Page 92 of Tangled Roses
He looks so worried I stand and run into his arms and hold on tight because he is the only one with my best interests at heart.
“What did he say?” He whispers in my ear.
“That he’s my father. I saw that one coming the minute I understood he was here for me.”
He pulls away and the concern on his face causes me to reach up and ease the frown from his forehead.
“I’m okay, Arman. To be honest, it was a relief. I know who he is now, and he assured me his intentions are honorable.”
Arman raises his eyes and I nod toward the couch.
“I’ll tell you everything, but not a word leaves this room.”
“Okay.” He grips my hand hard, and it tightens still further as I fill him in and when I finish, he asks, “What is your decision?”
“To help him, I guess.” I shrug. “I mean, I may not be a match anyway, but despite his wishes, he is responsible for my life and if I return the favor we’re quits.”
I make light of it but inside my stomach is in knots.
“What about your mom?” I distract the attention away from me for my own sanity and he shakes his head.
“Not good. That was tough on her and she’s angry but she’ll calm down. It needed to be said.”
“So she knew nothing. It must have come as a shock.”
“It did.”
Arman sighs and drags me against him as he leans back against the couch.
“I wish this was done. As soon as we solve one mystery, another takes its place.”
“It certainly seems that way.”
I sigh. “I suppose I’ll sort this out with Boris and then head back home to deal with Marsha’s funeral. I’m tempted to leave it to the authorities, but I’m not that cruel.”
He shifts and as I sit up, he grips my face between his hands and stares deeply into my eyes.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say, Ellie.”
“Go on.” My heart races because what the fuck now and his eyes burn like polished ebony as he whispers, “I love you.”
I almost think I’ve misheard and he whispers, “I’ve loved you for a while now but never wanted to admit it because it scared me.”
“I scared you?”
My eyes shine as his words sink in and he nods. “I tried to push you away to create distance between us. I even thought we could have the same relationship as my father and Veronica shared. Four times a year when I visited the States. A convenient hook up that would scratch the itch in my heart for you.”
“Arman–”
I gasp as he says fiercely, “Four times a year will never be good enough. I want every hour of your day. I want to reach out and know I can touch you. Look up and you’re in my sight. Hold you, love you, and smother you with attention. I want to own your soul, Ellie Adams, and the only way that will happen is if you agree to be my wife.”
Tears spring to my eyes as he holds my face in his hands and kisses me softly. My mind explodes with crazy love for this man as I kiss him back with a heart brimming with love. Yes, I love him too and I’ve known that from the beginning. Somehow, out of the madness, we found one another and whatever happens next will be with Arman beside me.
He pulls away and whispers huskily against my swollen lips, “You have two difficult decisions to make today. What have you decided?”
“Yes.” I don’t even hesitate and he raises his eyes that burn into mine.
“Yes, I’ll help my father and yes, I will marry you, Arman Romanov, because you are my soulmate?”