Page 132 of Gilded in Blood

It’s modern but warm, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open up to the ocean, wooden decks, and an infinity pool that seems to blend right into the sea.

Kirill takes my hand, leading me inside. “I thought you might like it.”

I squeeze his fingers, still in awe. “I love it. This is a pleasant surprise.”

Ever since that lunch with my family a few days ago, he’s been tight-lipped about this trip. He only said he wanted us to take some time away from the city, just the two of us. I couldn’t love the idea more.

He shows me around. The kitchen is stunning, spacious, with top-of-the-line appliances and a large island overlooking the water.

The master bedroom is my favorite. The doors open directly onto the infinity pool, so it feels like the water is part of the room. The bed is huge, draped in soft linens, and the view is breathtaking. Nothing but ocean and sky.

I hook my arms around his neck, looking up at him. “I could see myself living here.”

He studies my face, completely serious. “Do you want to? Because if you do, we’ll move down here.”

I laugh softly, knowing he isn’t joking. Over the past weeks, I’ve learned that whatever I want, Kirill will go out of his way to get it for me. If I said I wanted to move here, he would make it happen.

“So, what’s the plan?”

He slides his hands down to my waist, pulling me closer. “Well, first of all, the weather is perfect for swimming. We could take a dip in the pool. Or the beach, whichever you want. After that, we could sample some of the places in the house.”

I raise an eyebrow, grinning. “By sample, do you mean having sex on all the surfaces?”

He gives my ass a firm squeeze, eyes darkening with heat. “I like the way your mind works.”

He leans in, kissing me slowly before pulling back. “Then, we're going out to dinner later. There’s a particular seafood dish I think you’ll love.”

I smile, already excited. “I can’t wait.” I tilt my head, teasing. “But should it be in that order? Because right now, I think I’m down for sampling the surfaces before we go swimming.”

His laugh is low and rough as he lifts me up. I let out a surprised scream, wrapping my legs around him as he carries me toward the bedroom. “I couldn't agree more.”

We don’t make it far. We start on the bed, clothes coming off in a hurry, his mouth on my neck, my breasts, my stomach as I arch into him.

Then we move to the floor of the bedroom, the cool tiles against my back as he takes me hard and deep, my nails digging into his shoulders.

We barely catch our breath before we’re in the living room, me bent over the couch, then on the rug, his hands everywhere, his voice in my ear telling me how perfect I feel, how much he needs me.

By the time we reach the living room floor, I’m spent. I tap out.

When he said we were going to have dinner, I actually thought he meant a restaurant. I didn’t realize it was going to be just the two of us.

We are currently seated at a beautifully set table right on the sand, candlelight flickering softly between us as the gentle waves lap at the shore.

A violinist plays a slow, romantic melody a respectful distance away, the music blending perfectly with the sound of the ocean. The whole setup feels magical.

I look around, taking it all in. “This is beautiful. Again, you’ve outdone yourself. I thought you were taking me to a restaurant.”

He smiles, reaching across the table to take my hand. “When I said we were taking time away for ourselves on this trip, I actually meant time away. And time away from lots of people.”

I squeeze his fingers. “I’m not complaining.”

We enjoy our main meal, fresh seafood prepared perfectly, talking and laughing.

When dessert is served, I’m expecting something simple like cake. The server places a covered plate in front of me and leaves with a polite nod.

I lift the lid, and my breath catches. Written in elegant chocolate script beside a small, beautiful cake are the words: Will you marry me?

I look up, shocked, and find Kirill already down on one knee, holding a small velvet box. My hands fly to my mouth.