Page 88 of Weaponized
It’s one word, but he whispers it in that baritone voice with so much feeling.
I feel my core quicken and I grip him tightly, pulling his weight completely on top of me. “Forever, baby,” I promise as I come undone.
Luca
Cormac O’Toole’s funeral was a grand affair. His severed head had eventually been sent to Rowan at their family home on Christmas Day. Given that Seamus’s beaten body was found outside one of their bars only the day before, Rowan claimed he feared the worst, so he wouldn’t allow his sisters or mother to be near as he tore open the gift-wrapped package in front of a group of his father’s men. The only clue as to what happened was a burnt piece of paper that had been stuffed in Cormac’s mouth. Something written in Russian. Rowan was lucky to have found it. Cormac’s only son promised he would deliver retribution in spades.
My angel had hugged her brother tightly, crying big tears in front of the clansmen as she was told the news. I watched from the shadows. I gritted my teeth as they hugged her with condolences, swearing their allegiance to her brother and their family. I don’t know if I’ll ever like seeing another man touch her without my temperature spiking. Yet, I managed to keep my place out of sight.
I also still hate to see her cry, but what they didn’t know is that it was my Christmas present that started the flow of tears earlier that day. I had given her a package with an MCAT study guide, a certificate for personal tutoring sessions, and a copy of her completed registration to take the medical school entry test in the spring. She told me later that when Rowan called her into that room, she couldn’t help crying again because she knew her dreams could finally come true.
Gráinne spent the week after Christmas tied up with all of the funeral arrangements. I didn’t want her anywhere near that shit show but understood the need, even if I hated spending time away from her. My family paid its condolences, together, at an Irish pub that had been closed to celebrate Cormac’s life following the burial. Even standing in a sea of black, my angel stood out. It was a little uncomfortable, bringing the clan and the Family together, but it was a start.
Now, Gráinne and I are together to celebrate our first New Year’s Eve. She wanted to stay in, just the two of us. I have to confess: There’s nothing I want more. I walk into her living room with a glass of her favorite wine and smile when I see her propped up among all the pillows on her couch. Even in leggings and a sweatshirt, with her face scrubbed free of makeup, she takes my breath away.
“Angel, there is—” I start, but get interrupted.
“I wanted to ask you something,” she says the words in a rush.
“Um, yeah, of course.” I nod as I wedge myself into the little cocoon she’s made for herself on the sofa. I have things I need to discuss with her, but by the serious look on her face, I know this must be important.
“Okay, so,” she says, and takes a gulp of her wine, “you know how you’re here all the time?”
Uh oh. This doesn’t sound like it’s going in a good direction. “Yeah?” I say hesitantly.
“Right. Well, I was thinking about that.” She stops. Collects her thoughts.
Shit. Am I here too much? There is no doubt that I’ve been her shadow since we got back together. It’s my own issue, I know, but I have an unhealthy level of separation anxiety when we’re apart. Shit. This isn’t how I thought this evening would go. I remain silent.
“Right. Well, I was wondering if you might consider moving in with me.” She looks up at me from under her lashes. Her cheeks are a bit pink. I exhale all of my tension. I’m still counting my blessings when she continues, “I mean, I know that’s not how it’s usually done within our families. But, I really like it when you’re here, Luca. And I just—I feel safer when you are. And, I hate it when you leave. I miss you too much, and—” She stops. Breathes. “I’m rambling, aren’t I?”
I can’t help the grin that spreads over my face.
“Do you think I’m silly?” she asks bashfully.
“I think you’re perfect,” I tell her. “So, you miss me, huh?” I tease.
She giggles. “That’s all you heard me say, you big jerk?” She shoves at my shoulder and I laugh.
“Well, I mean, yeah. That, and did you say you can’tstandto be away from me? That you love meso muchthat you can’t get by without me? That you can’t even function when I’m not in the room?” I’m not sure I’ve ever smiled this wide.
“I didnotsay that!” she huffs. “You are truly a pain in the ass, Luca Larozzi.” Despite her words, she’s smiling back at me.
“Yep, no doubt,” I tell her. “But, I’m your pain in the ass.” I grab her calf and squeeze.
“True enough,” she grins.
“Actually, I am speaking for myself, Angel. I can’t stand to be away from you, and I love you so much that I can’t get by without you. Hell, I barely function when you’re not around,” I tell her with a smile.
Her eyes sparkle. “Good.”
I chuckle, but then surprise her by climbing off the couch and falling to one knee in front of her. “In fact, I don’t want to ever be without you. When I told you that you were my everything, I meant it. You make my life worth living. You make every day brighter just by being in it. While I will never know what I did to deserve you, I will never let you go.” Her eyes are misting when I reach into my pocket to pull out the ring. “I will work every day to be the man you need, Angel. Will you marry me?”
She swallows convulsively as she looks from my eyes to the brilliant princess-cut diamond in front of her. “Baby,” she gasps and puts her hand over her mouth. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” She leans forward to throw her arms around me and starts peppering my face with kisses. I have to be careful not to drop the box I’m still holding out to her like an offering.
I take my free hand to grasp the nape of her neck and pull her in for a real kiss. When I release her, I take the ring from the box and reach for her left hand. “This was my mother’s. I know she would have loved you,” I tell her gruffly as my clumsy fingers place the ring on her slender one.
She wipes away a tear. “I already know I love her for creating someone as beautiful as you, Luca.”
Damn it. I can feel the emotion clogging my throat. Her blue eyes are lit up with joy, and I exhale at the sight.She said yes.
Every scar, every doubt, every ounce of fear and heartache had been worth it to make her mine. She may be an angel who knows the darkness, but she will always be my light. And, I may be a monster, but I will be the only weapon she will need for the rest of our lives.
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