But the tender touch sobers me, too, reminding me of what he’s actually asking. To mate each other. Forever. The weight of it crashes over me, and the laughter dies as quickly as it came.
“Lucian, I...” I swallow hard, meeting his intense gaze. “Will you ever betray me?”
I watch his face carefully, looking for any flicker of hesitation, any shadow of doubt. Instead, he stands up, and his arms come around me, pulling me against his chest so I can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady beneath my ear.
“I will love you above everything else,” he says vehemently. “I will put the whole world at your feet if that’s what it takes to keep you happy.” His hand grips my hair to tilt my head back so he can look directly into my eyes. “I will tear apart anyone who tries to hurt you, burn down kingdo
