Page 56 of Lethal Justice

As he turned off the alarm and checked their home was safe, he felt a peace surround him, a sense of contentment he’d never felt before.

“You want pizza?” Frida called from the kitchen as he heard her close the fridge and knew she had poured them both a glass of wine. He grinned when he saw he was right. He stepped up to her and took the glass from her as he hooked her around the waist with his free arm.

“Hey.”

“We don’t have time for that.”

He saw Frida tilt her head in question. “Why?”

“Well, do you remember we talked about how we wanted to go to Africa on a safari because it was what Jay and Camilla wanted to do and never got the chance?”

“Yes,” she said slowly, clearly still emotional, especially at the mention of his brother and her sister.

“Well, when it looked like the case would close this week, I spoke with Cleo and your new assistant, and they can handle things here, so I booked it. We leave first thing tomorrow.” He began to chuckle as he watched Frida, her mouth opening and closing without saying anything. He wondered if perhaps he’d overstepped, but then she gave a loud shriek and jumped up, her legs going around his waist, her arms around his neck as he caught her and just about held his balance.

“I love you, Malco Aguilar.” She kissed him hard, and he lost himself to her again, just like he did every time she kissed him. This woman had his heart in her hand, and he knew there was nobody else in this world he trusted to keep it safe other than Frida.

“Does that mean I’m not in trouble for going over your head?” At his question, she broke the kiss.

“It means you’re not in trouble for doing something so incredibly sweet and kind and for loving me as you do.” With his hands on her curvy ass, he gave it a squeeze as he turned and walked to the bedroom.

“While you’re in a good mood, there’s another thing I need to ask you. But this time, I have no clue what your reaction will be.”

Frida angled her head. “Your hesitation makes me nervous.”

He didn’t nod, but he was tempted to say he was probably even more nervous than she was. His mind scrambled, now unable to make any coherent reaction. All his carefully laid plans blew up when his next words blurted out in the most unexpected way.

“What do you think of a safari wedding?”

The woman had the best poker face, and Malco cringed. She was the kind of woman who deserved flowers, a ring, a whole romantic scenario, and he was letting her down.

A long minute trickled by until her mouth curved in the most amused and loving smile. “Are you asking me touristic information, or are you asking me to marry you?”

Malco dropped his head before taking a deep breath, pushing back his shoulder before dropping to one knee. “I’m doing everything wrong, but yes. Frida Montalvo, love of my life, would you make me the happiest man on the face of the earth?”

Her dark eyes shimmered with love and tears. “You’re doing something very right. I don’t mind the setting or how you ask, my answer will always be yes. As long as you love me, my answer will only ever be yes, here, or in Africa.”

His heart stuttered before it settled in warmth. “You never cease to amaze me, Frida.”

Frida tilted her head. “Is that good or bad?”

“Good, always good, and yes, let’s tie the knot in Kenya among all the beauty and wildlife.”

He kissed her softly but with passion in every swipe of his tongue until they fell to the bed in a frenzy of lust.

“Do we have time?” Her words were breathy and desperate.

Malco winked, a grin on his face that would not abate, he was so happy. “There’s always time for this.”

Then he made love to the woman who had stolen his heart with her fire and her strength and knew his brother was finally smiling again.

THE END