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Lucas’s russet eyes kindle, and his gaze drops to my lips. "I'm not doing this to gain anything in return other than to know you're safe. It's what I do. It's who I am. But I'm not gonna lie, Amalie, I want you. I want you here with me. There's something between us, and I know you feel it too. But I won't push. If we get married, and you want it to be more than name only, it's your choice. I can wait for you to catch up."
Catch up? Pretty sure my body is already there, it's only my mind that needs to catch up.
My breath hitches as he smooths his hands down my neck to my shoulders. "And, uh, where would I live? With you?”
“If you want. If not, I have a cabin up on the mountain. You can stay there.”
I shake my head. “No, I wouldn’t want to be alone in a secluded place at night.”
"My place it is, then."
I gulp as his hands skim my waist and land on my hips, surprised to see that mine have settled on his wide chest without conscious thought. God, he's a beautiful man, tall and muscular, with eyes that make me feel as if he’s stripped me naked and can see into my soul.
“Are you sure you want to marry me?” I whisper, knowing how crazy this is.
Three days ago, I didn't know who Lucas Lawson was. I'd never seen his handsome face with his high cheekbones or looked into his molten eyes that steal the breath from my lungs. I should be frightened of him and his suggestion, afraid that a man I barely know is offering me marriage. But I'm not because an elemental part of me recognizes this man. Trusts him.
I feel safe with him, protected, something I've never experienced. My life has been filled with fear—fear of my father, of his wrath, of doing something wrong that would earn me a punishment far beyond what was considered appropriate.
Lucas stares back at me silently, his eyes narrowed as he considers my question. “I’m sure, Amalie.”
I nod, glad now that I brought my documents with me, that I thought to pack them. My heart races as I make my decision, afraid to voice it. But Lucas has handed me a way to keep my father out of my life. For good.
“Okay,” I whispered, my eyes on my hands still resting on his chest. I spread my fingers reflexively, enjoying the sensation of his firm muscles beneath my fingertips.
"If you keep doing that, this marriage will be consummated before the ceremony," Lucas growls.
My eyes fly to his. "Sorry, I-I like touching you," I admit, my cheeks flaming.
Lucas closes his eyes with a groan. When they open again, they smolder with lust and something else, something I can't quite define. Before I can decipher it, his mouth is on mine, and all rational thought evaporates like snow in the spring sunshine.
And, holy crap, the man can kiss. He runs his tongue over the seam of my lips, prodding and teasing until I open for him with a moan. I slide my arms around his neck as his tongue licks into my mouth, sending a bolt of electricity arcing through my stomach and beyond.
"Sweet. You taste so fucking sweet. Knew you would," Lucas rumbles into my mouth before diving back in again.
My body hums with desire, my nipples tight, moisture pooling between my thighs. Every cell in my body ignites, the flames fanned by his tongue and teeth as he ravishes my mouth like a starving man.
I have nothing to compare this to, but I'm certain this isn't normal. The hunger throbbing between us is all-encompassing.
Lucas groans, his hands cupping my head and angling it so he can kiss me deeper. I hold on for dear life, my body pressed against his from chest to thigh, his thick erection digging into my stomach.
When he finally breaks the kiss, we're both breathing heavily.
"I don't think sexual compatibility is an issue," I whisper to lighten the tension thickening the air around us.
Lucas chuckles and rests his forehead against mine. "Knew it before I even kissed you, my little runaway."
My little runaway.
Yeah, I've run straight into Lucas's arms, and I don't regret it one bit.
I lick my swollen lips. "So, uh, when do you want to tie the knot?"
“We can go today.”
I move away from his intoxicating presence, needing to think clearly. My mind races with the enormity of what I'm about to do. But I know deep down that this is my chance for freedom, my chance to escape the clutches of my oppressive father. The irony of my situation isn't lost on me—that marrying a man I met three days ago gains me my freedom. But Lucas isn't just any man. He's my miracle.
Gathering my courage, I look at Lucas and nod. “Yes,” I say with conviction. “Today.”
