Brutalize Me (Corrupted Royals, #3)

by Michelle Heard

“Stop making excuses for other people. For why they do certain things. For how they treat people or how they treat you. Giving excuse and justification gives defense, which lets them act however they want. It allows them because you tolerated it. Don’t accept less than what you’re worth because you’re worth a lot.” ― Dominic Riccitello

Misha and I were adopted by the Aslanhovs, and even though they took care of us and never abused us in any way, I never quite felt like they were my family. Blood is thicker than water. But nothing is stronger than love.

But fuck, Tiana is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I don’t know what I expected her to be like, but it was definitely not the angel seated beside me. She smells like vanilla cupcakes. Sweet and fucking edible.

Nothing on this planet compares to when you betray yourself. The sick feeling in my gut is crippling, and my conscience revolts, demanding that I stand up for myself.

Home. It’s the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it’s a stupid wish, but to me, it’s everything.

“La mia bellissima fidanzata.”

“That’s right, tesoro mia. Saying our vows won’t change a damn thing. You’re mine for life, and only death will part us.”

She shakes her head. “No. I mean, I prayed for a man like you. Someone who won’t hurt me, who’d give me a home and allow me to love him.” Her fingers brush over my shoulder. “You’re the answer to my prayers.” My heart swells double its size with affection for her. I take hold of her wrist, and bringing her hand to my mouth, I kiss her fingers, then chuckle, “Jesus, I’m falling so hard for you.”

“Thank you for bleeding on my cock, bella. I’ll treasure your virginity.”

I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I’ll treasure her forever.

“I’m going to love you so hard to make up for all the days you felt unloved.”

I right her on her feet again, and holding her, we sway on one spot as I whisper into her ear, “Ti amo.” Pulling back to see her face, it’s in time to witness the shock washing over her features. Her eyes start to shine like stars, and in this moment that she realizes I love her too, there’s nothing more beautiful than her.