Page 76 of Takeover
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should tell him about Lucy's visit.But then I shook my head, not wanting to start a fight at our engagement party."No, nothing happened.I just needed a moment."
Atticus stepped closer, his hand still on my arm, his eyes searching mine."Gwen, you know you can tell me anything, right?I'm here for you, always."
I nodded, wanting to believe him, but the doubt lingered in the back of my mind."I know, Atticus.It's just… I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed tonight."
"Two more weeks until we get married.You're not getting cold feet are you?"
I tilted my head up."Are you?"
His wintergreen gaze searched mine."Where's this coming from?I thought we were on the same page.We've been getting closer."
"It's just…" My voice trailed."I met Lucy."
He blinked in surprise."Lucy?"
"Your ex.She made it clear that she could take you back anytime and that I'm inferior."
"That's fucking bullshit."Atticus's voice was low and dangerous as his grip on my arm tightened.
He was always so calm, collected, and in control.But seeing him angry made me feel safe in a strange way.
"She's just jealous, Gwen.She knows what we have, and it's eating her alive.She wants what she can't have, and she'll do whatever it takes to get it."
"But what if she's right?"I whispered, afraid of the answer.
Atticus took my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his gaze."She's not right, Gwen.From the moment you glitter-bombed me, I've been completely fascinated by you.Completely enthralled.Your father might have had other plans, but you are who I wanted.You are my little lioness.All fire and claws.There is nothing sexier.Not to mention I've never met anyone so genuinely selfless.I wantyou.I pickedyou.Don't let your father or Lucy or anyone else take that away from you.I would rather spend ten minutes arguing with you than a dozen lifetimes with some vapid, empty socialite.You have cracked my heart in two and nestled in there.I am not the same man without you."
"Atticus."
"I chose you because you're the only woman I've ever met who challenges me in every way.You're strong, smart, and beautiful.You make me want to be a better man.And I'm not going to let anyone, or anything come between us.Do you understand?"
I nodded, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes."Yeah, I understand."
Atticus wiped away the tears with his thumbs, his eyes never leaving mine."Good.Because I'm falling for you and there is no going back.I'm never going to let you go."
I felt a warmth spread throughout my body at his words.This was what I wanted.Someone who cared about me, who would protect me, who would never let me go.
"I'm falling for you too, Atticus."
"That's pretty handy since you're going to be my wife."
He leaned down for a kiss, and I tilted my head up to meet his.Our lips met, and I felt the passion and love behind it.It was like he was trying to convey all his feelings through that one kiss.I melted into him, feeling like I was the only woman in the world who mattered to him.
With a groan he tore his lips from mine."What is it with us and balconies?Come on.Let's go enjoy our party.And then later, I'm going to show you just how hard I've fallen for you."
"You promise?"
Chapter29
Gwen
The next twohours passed in a flurry of dancing, eating, and socializing.Atticus made introductions to friends and associates, but I knew I wouldn't remember any of the names.
In the car on the way home, Atticus was silent.He held my hand, stroking his thumb over my knuckles, but he didn't say much.
By the time Gavin dropped us off at the penthouse, I was a bundle of nerves.
We nodded to the doorman and walked in silence to the elevators.Once inside, I couldn't help it.I had to know.
