Page 120 of Ruthless

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Page 120 of Ruthless

“My darling Eve, my love for you isn’t dependent upon you being an OZ operative, your skill with a gun, or that you can take down a giant-sized adversary without blinking an eye. Whether you’re the lovely Princess Lina Wellingsley, kick-ass OZ operative Eve Wells, or Evangelina Wellingsley, Queen of Ile de la Lune makes absolutely no difference in how I feel about you.” He pressed a gentle hand to her chest. “Your heart and your mind are the essence of the woman I love. I am in awe of your strength, integrity, and courage. Not your title.”

Tears filled her eyes, and Gideon, being the true gentleman he was, pulled a linen handkerchief from his pocket, and gently dried her tears.

“Gideon, you are my heart.” Her voice was trembling so much, it was hard for her to even understand herself. She cleared her throat and began again. “The love of my life. I waited a long time to be able to tell you that.”

“And that’s why I don’t want to wait another moment.”

When he pulled something else from his pocket, she was stunned to see a beautiful sapphire ring lying in the palm of his hand.

“Marry me,” he said gruffly.

“Gideon,” she breathed. “I don’t—”

“Look at me, Eve.”

In that instant, she saw everything she needed to see. All that she had only ever dreamed of seeing. Devotion, tenderness, passion, and a powerful, all-consuming love.

“You know your life will never be the same,” she whispered. “You’ll be giving up the work you love.”

“My work isn’t my life, Eve. You are.”

Swallowing a sob, she said huskily, “Then yes, Gideon Wright, I will marry you.”

Knowing he was likely in pain, she scooted closer and, cupping his face in her hands, put her mouth gently to his, sealing her promise of love and adoration with a tender kiss.

Relief warred with gratitude that this amazing, beautiful woman had promised to be his. Up until the last second, he hadn’t been sure she would say yes. He understood her hesitancy, because he felt it himself. Their lives would take an entirely different path than what they’d expected. But what she didn’t understand, and what he intended to prove to her daily, was that his life wasn’t tied to danger or bringing the wicked to justice. No matter how fulfilling his career had been, nothing compared to his love for her.

Coming here had been a necessity. No way did he want her to do this alone. Yes, she was strong and would rule a country one day. But he wanted to be beside her every step of the way so she would know that, no matter what, she had his support.

She gave him a sardonic look. “Your doctor probably had a major meltdown when you checked yourself out of the hospital.”

That was a close description, but when Gideon had promised to return in a few hours and stay until he was officially released, his doctor had reluctantly agreed.

“We came to an understanding.”

“Papa will be thrilled with our news. He told me he thought you would make an excellent prince consort.”

That was good to know. He hadn’t gone to the king before coming to her. Both her father and, to some extent, Gideon had manipulated events in her life. It might have been done with love, but that didn’t make it automatically right. He’d wanted his proposal and her acceptance to be only on their terms.

The doorbell chimed, and they locked eyes with each other, knowing that very soon the world would know both of them much more than either of them had ever thought possible. But they would face each new adversity together.

“My bodyguards are here. They’ll take us to meet my father in his office.” She held out her hand. The brilliant sapphire on her finger was nothing compared to the brilliance of her beautiful blue eyes. “Shall we?”

Taking her hand, he stood and swallowed a groan. Yeah, he hurt, but he’d make it work.

“Hold on. Be right back.”

She hurried away and seconds later returned with the wheelchair she’d used during her rehab.

“You don’t have to use it on the stage unless you want to. But use it until then. Okay?”

Actually, it looked damn comfortable. And who was he to argue with his queen?

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Earlier today, she had felt her life had done a one-hundred-eighty-degree turn, and though she’d been reluctant to follow the path, she had known she had no other choice. And now, because of the man at her side, she was ready to face that turn head on. Having Gideon with her meant everything. She hadn’t dared to even ask him to consider taking this on. It would be a challenge for both of them, but together, she had no doubt they could do it.

She stepped into her father’s office and then turned slightly as Gideon rolled through the door. Though he was still much too pale, and she knew that part of the brightness of his eyes was because of physical pain, she also knew he was feeling the relief and joy that she felt. They had finally found their way together.




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