Page 39 of His to Bedevil

“Because I might have something you want.”

“And what would that be, my love?” I quirk an eyebrow.

“Sex.”

Both my eyebrows arch. “You’re saying you’ll exchange sex for what exactly?”

“For his life. And I mean keeping him alive, not only half alive. Healthy and breathing.”

I smile and consider it because it’s tempting. Sleeping with her in my arms every night, her small body pressed against mine, it’s become physically painful. But that’s not what I want from her. I want her fully willing and practically begging for me. “No.”

Her face goes from tense to angry, as if the simple word is a complete affront to her. “No?” She’s genuinely offended that I rejected her offer.

“When I have you”—I slide a hand over her cheek and into her hair, cupping the back of her head—“you’ll be ready and willing.”

“I just said I would be willing—”

This time I cut her off. “You’ll want me just as badly as I want you, my love.”

She swallows and wets her lip. My eyes follow the movement of her tongue, and I instantly harden in my pants. I was already halfway there just from her presence alone, but now it’s become a constant ache. “That won’t ever happen.” Her words are probably meant to be harsh, but they come out as a timid whisper. As if she doesn’t truly believe them herself.

“With time, I believe it will. But there is something else I want. Something you can give me.”

“To ensure Matches’s safety?” I nod. “What?”

I’ve been slowly leaning in, naturally drawn to her. My face is mere inches away from hers now. Her eyes are dilated, and she’s breathing heavier than a few seconds ago. “I want you to marry me,mi amor.”

Her eyes blink rapidly, and she seems to mentally shake herself. “You what?” She rears back, eyes wide.

“I want you to marry me,” I repeat.

She licks her lips again, and her chest is still heaving. “So, let me get this straight. In exchange for his life, you want me to marry you.” I nod. “Why?”

I grin. “I told you I want everything, my love.” I want it all, and I want it all from her.

“Why me?” she asks in bewilderment. “You could have anyone.”

I continue to grin at her, and my other hand mirrors the one already cupping her head. “I’m drawn to you,mi amor. There’s some kind of pull that is connected to my chest. You make me feel more human. Reminding me that there is more to life than running this empire my father left me with too soon.”

Familia.

She sits there stunned, unmoving. Before she can say another word, I meld my lips with hers. At first, she’s hesitant and doesn’t kiss me back. But after I coax her lips open with mine and sweep my tongue inside, she melts in my hands and her lips begin to move in tandem with mine. At first timidly, following my lead. Then she obliges when I deepen it, meeting me thrust for thrust with her tongue. It’s what I imagine our first time having sex would be like. She would pretend to be unsure, having an internal battle with her pride. But then she’ll soften in my arms and lose herself in the passion that we both share.

I pull back from the kiss and look into her eyes when she finally peels her lids open. “Is that a yes,mi amor?”

She blinks away the daze. “I need some time to think about it,” she says quietly.

“Okay,mi pequita.” I kiss her forehead and stand to my feet. “I will see you for dinner. Do you need anything before I go?”

She seems a bit disoriented as she shakes her head. Taking her chin with my fingers, I tilt her head up to admire her face for another moment. Something to help me get through the rest of the day without seeing her.

I need to get back to work so I can join my fiancée for dinner, but I need to talk to my mother first.

I find her in the kitchen with Juanita, sitting at the table sipping on a latte. “Alejo.” She beams.

Stopping on the other side of the table so I can face her, I shove my hands in my pockets. “Why was she crying?” I ask.

She sets her cup down and frowns. “Now,mijo, what sweet Irma and I discussed is none of your business. It was private.”