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The disappointment comes quicker than I expect, settling deep in my chest. It’s not the end of the world. He’ll be back. But after finally letting myself have him, the thought of waking up without him beside me leaves an ache in its place.

“A few days at most,” he assures me, his fingers tightening around mine. “I wouldn’t leave unless it was necessary.”

I search his face and smile, kissing the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, Prince Cillian, I’m utterly disappointed,” I tease, and he chuckles, flipping me until I’m lying across the blanket, his body conforming to mine.

He rolls his hips, his hardness pressing into me, igniting that dark and needy side of me. His hand skims down between us, tugging up my dress and sliding my panties to the side.

“How shall I ever beg for your forgiveness, Princess Dinara?”

“I can think of a way.” Reaching between us, my palm presses against his cock.

He growls when I stroke him, but it doesn’t last. Ripping my hand away, his mouth descends down my body until he’s throwing a leg over his shoulder, hunger flashing in his eyes.

“So can I.” His gaze meets mine, a finger hooking into my thong and pulling it to the side, exposing me to his greedy stare.

My hand tangles in his soft strands, and then his tongue slices through my core, circling around my clit, until I’m lost to him. Lost to the feelings only he can bring out in me.

And in this moment, as the sun warms our skin and his body worships mine, I realize something undeniable.

I don’t just want this life with him. Ineedit.

CHAPTER48

DINARA

Cillian left hours ago,and somehow, the house feels emptier without him, like he took its heart and soul with him.

I sit on the back deck, nursing my coffee, trying to shake the feeling of loneliness settling over me. Maybe I should visit my siblings and friends tomorrow. The thought of seeing them, of being surrounded by familiar faces, offers a small sense of relief.

With a sigh, I pull out my phone and quickly text Alisa and Natalia, letting them know I’ll be coming over for the day.

Their replies come almost instantly, their excitement mirroring mine. A selfish part of me wishes they could find love close by so we can always be near each other.

As I finish texting Konstantin to let him know about my plans, Mary steps outside.

“Mrs. Quinn?”

For a second, I forget that’s my new name until she repeats it.

“Sorry,” I laugh nervously. “What is it?”

“You have a visitor.”

“Oh?” I sit up straighter. “Who is it?”

“Mr. Quinn.”

I frown. “Who?”

“Sorry, Quinn Senior.” She laughs.

My heart jumps a little. Patrick Quinn ishere? Why?

I set my cup down on the table and immediately stand, a rush of curiosity buzzing through me. I’ve hardly spoken to him, just a few polite words at the wedding. Given the history between our families, I never imagined he'd come to see me.

“He’s waiting in the den,” Mary adds.