“I had no problem with your last room. You and I being together is what matters.”
He led the way and added my clothes to the rail opposite his. The space was small, but just perfect. I snuggled against his back. “I like our new quarters.”
“We need to get moving.” He backed out then returned with another armful of clothing and speedily hung each piece.
“There’s still enough time, and slow down. Did you bring all my clothes?”
“Half. I didn’t want anyone to question you lived here. I’m going to take a shower while you finish putting your things away.” He raced off to the bathroom.
What was his rush? I knocked on the bathroom door. “Guy, there’s moving, and then there’s moving. Is there something you’re not telling me? What’s wrong?”
“I’m nervous about tonight.”
“Faith would have told us if there’s a problem.”
“Sometimes her forewarning gives next to no time. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
Well, he had a point there. Faith rarely gave much notice, but that’s because people had free will, and our futures were always in flux. I trudged to the bed and sorted the last of the clothes. I pulled out a slinky white dress and nude-colored heels to wear for the night.
I shimmied into the tight number and smoothed it into place. With a little adjustment to the side-split, the fit was perfect.
The bathroom door opened and a rush of steam escaped. Guy stood in the doorway, a fleecy blue towel slung low on his hips. Water dripped from his dark locks onto his wide shoulders and trickled down his chest.
I adored his chest. “Okay, you better get dressed before I take a bite out of you.”
“That dress—” He gripped the edge of the doorjamb. “You have to change.”
“Because…” I glanced down. It was an evening gown, one I’d worn to formal dinners at the castle. I liked it.
“I’ll never keep my hands off you in that.” He stumbled to his dressing room and shut the door with a loud clunk.
“Well, that’s really not an issue for me.” I knocked on his dressing room door. “Are you all right? Your nervousness is going rub off on me if you’re not careful.”
“The bathroom’s all yours,” he yelled back.
“Well, that’s obvious.” Hah, men. I headed there and searched the vanity drawers for his brush. Instead I found mine and my favorite gold hair clasps. He’d also brought various bits and pieces of my makeup, enough to do an admirable job for the night.
Using a hand towel, I rubbed the steamy mirror clear and eyed my reflection. My cheeks were too pink, so I dabbed foundation on and covered the freckles. I tidied my hair and secured a clasp at each side. Some lippy, and I was done.
“Are you ready?” Guy, dressed in pressed black pants and a starched, white-collared shirt, looked deliciously edible. The golden tie around his neck sizzled with color.
Oh, I wanted my mate. Advancing on him, I grinned. “I am now.”
“You didn’t change.” His gaze roamed my body as he backed out of the room. “You should change.”
“I like the way you look at me in this. I’m keeping it on.” I sashayed toward him and lifted my arms, only, he grabbed them and kept a firm foot between us.
“Silvie, without my father, you’re my only family, no matter it’s an act before Donaldo. Having you here, and your things...” He looked deep into my eyes. “I can’t lose you, not now, not ever.” Lowering to one knee, he clasped my right hand tightly.
“Whoa. What are you doing?” I tried to yank him up. He wouldn’t budge.
“Her man will bow down, and shall never go hungry before her.”
“The last part of your father’s spell.”
“Yes.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a red velvet box.
“What are you—” No, he couldn’t be doing that.
He flicked open the lid and turned the box toward me. Cocooned within was an impressive square-cut diamond, glittering bright.
“This can’t be happening.”
“I love you, Silvie.” His gaze, so focused, drained the remaining air from my lungs. “With my heart and soul. Finally I’m living again, because of you. Don’t make me hunger. I want you as my wife.”
My legs wobbled and I gripped his shoulders to keep from slithering to the floor. “I love you too. So much, it hurts when we’re not together.”
“Is that a yes?” He rose to his feet and lifted me off mine. “Please, tell me that’s a yes.”
“If it is, we’re going to have a very long engagement.”
“What about a week?” His smiling lips came down on mine. He kissed me, long and deeply, until my legs went to mush.
“A year sounds better,” I finally got out.
“I could do a month.” He grinned and slipped the ring over my knuckle to join his mother’s gold band.
“Holy moly. I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.” I turned my hand side to side. The diamond dazzled with its brightness. “Silas is going to freak when he sees this. You better make sure you remain armed for some time to come. This is the last thing he’ll expect.”