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CHAPTER19
Ryan
This is a crazy plan, but if it stops Aurelia from being forced into a marriage against her will, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to keep her protected from her mother’s machinations.
I love her. Marriage will just cement things for us, bring us closer. She’s it for me. Marry her now, marry her in a year’s time—there’s no difference. I’ll still marry her.
Zeke and Luke pull Kane off to one side to explain to him the plan as Elena comes to us. Sariah makes space for her on the chair next to her.
“What’s going on?” she asks. “Kane said you were attacked, but that’s all he knew.”
“Charlotte came for her,” Sariah says.
Elena grimaces. “She’s a persistent bitch.” She glances at me. “You don’t look so good.”
“I’m okay,” I say. I do feel a lot more with it now, though I have a hell of a headache.
“They are not fucking getting married!” Kane roars. Zeke places a hand on his chest, as if trying to stop him from tearing over to me and ripping my head off.
Aurelia leans closer into me, tension rolling through her. I kiss her hair, needing her to know she’s safe and that nothing is going to happen to either of us—not while I’m still breathing.
“Who’s getting married?” Elena asks.
“Ryan asked Aurelia,” Sariah explains, leaning slightly forward in her chair. Her blonde hair is loose around her shoulders. “It hasn’t gone down well.”
Elena shifts her gaze between us, a frown appearing between her eyes. “I can see why you’d think it’s a solution, but marriage? Are you guys sure?”
“Yes,” is the only thing I say. I’m tired of explaining my motives over and over.
“Are you sure?” Aurelia asks me. “It’s a huge step. We’re still getting to know each other.”
I trail my fingers over her cheek. “Do you think your feelings for me will change in a week’s time?”
“No, of course not.”
“What about a month?”
“No.”
“Six months?”
“Ryan…”
“The way I feel about you is not going to go away. My life finally started when you stepped into my world.” I ignore the noises made by Elena and Sariah at my words. I focus solely on the woman in front of me. “This isn’t what I would have wanted for us. I would have liked you to have the grand affair, the flowers, bridesmaids, the big party.”
“I don’t need those things.” She trails her fingers over my face. “I’ve spent my entire life going to dumb parties. I’ve hated every single one.”
I kiss her, needing to feel her against me, needing to claim her in this moment. I don’t give a fuck that her brothers are standing feet from us. My world narrows to her and her alone. I press my mouth to hers, tasting her. Her lips are soft and receptive. She kisses me back, giving me everything she has in that one gesture. I feel all her love, all her desire, all her need.
When we break apart, I collar the back of her neck and pull her against my chest. “I fucking love you,” I tell her.
“I love you,” she says.
“So let me take care of you. Let me marry you.”
“You are onboard with this shit?” Kane’s voice breaks us apart. Aurelia stiffens, ready to stand between us, but Kane seems level—for now.
“Yes.”
