Page 131 of Deceptive Vows

I’m surprised by that because of who she is.

“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.”

“I didn’t know that.” I wouldn’t know because I never asked and would have never guessed that a Cartel Princess would have such big dreams.

“I didn’t think you’d want to know.”

“I do. You still want to be a doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

Her skin pales with shock. “Really? You’d allow me to do that?”

“Of course.” I almost sound normal. I’m listening to myself, and I know I’m glossing over the important things we should be talking about, but it’s like I want to do anything and everything to make her happy. Anything to make up for the way I stole her life.

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. Talk to me about it, Malyshka.”

She does. She speaks for one hour while I paint her.

My first painting in nearly ten years. I haven’t lost my gift at all.

I capture every aspect I want of her body. Everything my obsession guides me to paint and highlight the expression on her face as she talks about her dreams and the arousal I see in the tight, taut peaks of her nipples.

I capture the glint of the ring on her finger branding her as mine and the way she looks at me.

Even when I’m done, I watch her as she continues talking. This is the longest we’ve ever spoken.

“My God, I’ve just talked non-stop.”

“That’s okay. I’m done now.”

“Can I see it?”

“Come take a look.”

She reaches for her dress and wraps it around her body before she walks toward me.

When she sees what I did, she sucks in a breath and brings a hand to her heart.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe that’s me. That looks amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I do.” She leans forward and kisses me. “I forgot to ask you what your dreams are.”

As I stare back at her, I ask myself the same, and I know the answer.

Reaching for the edge of the dress, I tug it from her body.

“Right now, I just want you. Can I have you?”

“Yes.”

I stand and pick her up, but I don’t carry her back to our room like she thought I was going to do.