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As the church holds its collective breath, I stand there, my hand still outstretched, feeling the enormity of the decision before me.
ChapterForty-Six
Ikneel before her, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for her answer. She's a goddess in front of me, and all I want is to worship at her feet. But instead of giving me an answer, she gets down on her own knees and cups my face in her hands. Her eyes search mine, filled with a mixture of love and uncertainty.
"Como puedo aceptar?" she whispers, her voice trembling. "How can I accept when I know it would drag you back into the criminal world when you've worked so hard to get out of it? I can't do that to you, mi amor."
Her words cut through me, but I know she's only thinking of my well-being. I gently grasp her hands, still cradling my face, and look deep into her eyes.
"Without you," I tell her earnestly, "there is no world, business or otherwise. I would willingly throw myself back into crime and forfeit my entire empire just for one more night with you."
Tears fill her eyes, and she shakes her head, disbelief etched across her face. "I don't understand why you feel that way."
It's my turn to hold her now, to give her the comfort she needs. I wrap my arms around her, feeling her warmth seep into me. "I feel that way because you're the most beautiful, intelligent, and cunning woman I've ever met. The fact that you can't see that means that I want to spend the rest of my life convincing you of it."
Something breaks within her, and she falls into me. I catch her, holding her tightly against my chest as she starts to cry. "I need you," she admits, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Taking over my father's empire was the only way to secure the safety of the city long term, but I'm scared to do it alone. I need your help, but how can I ask that of you when it means committing yourself to a life of crime?"
"I don't care," I say without hesitation. "I'm committing myself to a life with you."
She hesitates for a moment, then continues. "I don't want to turn my family legitimate, not completely. I want to strengthen it in the right way, but that doesn't mean giving up power so that men like Alejandro can pop up - because they will, and I can't allow that. I know my family will always be a target if I don't take charge."
"I understand," I say reassuringly, "and I'm willing to give it all up to be with you and help you."
A smile finally breaks through her tears, and she whispers, "Yes. I'll marry you." Her eyes light up with happiness and relief. "I never thought this would happen."
As I hold Lulu tightly in my arms, I can feel the heat of her body pressed against mine, her chest rising and falling with each breath. The intensity of our connection is palpable, and I can't wait any longer.
"Wait outside," I instruct my men. "Close the doors and stand watch." They nod, lifting Alejandro's lifeless body and carrying him out.
As soon as the doors click shut, I capture Lulu's lips in a passionate kiss, unable to contain the desire that has been building between us. "I can't wait any longer," I murmur against her mouth, my hands roaming over her bare skin. "Will you let me have you again right here?"
She looks into my eyes, her own filled with a mixture of need and determination. "Yes," she breathes, and my heart races at her response.
"Wait here," I tell her, stepping back from her embrace. She looks confused, but I simply smile and call for the priest to return. He enters the room nervously, his eyes darting between the two of us. "I want you to marry us," I announce, watching as his confusion turns to understanding.
"Okay," he agrees hesitantly. Lulu stands, and I offer to help her get dressed, but she shakes her head.
"No," she says firmly. "That dress was bought by Alejandro, and I won't go near it. I'll marry you just like this, and I'm not ashamed or embarrassed of my body."
I grin wickedly at her, squeezing her ass hard as I pull her in for another searing kiss. The priest looks away, clearly uncomfortable. "I love your exhibitionist side," I whisper in her ear, "and I plan to make good use of it when you're my wife."
We stand before the altar, and the priest looks at Lulu incredulously. But there's a fire in her eyes that dares him to comment on her lack of attire. He starts the ceremony, but I interrupt. "Skip to the vows," I demand.
"Very well," he concedes.
The altar before us feels sacred and intimate, the air heavy with tension and anticipation. I take a deep breath and begin to recite my vows, pouring every ounce of my being into each word.
"I offer you my heart, my soul, and my unwavering loyalty," I say, my voice steady, yet thick with emotion. "With every word I speak, I hope to convey the depths of my love for you, and to make amends for the mistakes of the past."
Lulu's eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she listens, her gaze never leaving mine. I can see her vulnerability, her strength, and the love she holds for me in those depths.
"From the moment I first laid eyes on you," I continue, "I was captivated by your spirit, your strength, and the unyielding determination that radiates from your very being."
Her lips curve into a small, proud smile, and I know she feels the sincerity behind my words. This is our moment, a chance to start anew, to build a life together despite the darkness that surrounds us.
"Today, my love, we forge a union not just between two souls, but between two worlds," I say, my resolve unwavering. "With you, my love, by my side, I am confident that together, we will conquer any obstacle that dares to challenge our bond."
As I finish my vows, Lulu takes a deep breath, and it's her turn to share hers. Her voice is soft and resolute, every word laced with a mix of gratitude and devotion.
