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He twists out of my grip and deposits the tray back on the edge of the pool. “You’re not, though. Mihal, Tallis… They want you dead because of me. Maybe… maybe you should take Cress up on her offer and remain with her pack.”

“No.”

“They’ll keep you safe.”

“No,” I say, harsher this time.

“It’ll be for the best⁠—”

I clamp my hand across his mouth. Stubborn, brooding male.

“You told me the night we nearly ran away together that I’m free to make my own choices,” I remind him. “So, this is me making my own godsdamned choice. I will not leave you. Not now. Not ever. We are stronger together, safer together, and I did not spurn Death herself for you to walk away from me. I choose you, now and every life hereafter.”

He mumbles something against my hand, and I release him long enough for him to repeat it. “But why? Why are you choosing me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” I ask, grinning. “Because you are mine, and I love you.”

I kiss him before he can attempt to argue his way out of my proclamation.

The tension twining throughout him dissipates like the steam curling lazily from the baths. His arms snake around me, pulling me flush against him. It’s an indulgent kiss, and I’m lost in the taste of him, in the feel of his toned body enveloping mine.

He’s kissing my cheeks, the tip of my nose, my forehead. Joy twinkles in his eyes. It curves his lips into a bone-melting smile. It softens the edges of his beautiful face into what could only be love given flesh. There isn’t a single artist, living or dead, who could paint him and capture everything he is in this moment.

He brushes his nose against mine, lowering his forehead until it’s resting against my own. “My love for you is as endless and everlasting as the dark and as incandescent and eternal as the stars, Rory. I choose you now and every life hereafter.”

“Quite a few pretty words when you could’ve just said three,” I tease.

He laughs. “Which three would you like to hear, milady?”

“I’m sure the future Vampire King of Norica can figure it out.”

“It’s vampire supreme.”

“Not the three words I’m looking for.”

He takes my earlobe between his teeth. “I choose you.”

“Warmer.”

Another nibble against my neck. “You are mine.”

“Hotter.”

His lips drag against my collarbone. “Oh, I see.”

I narrow my eyes at the ceiling. “Ice cold. Very incorrect.”

He tilts my face toward his, angling his mouth so his lips barely brush mine.

“I love you.”

I’m smiling against his lips as he kisses me. I replay those three words over and over throughout my mind until they’re a phantom heartbeat thundering within my chest: I love you I love you I love you.

His teeth nip at my bottom lip, drag along my skin.

Reaching between us, I take his length in my hand and pump. He’s thick and ready, and gods, my core is molten, desperate for him to fill me. He groans against my neck, fangs skating across my sensitive skin. Angling the tip of his cock to my entrance, he thrusts inside me in one delicious pump, straight to the hilt. His hands tighten on my thighs as I moan his name into the sacred space between us.

My fangs lengthen. He eyes them, a smirk curving across his mouth. “Do as you please.”