Page 178 of Sinful Lord

“Then take me.”

Another painful cough rattles my sore lungs.

“I think I need another day or two of recovery before I can do that,” I laugh.

“Not like that,” Melina playfully slaps at my shoulder. A warm pink hue fills her cheeks. “We’re at my brother’s place, after all…”

Now that’s a true shock.

“And I’m still alive?”

“I think I’m wearing him down. Same with the rest of my family. But at least Rian saw what you did for me while he was paralyzed.”

“Shit,” I grumble, remembering that grizzly scene. “How is everyone?”

“They’re fine,” Melina assures me. “They all recovered long before you. Thankfully, Uncle Maksim is quicker than he looks. He managed to race over and get everything under control before we could lose anyone...”

“He’s an impressive man, that uncle of yours,” I acknowledge. “Do you think he’ll ever be able to forgive me?”

“I’ll make sure he does.”

That draws another painful laugh.

“With the hold you have over this family, it’s a surprise they don’t crown you queen.”

Melina just shakes her head and looks around the room. “I’m no queen. I’m an artist.”

“And what an artist,” I note, taking a closer look at all the new pieces surrounded my bed. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”

“You’ve been out for a long time,” she shrugs. “So I took your advice. I did what I do best… it also doesn’t hurt that I was worried. Painting is how I deal with stress.”

“Oh, I thought you dealt with stress by running away to strange lands?”

That earns me another small punch to the shoulder. I lean into this one.

“I wasn’t going anywhere without you.”

My smile widens.

“Then I’m just going to have to get better so we can travel the world together.”

“Is that a promise?”

“It is.”

Turning her cheek, Melina rests her head back against my chest.

“I’m in no hurry, though,” she sighs. “Just make sure you get better. I can live like this for a little bit longer.”

“So can I,” I whisper. Running my fingers through her hair, I lean back against the headboard and let the weariness catch up to me. “So can I…”

My heavy eyelids flutter shut and I let myself drift off.

For the first time in a long time, I’m not worried about what comes next.

We’re together.

And that’s just fucking perfect.