Page 2 of Endangering the King

“Who was that guy? Was he bothering you?” he asked, his voice full of concern.

Oh, crap.

I immediately looked back to see my dad running away into the crowd.

My shoulders relaxed. I turned and practically jumped into Stefan’s arms. I hugged the crap out of him and let the feeling of relief flow through my body.

“Christ.” He held me tight against him. “You’re shaking. What’s wrong? Did he say something to you?” Stefan kissed my neck.

Gosh.

This man.

He was such a good guy.

“No, he just asked for money, and it freaked me out a little,” I lied to Stefan, and I felt bad about it. But there was no other way to deal with this situation. I certainly wasn’t going to tell him about the conversation I just had with my father. And I absolutely wasn't going to tell him about my father. Or anything about my former life.

No.

That wasn’t going to happen.

Ever.

“Sweetheart, what’s going on? I’ve never seen you like this.” Stefan looked down at me. His index finger lifted my chin. “You’re terrified. I can see it in your face.”

I felt a burning behind my eyes at the look of concern he was giving me. I wished we lived in a different time.

And place.

Anywhere that would allow me to keep this man.

Forever.

I knew I could search the world for decades and never find another man like him.

And it broke my heart that I would have to give him up.

Soon.

Far too soon.

I gave him a sad smile. “He just surprised me. That’s all. I was daydreaming about making a special outfit for you.” I set my hand on his chest. “Out of the white lace.”

A huge grin overtook Stefan’s face. “I’m not sure I’ll look good in white lace.”

That made me giggle. I lifted up on my toes and kissed his lips. “You might be right. I guess I’ll make something for myself instead.”

His lips took over the kiss, and I felt myself begin to relax in his arms. Stefan always felt like home. I loved that about him.

“What were you just thinking?” he asked and gave me one more gentle kiss. “You had the sweetest smile on your face.”

I could tell him the truth about that. So, I did. “I was thinking how no matter where we are, you always feel like home.”

Stefan’s eyes changed and his stare grew more intense. He slid his fingers along the side of my face, and I leaned into him. “That’s some deep shit, Giselle,” he said, as his eyes scanned my face. “I’m so fuckin’ glad you feel like that, because it’s exactly how I feel about you.”

A warm, silky glow slipped around us and everyone else seemed to disappear. “I love you, Stefan. I’m so lucky you came into my life.”

He shook his head and slid his fingers into my hair. “No, Giselle. I’m the lucky one. The moment we met, I knew I wanted you. I knew I had to have you by my side.”