Page 99 of A Devious Arrangement
Stasia rotates her wrists, examining my work. I’m just quick enough to catch her weight as her knees give out, and she collapses into me.
We stay like that, me humming softly in her ear, her arms wrapped around my waist, until the pads of our fingers prune.
I kiss her forehead where she’s burrowed her face between my ribs, murmuring, “Time to get out, Princess.”
Tilting her head back with wide eyes, she takes several breaths before she gives me the sweetest smile. “Okay.”
My worries melt and burst like fireworks as her grin grows. The fire returning to her gaze burns through me.
“Thank God.” I sigh, turning off the shower. I lift her from under her knees, maneuvering us out before gingerly lowering her feet to the thick bath mat. Goose bumps cover her neck, and I wrap her in the fluffy white bathrobe provided by the hotel. My fingers struggle to release her, not quite ready to let her when she breaks away and twists her hair on top of her head with a towel. She looks ridiculous but cute.
It’s not until Stasia is completely dry that I remove my own wet clothes. They suction to my skin, making every inch hard to get off. I’m left hopping on one foot to free my other when Stasia’s giggle fills the room.
My gaze snaps to her. She’s standing there, covering her mouth, but the crinkles near her eyes give away her smile.
I kick off the remainder of my pants and crowd her, burying my face into the crook of her neck, and snarl, “You think that’s funny, do you?”
She squeals when I press my fingers into her sides, tickling her as she attempts to squirm free.
“Stop!” Her voice breaks with laughter.
“Not until you tell me you love me.”
“I—” She gasps and twists like she’s being tortured. “I love you.”
“And you’ll marry me?” I pause, waiting for her answer.
“I already said yes.” Her tone is pure sass.
I resume my torment. “Say it again. Tell me you’ll marry me. Tell me you’re mine.”
“I want to marry you!” she screams.
I flatten my palms over her ribs, soothing the spot I tormented. “And?”
Glimmering blue fills my vision, and my lungs freeze as I wait.
“I’m yours.”
“Finally.” I kiss her ring, enjoying how good it looks on her, and smirk at her squeals as I throw her over my shoulder.
“Sebastian Everette. Put me down.”
“Not until we get you dressed. Can’t have Damon seeing you like this.” I walk into the bedroom and grumble under my breath. “I don’t think Misty would forgive me for gouging out his eyes.”
“What was that?”
“Oh? Nothing.” I set her on her feet and search through the small bag she packed. “You didn’t bring a dress, by any chance?”
Her mouth opens as she stares at me, completely stunned. “Why would I need a dress, Sebastian?” She drags out each syllable.
“There you go, using my full name, Princess. You have no idea what that does to me.”
Her mouth snaps shut, but she raises a brow, clearly relaying her command to answer the question.
I shrug, knowing it’ll drive her insane. Stirring her up is one of my favorite pastimes, and I can’t wait to do it for the rest of our lives. “We’re getting married.”
She chokes. “Wait. Do you mean now?”
