Page 132 of Reaper’s Wrath

“It’s an important milestone.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yes, for us, thirty-three days back together represents the day we got engaged.”

She’s still for a moment. I set down my mug. When she tries to turn and look back at me, I gently hold her in place.

“Isa Costa, you have been my light in the storm more times than I can remember,” I tell her earnestly, my cheek close to hers. “We’ve overcome herculean odds to be together, and I never want to know another day without you. Please, do me the incredible honor of being my wife.” The dam on my emotions gives way, ravaging my words until they’re tattered and raw.

I slide the ring from my pocket and hold it out before us for her to see—a yellow diamond encircled by a ring of small white diamonds like the petals of a flower—a buttercup.

Isa’s breath catches.

She raises her trembling left hand, and I slide the ring on her finger.

“Is that a yes?” I ask playfully.

“Yes.” She nods readily, turning to face me, her eyes shining with tears of joy. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

Then our mouths are on one another, worshipping without restraint. We don’t give a single thought to anyone else on the ship, though the men know interruptions wouldn’t be welcome. All we know is one another and the intense need to be together.

Our clothes are tossed aside, and within minutes, I’m sliding home deep inside the woman I love.

“My wife,” I say on a shaky breath, holding myself above her. “Mine forever.”

“My heart has only ever known you, Elio Farina. I love you.”