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Amorette froze. The entire room held its breath, and then she walked away from him. She felt his despair at her back. He assumed she would never risk her life, and with each step, his sorrow grew to poison the air until she grabbed his bow from the guards.

“Do it.” She shoved the golden weapon at Valentin. “I’m yours, remember, and not just because fate decided it, but because we chose each other. We swore our futures to one another, so destiny may have played a part, but I want this. Youpromised me on your bike that I’m the only woman you’ll ever be with, and I’m holding you to it.” She stepped back, clutching her hands behind her to keep them from shaking as she gazed at him with all her faith and love. “Do it, Cupid.”

Valentin stared at her for a long moment, his eyes tracing the lines of her face, and then he raised his bow, aiming for her heart. “You own me, Amor,” he said. “Body, mind, and soul. You are my present and my future.” Then he shot her.

The savage arrow flew for her chest, and Amorette braced for the impact. She’d witnessed the damage this bow inflicted on flesh. She observed firsthand how it ripped muscles and skin apart, but the second it struck her, it dissolved into golden light. The sparkling glow dove deep into her heart and filled her with a bubbly sensation, like champagne flooding her veins. The world grew brighter, her body bloomed stronger, and as the last of the delicious light receded, a forceful emotion barreled through her. A love so strong it gave them an eternity.

The crowd gasped as she raced for Valentin, launching herself into his waiting arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist as his lips claimed hers with radiant passion.

“Amor,” Valentin moaned into her mouth. “My mate. I love you.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Cupid.” Amorette smiled against his lips. “You can keep your job now, right?”

“Yes.” He pulled her closer, and she felt him harden as they kissed. “Only now I have a partner in my calling.”

“You have a partner in everything.” She laughed, pulling back to cup his face. “Now take me home, Cupid. There’s only a little time left to this Valentine’s Day, but I want to spend it with you, celebrating with champagne and chocolate…” she leaned conspiratorially down until her lips brushed his pointed ear so only he could hear. “And you screaming you’re mine for the rest of our lives.”