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She blinks rapidly, processing this information. “But...why? Why would you do that for me? You’ll put yourself in danger.”
I turn and cup her cheeks in my hands, brushing away a stray tear with my thumb. “Why do you think, Amelia? I’ll do anything for you. Ask…and I’ll crawl for you. I’ll kneel for you.”
Amelia leans into my touch, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opens them again, a single tear trickles down her cheek, but there’s a flicker of hope in her gaze.
“What happens now?” she whispers.
“Now,” I say, standing up and offering her my hand, “we go home. Together. And we face whatever comes next as a couple.”
“A couple?”
I can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. The lengths I’m willing to go to for this woman. But as I look into Amelia’s eyes, I know it’s all worth it.
“A couple,” I confirm. “If that’s what you want. I know you doubt me every time I say you’re mine, but you are Amelia. And Giovanni Vincenzo will not get anywhere near what is mine.”
Amelia’s lips part in surprise, her eyes searching mine. “West, I...I don’t know what to say.”
I help her to her feet, keeping her hand in mine. “You don’t have to say anything,” I tell her. “Just come home with me. Let me keep you safe.”
She bites her lip, hesitating for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”
As we walk back along the beach, Amelia’s grip on my hand tightens. “I can’t believe you came here for me,” she whispers. “It’s not...it’s not a transaction anymore, is it?”
“A transaction?” I stop and turn to face her as the setting sun casts a warm glow on her face, highlighting the vulnerability inher eyes. “No, Amelia. I promise you, this is real. You’re real to me.”
She takes a shaky breath, her eyes glistening. “I’ve never had anyone put me first like this before.”
I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. “Get used to it, princess. Because from now on, you’re my priority.”
“I am?”
“You told me once you needed a lifetime of being looked after, not a year.” I recite the words she told me when we agreed on the fake fiancée deal. The words I could never forget. “And Amelia, I’m honored to be the one who gives you that.”
Chapter 26
West
As I open the car door for Amelia, Jackson remains stoic by the vehicle, dressed head to toe in black, and with an expression that is unreadable.
“Hello, Jackson,” Amelia says as she gets into the backseat.
“Welcome back, Miss Amelia.”
As I settle in beside her, she leans close, whispering, “He looks like he could be mafia himself.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “That’s the idea. But trust me, he’s on our side.”
The drive to the airport is quiet, tension thrumming beneath the surface. Amelia’s hand finds mine, her grip tight.
I give her a reassuring squeeze.
After we board my private jet and leave the coastline behind, I watch Amelia stare out the window for some time.
“Are you okay?” I ask, reaching across to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
She turns to me, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, I think so. It’s just a lot to process.”
I nod, understanding. “We’ll figure it out together. Now why don’t you take a nap?”