What really mattered was Oliver and Ashraf.
‘Victoria? You’re miles away.’
Ashraf curled an arm around her waist, securing her against him, and everything inside her rejoiced.Thiswas where she wanted to be.
She licked her bottom lip and saw his eyes zero in on the movement. Heat drenched her. But as well as physical need she recognised now the deeper sense of contentment that swelled her heart.
Life in Za’daq would have challenges. Life with Ashraf would be a learning experience. But love couldn’t be denied. She’d made up her mind.
‘I’ve come to a decision.’
Ashraf’s grip tightened, his brows furrowing. ‘Don’t let one bigoted man—’
‘Shh...’ She reached up on tiptoe and silenced him, this time with her lips. How she’d longed for his kiss!
He gathered her in with both arms and would have deepened the kiss but Tori leaned back just enough to speak. She felt secure in his embrace—not because she needed protection or looking after but because Ashraf made her feel as no other man had. Because she loved him.
‘If the offer is still open, I’ll marry you.’
For a moment she thought he hadn’t heard. Or that she hadn’t said it aloud, just thought the words. He looked down at her, his expression unreadable.
Then, to her amazement, he dropped to his knee. Her hands were in his and he kissed first one and then the other. Not in passion but with a deliberate reverence and a formal courtesy that belonged in a world of warrior knights and beautiful maidens.
‘You have my word, Victoria, that you won’t regret this.’ His voice made it a solemn vow. ‘I will do all in my power to make you happy. To support you, honour you and care for you. And our family.’
His words sent a flurry of emotion through her.
Care. That was good. More than good when combined with the rest of his promise.
Tori shut down the querulous inner voice that said care wasn’t love. That the chances of Ashraf ever loving her were slim, given how he’d grown up unloved. The fact that he loved Oliver was enough for now. It had to be. And maybe, just maybe, over time—
Her thoughts stopped as Ashraf surged to his feet. That sombre expression had vanished, replaced by a smile so brilliant it undid something inside her.
‘Thank you, Tori.’
Then, before she realised what he was about, Ashraf swooped low, scooping her up in his arms, swirling her around and striding across the room.
She laughed. ‘Where are we going?’
As if she didn’t have a fair idea.
‘To bed. To show you how good our marriage will be.’
Because he was afraid she’d change her mind? No. She’d decided. She wouldn’t expect the impossible. Tori would accept what was offered and make the most of it.
She didn’t believe in fairy tales.