“Please, don’t,” I said softly before his rage could take hold again. “I need you at home with me, not in prison. Let’s go.”
He managed a stiff nod and started hustling me away from the shop, toward where we’d parked our car. He shielded me with his bulky frame until he crowded me into the passenger seat, buckling me in himself. His touch lingered on my body, as though he didn’t want to break contact.
“I’m okay,” I promised again, cupping his cheek to call his attention to me.
He flinched from my touch, and rejection stung my heart. I breathed through the discomfort, telling myself that Sebastián was especially volatile at the moment. I didn’t fear that he would hurt me, but my husband was in a mercurial mood; he was still enraged on my behalf, because he wanted to protect me.
That knowledge helped mitigate the worry that gnawed at my stomach as we drove home in tense silence. My fingers knotted in my lap.
Maybe he was angry with me. The last time Morales had spoken to me, Sebastián had belted me.
“I told him to leave me alone,” I blurted when he pulled up to the house. I didn’t think my heart could bear it if he punished me now. Not because I feared a beating, but because I didn’t want him to think I’d betrayed him. “I didn’t say anything, Sebastián. I would never do anything to endanger you.”
He released a shaky sigh. “I believe you, nenita,” he promised.
I sagged beneath the weight of my relief, sinking into the leather seat. By the time I gathered the strength to move, he was already at my door, offering me his hand. My eyes stung with gratitude as I took it. Sebastián would always support me. This fierce, dangerous man was all mine, and that ferocity would be turned on anyone who dared to lay a hand on me.
He led me into the house, pausing in the foyer.
“I got something for you,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Warmth swept through me, and I closed my eyes in contentment. We were home. We were both safe.
I opened my eyes, and shock rendered me speechless. Sebastián was on one knee before me, a small, black velvet box nestled in his huge hand. He opened it to reveal a sparkling princess cut diamond set in platinum.
“I never got you an engagement ring,” he rumbled, taking my left hand in his.
Joy bubbled up from my chest in a delighted giggle as he slid the ring on my finger without asking. “I think I have to say yes.” We were already married, after all.
His onyx eyes pierced my soul, and my laughter faded away. His deep voice was low and serious. “I want you to say yes.”
My heart squeezed. “I do,” I vowed. “I do want to say yes to you, Sebastián. I want to be married to you. I…”
I stopped myself before I could say the three words that were burning in my chest. It was too much to admit that I was falling in love with my husband. I knew he cared for me, but I could never expect a hard man like Sebastián to be capable of such tender feelings. Loving him made me feel deeply vulnerable, and he wasn’t the type of man to tolerate such vulnerability within himself.
What we had was enough. More than enough.
“Thank you,” I whispered, a joyful tear spilling over my cheek.
He stood and gently brushed the wetness away. “I’m glad you like the ring,” he said gruffly.
I clasped it over my heart. “I love it.” It was as bright and brilliant as my feelings for him. If I couldn’t put them into words, I could at least see them reflected back at me every day, and I would know that he’d offered me this ring. He’d wanted to make this promise to me: we would share a life together.
I couldn’t tell him what I felt, but I would show him how desperately I wanted to be his. Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I tugged him toward me for a fierce kiss. He growled against my mouth, and his fingers twined in my hair. He tipped my head back to kiss me more deeply, taking control. I ceded to him on a sigh, giving him everything he desired.
His cock stiffened against my hip, his own need rising to match mine. Fire ignited in my blood, coursing through me and heating my entire body. I breathed in his masculine scent, allowing it to enfold me as I kissed him in a frenzy. His caresses turned rougher, and I melted beneath his firm hands.
“Take me,” I begged against his lips. “I need you, Sebastián.”
Just like he’d done last night, he bent and lifted me over his shoulder. A thrill raced through me when he started striding toward his bedroom. My core fluttered, and my sex grew wet with desire for him. I loved when he carried me in his strong arms like this. I felt safe, knowing that this mountain of a man would always protect me.