.” With utmost tenderness, he asked, “I mean it, Clair—will you come home with me? Be my wife and make a family with me?”
All the details flitting through her mind scattered, completely eclipsed by the momentous wish that had just come true for her. She couldn’t even speak she was so overcome.
Aleksy tensed as a shadow passed across Clair’s face, but when he tilted up her chin, her blue eyes gleamed. Her joy was so tangible he could taste it like spun sugar on his tongue.
“I always wanted someone to come here and say that to me,” she managed to husk. “It was worth the wait.”
Aleksy’s heart expanded beyond what he could contain. Pressing his mouth to her crooked, trembling smile, he drew her into his arms.
“No more waiting. I’m here now.”