“What about other people?”
“Fuck them all.” I press a kiss to her lips. “Only I matter, and I love every inch of you.”
Once the words are out, we both freeze. Lara’s eyes widen on mine, her lips parting.
Your timing fucking sucks, Gabriel.
Letting out a chuckle, I pull back. “Well, that’s out in the open.”
With total disbelief, Lara asks, “You love me?”
Do I?
I search my heart and can only find one answer. “Yes.”
For a man who doesn’t like expressing his emotions, I’ve said those words twice in one night.
And I meant them both times.
Chapter 37
Lara
I’m starting to wonder if I died when I got shot, and this is heaven because it’s all too good to be true.
Staring at Gabriel, his love declaration wraps around me like steel armor. It gives me a sense of confidence I’ve never had before.
It fills my heart like it’s never been filled before.
The prince loves a maid.
Slowly my lips curve up. I lift my chin and pull my shoulders back, the love he is giving me flooding every inch of my being.
Ten years I went without hearing those words.
For ten years, I lived in absolute horror.
But that’s my past, and before me stands my future.
“You love me,” I breathe. The impact of this astonishing moment hits me so hard, tears instantly fill my eyes.
Gabriel presses a soft kiss to my trembling lips. “Yes, I love you.”
He wraps me in his arms and holds me while I process the meaning of his words.
I am his, and he is mine.
Gabriel belongs to me.
Pulling back, he tilts his head, his eyes inspecting every inch of my face. “Feeling better?”
I nod, and not sure what I should say or do because I’m still too overwhelmed, I murmur, “I need to fix my makeup before the party can continue.”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Good girl. I’ll gather the family while you freshen up.”
I hesitate to turn my back on him, so I can walk to the door, and Gabriel immediately notices. “Go, Lara. Let me finally see that sexy ass of yours in the dress.”
A smile trembles around my mouth as I slowly walk away from him.
“Jesus, what the fuck was I thinking buying you that dress?” he mutters incredulously. “You’ll only wear it for me.”
His words boost my confidence, and I lift my chin. I even dare to wiggle my butt.
“You’re brave, Ödülüm. I have no problem fucking you right on this floor.”
I let out a chuckle as I glance over my shoulder, and blowing Gabriel a kiss, I slip out the door.
I’m instantly met with Nisa and Alya Hanim’s worried faces.
Nisa darts forward, covering me with the shawl. “My Lara, are you okay?”
Alya Hanim hooks her arm through mine, patting my hand. “Don’t worry about the party.”
They keep fussing over me, and I don’t get a word in. I’m ushered into my bedroom and only then manage to pull away.
“I’m okay.” When the women I’ve grown to love just stare at me, I repeat, “I’m really okay. The party will continue. I just need to freshen up my makeup.”
“Allah Allah, if Lara says the party continues, then it continues.” Nisa shoves me down in a chair and starts to fix my makeup.
Alya Hanim sinks down in the other armchair, letting out a tired breath. “I’m getting too old for parties.”
I reach across and take hold of her hand. “I haven’t given you your gift yet.”
She pats my hand. “I can’t wait to see it.”
“Sit still,” Nisa chastises me. “I almost drew a line of mascara over your face.”
When I don’t look like a clown anymore, I finally get to stand up. I shrug the shawl off, saying, “Thank you for lending it to me, but I no longer need it.”
A proud smile spreads over Nisa’s face, then she nods and throws the fabric on my bed. “Let’s dance.” She does a little two-step as she walks to the door, making Alya Hanim and I laugh.
When we walk back into the entertainment hall, music is playing. Gabriel is standing with Emre, Murat, and the other guards. There’s no sign of Gabriel’s Aunt and cousins.
“I hope the three of you are ready to dance the night away,” Emre teases.
Before Gabriel can take a step in my direction, Emre swoops me into his arms and spins me away from everyone.
“You want to die tonight,” Gabriel calls after us.
Laughter breaks out around us, but I’m too focused on not tripping over my feet. It’s not the same as dancing with Gabriel, and I keep looking down.
Emre steers us in a wide circle, and when we’re about to pass the group, Gabriel’s arm wraps around my waist, and I’m tugged away from Emre.
“Mine,” he growls playfully before pressing a kiss beneath my ear.
Emre wags his eyebrows at Nisa. “Come on, gorgeous, let me take you for a spin.”