Page 84 of Sadistic

We lie in silence, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest.

This is what I imagined all those years—not just the sex, but this.

The after.

The intimacy of skin on skin, breathing synced, guards down.

"I need to tell you something," I say eventually.

"If it's bad news, can it wait? I'm in a post-orgasmic happiness bubble."

"It's good news. I think."

She props herself up on an elbow, looking down at me. "Okay..."

"When I told Dalla about the car earlier, I didn't explain why." I trace her spine, gathering my thoughts. "It's not just about protection. It's about showing you that I understand—she's not just your sister, she's part of you. Where you go, she goes."

"Doran..." Her voice is thick with emotion.

"I've watched you two for years. You're a unit. I'm not just marrying you, I'm accepting that she comes with you. Always." I pull her closer. "That protective anger on her face tonight? That's love. I respect that. I want to earn that from her too, eventually."

"Thank you," she whispers. "For understanding. For not making me choose between you and her."

"You'll never have to choose. Whatever you need, whoever you love, it all comes with you into this marriage."

"Even if what I need is to finish law school? Have my own career?"

"Especially then. I told you—I don't want a prisoner. I want a partner."

"A queen," she corrects, remembering our earlier conversation.

"My queen."

"Possessive bastard."

"Your possessive bastard."

She curls back into my chest, and I hold her close, thinking about how much has changed in just a couple of days.

Nine days until our wedding.

Nine days to convince her that this arranged marriage might be the best thing that ever happened to both of us, and I think I’m off to a good start.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand.

Mikhail's name on the screen means it's important.

"I need to take this," I tell her.

"Okay."

I answer, listening to Mikhail's quick report.

When I hang up, Revna's watching me with knowing eyes.

"Njal?" she asks.

"Someone matching his description was spotted at a gas station in Texas. Heading west, like we thought."