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17
Flore
The mad man’s gaze slides to me, a slow, predatory smile curving his lips. “Perhaps I’ll take you instead. I wonder how long it’ll take to break that fiery spirit of yours.”
Revulsion crawls over my skin at his words. I stiffen, clutching Ben’s arm. He pulls me behind him, a low growl rumbling in his chest.
“You touch her, and I’ll rip your fucking heart out,” Ben says.
The psycho laughs. “Big words. Let’s see if you can back them up.”
He reaches inside his jacket in a flash of movement. Ben shoves me aside as a shot rings out, pushing me out of the line of fire. I tumble to the ground, scrambling behind a nearby planter for cover.
More shots echo through the gardens. I peer around the edge of the planter, trying to spot Ben amid the chaos. He darts behind a tree, drawing his own weapon to return fire.
The guy takes cover behind a marble statue, reloading his gun. Fear and anger war inside me, worry for Ben’s safety warring with the need to end this threat.
I look around for anything I can use as a weapon, spying a large rock by my knee. I grab it, waiting for an opening, and hurl it at the cray man.
It strikes him in the head, staggering him. He whirls with a snarl, raising his gun—
A single shot rings out. The man’s eyes widen, a dark hole appearing in his forehead. He crumples to the ground, unmoving.
I slump against the planter in relief as Ben strides over, tucking his gun away. He hauls me to my feet, crushing me against him.
“Don’t you ever do something so reckless again,” he growls.
“I had to do something,” I protest. “He was going to hurt you.”
Ben cups my face, gaze intense. “You’re mine to protect, understand? I can’t do that if you’re putting yourself in danger.”
“I can take care of myself,” I say.
“I know you can. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop keeping you safe.” He kisses me fiercely. “You’re stuck with me, Flore. No getting rid of me now.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
After all we’ve faced to get here, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ben scoops me into his arms, carrying me off into the night. I nestle against his chest, content in his embrace.
* * *
Ben kisses me like he’s starving for the taste of me, like we have all the time in the world and he intends to spend it worshiping my body with his hands and mouth. I melt into the mattress, my fingers tangling in his hair. We’re cocooned in our own little world here, nothing existing but the two of us and the love we have for each other.
When he lifts his head at last, his eyes are soft with emotion. “You’re my heart, Flore. My everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I cup his cheek, overwhelmed by the depth of feeling in his words. In his voice, his gaze. “You’ll never have to find out,” I promise. “I’m not going anywhere, Ben. You’re stuck with me.”
A slow smile curves his mouth. “Best news I’ve had all day.” He presses a swift kiss to my lips, then another. “Marry me.”
My heart stutters, then kicks into a gallop. “What?”
“Marry me.” He brushes a lock of hair from my face, his touch tender. “We almost died yesterday. I don’t want to waste another moment that isn’t yours. That isn’t ours.”
Joy and love surge through me in a wave, stealing my breath. I gaze up at him, this man who holds my heart, my soul, and knows me better than I know myself. The man I want to share all my tomorrows with.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
