He’d moved the heavy fall of her hair aside so he could press kisses behind her ear. She shuddered in delight, tipping her head to give him greater access. ‘Yes, I think perhaps you might.’
A ripple of tension left his body. He hadn’t been sure of her answer, then.
‘You look practically edible in this dress,’ he murmured against her skin.
It was the one she’d tried that day at the store. She’d requested it be sent from the palace. Along with one or two other items.
‘How am I going to keep my hands off you?’
Before she could ask why he saw the need to, he tipped her face up to his with his fingertips.
‘But I’ll allow myself this,’ he said, slanting his mouth across hers in a kiss so filled with the promise of everything to come that Lily swooned against him.
The next instant he lifted his head. The Sister had entered, with a hospital porter pushing a wheelchair.
Lily frowned at it. ‘I don’t need that. I’m perfectly capable of walking.’
‘Your Highness, Miss Marchant is still recovering, and under no circumstances should she walk out of the hospital.’
‘For once, madam, you and I agree,’ he said, and swept Lily up in his arms.
She squeaked in protest.
‘I know. You can take care of yourself,’ Khaled said as he bore her away. ‘But will you please learn to accept my help sometimes, woman?’
‘Yes,’ she said, smiling. ‘I will.’ And she reached out a hand to trail it through the black silk of his hair. How she loved his hair, and the joy of being able to touch him.
He stepped into the lift. ‘I’ve heard you say yes to me several times this morning, and I think I know what you’re really saying.’
She gazed beatifically up at him,
‘Don’t distract me,’ he scolded, ‘I have something more to say. My parents and sisters are waiting at home for you. And Nate, too. The press, inevitably, are waiting outside. But I want you to know you can still say no. I’ve put you through so much. I’m asking you to give up so much. Are you sure I’m what you want?’ he asked.
He was looking so uncertain she took his face tenderly in her hands, wanting to banish all his fears. She’d fight dragons for this man.
‘You may be a grumpy workaholic, and in my experience far too bossy and autocratic...’ His expression clouded over. ‘But I’m yours,’ she added quickly. ‘I’ve been yours since the very first moment I saw you in my stepfather’s library. I knew it then. I’ve always known it. I’m in love with you and I will be to my last breath. So, yes, I couldn’t be more sure.’
They’d arrived at the foyer. As he crossed to the exit his expression softened. The anxiety faded and the most delicious crinkles formed at the corners of his eyes. Another step and the doors to the entrance were swept wide, revealing them at last to the banks of photographers and waiting news crews.
And as the massed cameras went crazy, suddenly there it was. More dazzling, more breathtaking than any photograph. Because the whole force of it was focused on her alone.
A smile.
The smile.
Hissmile.
Oh, wow. She’d happily devote entire weeks of her life trying to coax that from him again.
He halted on the steps.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to officially present Miss Lily Marchant.’ His smile widened as he gazed down at her. ‘Who has just done me the great honour of consenting to be my wife.’
Bombarded with congratulations and questions, Lily obliged the cameras and reporters with a few waves and smiles of her own until they were moved back by Rais and his team and Khaled, still beaming, strode through it all, carrying his precious burden to the waiting limo.
‘Well, that was an experience.’ Lily laughed, as the car pulled away.
‘Are you okay?’