Page 160 of Sinful Lord

Roz and Gabriel share a long glance as they silently contemplate my plea.

“And then what?” Roz finally asks, turning back to face me. “Even if Mel has feelings for you, Rian doesn’t. He’s not going to just forgive what you’ve done…”

But Roz’s warning falls on deaf ears. All I hear is what she said about Melina.

Even if Mel has feelings for you.

“The email,” I beg. “What did it say?” I need to know. “Roz, please…”

She bites down on her tongue.

“It… well, It sounds to me like Melina might be in love.”

Just like that, all of my pain evaporates. All of my doubt vanishes. All of my dread lifts.

I knew it.

I fucking knew it!

Still, the confirmation is almost more than my body can handle. I want to fucking jump for joy. Instead, I nearly fall to my knees again.

Luckily, Roz and Gabriel are there to catch me.

“I… I’m in love with her,” I quietly admit. “I have been ever since we crashed Rian’s coronation. I should have told you sooner.”

“I know what it’s like to hide your feelings for the enemy,” Roz chuckles, patting me on the shoulder.

“So do I,” Gabriel wryly adds.

Forcing my chin up, I push myself off them and try to stand on my own two feet. It takes a second, but when I manage it, I know that nothing can stop me from taking that next step.

“So, we’re going with them?” I nod in the direction of the door.

“Rian won’t like it,” Roz mumbles.

“Since when have you ever let a man tell you what to do?” I weakly tease, coughing blood along the way.

“Since that handsome-ass man put this ring on my finger—you know, the man who just handed you your ass?

Roz lifts her hand again.

“That’s still so weird to see,” Gabriel huffs.

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. It’s just symbolic. I probably won’t wear it all the time.”

“All engagement rings are symbolic,” I note.

“Shut up.”

With a little giggle, Roz spins out from under my arm. It’s almost enough to send me to the floor. But somehow, I manage to stay upright without her support.

“It… It’s nice to see you two again,” I nod, swallowing my pride.

“It’s been a while,” Gabriel agrees.

“Hey, you started this whole falling-for-our-enemies business,” Roz nudges him.

“Would you have preferred it if I didn’t?”