Page 221 of Arrow

Luna intercepted us near the dessert table, her eyes bright with concern. “What happened? Everyone’s talking.”

“Just a family disagreement,” I said, selecting a chocolate-covered strawberry. “Nothing to worry about.”

Arrow’s hand tightened on my waist. “Giovanni made his position clear.”

“From his perspective, I’ve joined the enemy,” I admitted, watching my father across the room as he spoke with one of his capos, his expression thunderous.

“You’ve joined your husband,” Arrow corrected, his voice dropping to that intimate register that made my skin prickle. “That’s the only perspective that matters.”

Luna glanced between us, a small smile playing at her lips. “Well, whatever was said, you two look more united than ever. That’s what everyone will notice.”

As if to prove her point, Arrow’s lips found my temple in a gentle kiss that felt both possessive and tender. “Let them talk. They’ll learn soon enough that we’re not playing by the old rules anymore.”

* Princess

* My love

47

FORTY-SEVEN

HARLOWE

We cut the magnificent cake—a creation of black and red fondant that looked almost too beautiful to eat and danced as husband and wife. Arrow’s arms around me felt like both shelter and cage, a paradox I was beginning to embrace.

When the traditional events concluded, Arrow led me to a private balcony overlooking the city. The cool night air was a relief after the stuffy ballroom, and I leaned against the railing, taking deep breaths.

“You’re thinking about him,” Arrow said, standing behind me, his chest warm against my back.

“About all of them,” I admitted. “My father. The Virellis. What this means for the territories, the power structure.” I turned to face him. “We’ve started something tonight that can’t be undone.”

Arrow’s hands settled on my hips, steady and sure. “That’s what I’ve been counting on.”

“What happens next?” I asked, searching his face. “When the champagne runs out and the flowers wilt? When reality sets in?”

Arrow’s smile was slow and dangerous. “Then the real work begins, Mrs. Romanov. Together, we’ll reshape this city in our image.”

“Your image or mine?” I challenged, though my hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm.

“Our image,” he corrected, leaning down until his forehead rested against mine. “Something entirely new. Something that belongs to us both.”

I closed my eyes, letting his words wash over me. This was the man I was willing to build a future with, forsaking my blood for him. The man who had watched my mother die and kept his promise to protect me. The man who had claimed me with both violence and tenderness.

“When do you want to leave?” I asked, opening my eyes to find him watching me with that intense focus that made my skin heat.

“Now,” he replied immediately. “I’ve had enough of sharing you for one night.”

I laughed, the sound carrying across the balcony.

His hand slid to the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair. “I’ve been imagining you in our bed all night, imagining this dress on our floor.”

“Then what are we waiting for?”

Arrow’s smile was pure predator as he took my hand. “Nothing at all.”

We slipped away quietly, leaving the party in the capable hands of Atlas and Luna. Our escape was carefully orchestrated. Frank had our car waiting at a side entrance, the route planned to avoid photographers and potential threats.

As we pulled away from the venue, I leaned my head against Arrow’s shoulder, suddenly exhausted by the emotional weight of the day.