“I love you too, Belle.”
When Mason kissed me again, my head felt like the whole room was spinning. Internally the shy young girl I’d once been was jumping with joy. Mason was inviting me into a world that had always felt out of reach. We were a team now. Man and wife. And soon, we’d have a family together. It was something I’d had secretly dreamed of but never thought possible.
“Who would have thought that my giant protector would become my husband,” I breathed.
Mason caressed my face. “Or that my sweet, doe-eyed artist would agree to be my wife.”
I kissed him and whispered, “I just hope our union hasn’t wreaked too much havoc. I would be sad if there were to be no more summits because of us.”
“Nah, we’re not getting rid of Victor, Holly, and the others that easily. Besides, Thor and I are planning to teach Victor some manners the next time we see him. He needs to apologize to Freya for the hurtful things he said about her.”
“I doubt Freya would want you and her brother to meddle in her affairs. I asked her about it, and she didn’t seem particularly bothered by Victor’s words.”
Mason put an arm around my shoulders and led me to the wine bar. “Of course she’s not bothered. Freya doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her, least of all that arrogant asshole. Still, Thor and I will make sure he learns his lesson.”
“You’re not going to hurt him for real, are you?” I asked with concern.
Mason laughed. “Don’t worry, we won’t leave scars, unless you count scars on his pride.”
“Good. I don’t like violence.”
Mason got us both a glass of red wine and clinked his glass against mine. “Then you’d better hope none of your former delegation members talks shit about you in my presence.” Mason’s smile vanished. “If they’re foolish enough to make even the slightest negative comment, I’ll get seriously pissed.”
“They won’t, Mason. I won’t be at the summit next year. Now that I’ve moved to the Northlands, I can’t represent France. They’ll have to find someone else.”
Mason frowned. “Maybe you could come with me as my wife.”
“No. My due date is September 9th. I can’t travel anywhere mid-August.”
Moving closer, Mason placed his hand on my stomach. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you a few weeks before your due date.”
“You’ll be in the Motherlands. I can reach you if anything happens and you can be back here in half a day.”
“Hmm.”
Sipping from my glass, I leaned against him. “I love that you’re so protective of me and our baby.”
“You’re not annoyed? Freya told me to tone it down. She says that we Nmen overdo it and that it comes across as bossy.”
Shaking my head, I swallowed the emotions that threatened to make me teary-eyed. “I don’t mind. To me…” I had to pause and looked down at my beautiful white dress.
Mason waited for me to gain control of my shaky voice and finish my sentence.
“For me, your dedication is beyond anything I could have ever expected. It makes me feel safe and pampered. I’m just afraid you’ll think I don’t feel the same. It’s unnatural for me to make demands on your time. It feels selfish and clingy.”
With a bent index finger, Mason lifted my chin and met my gaze. “We’re bound to have culture clashes. It’s inevitable. How about I teach you to be demanding… especially in bed. In return, you’ll teach me to control my emotions and not lose my temper so easily.”
We stood for a long moment smiling at each other before I ran my hands through his amazing hair. “Have I told you how much I’m hoping that our baby gets your red hair color? It looks like pure red gold in the sun.”
“I hope our baby gets your incredible smile and eyes, but most of all, I hope our child gets your loving heart, Belle.”
“Impossible.” I smiled at Mason. “Our child can’t get my loving heart.”
“Why not?”
“Because I already gave that to you.”
