Mr. Knightsbridge (Mister, #2)

by Louise Bay

Exotic. Glorious. And bloody expensive.

“My mother designed it. My father made it.”

It was gorgeous, an audaciously modern design still classic enough to be regal.

But I hadn’t gone to college, my favorite book was A Woman of Substance, and the only language I spoke was English, with an American accent.

I lost my parents and their business to Sparkle. All in one.”

“You don’t have to offer me a job to get into my panties. You are welcome there. There’s a little brass band down there, ready to say hi whenever you’re ready. They have banners and balloons. There is no job required.”

“Yes, of course I want to have sex with you—if nothing else so I can meet the tiny brass band in your underwear.”

Hollie Lumen was my kryptonite.

There wasn’t anything left for me after everyone else was taken care of and sometimes, I could admit, it felt thankless.

I didn’t want to lose her. The realization hit me like a tree trunk to the forehead—I liked this woman. Really liked her. Liked her more than I could ever remember liking anyone.

I’m not going back to London.”

“You have the rest of your life to go back for,” my sister said. “You have Dexter. And your career.”

I tried to push it down but it kept bobbing to the surface—the realization that I was in love with him.

I loved the bones of the man. I loved the heart of the man. I loved the soul of the man.

It’s time for you to live your life.”

“I’m not trying to save you, Hollie. I know you’re perfectly capable of saving yourself. I’m trying to share my life with you.”

“I don’t want to wait a single second. I want to be with you night and day. I’ll do whatever it takes,

“I know you don’t want to be rescued. I know it’s hard to rely on anyone because no one has proved reliable to you. But let me be the first person in your life who you can count on.

“I love you, Hollie Lumen.”

I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life. I miss everything about you. I hate waking up without you. I need to tell you every single thought in my head, and hear about every single thought in yours. I’m head over bloody heels in love with you.”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you,”

“I think I loved you from the moment I first saw you across the ballroom that first night.”

“I love you so much. Will you marry me?”

I’d spend a lifetime protecting her, looking after her and trying to give her half of what she gave me.

“Hollie Lumen, you captivated me from the first moment I saw you and you continue to make my world a better place every moment you’re in it. You’re the most thoughtful, giving, generous, wonderful woman. And I am very grateful that you put up with me.

“Will you marry me?” we both said at the same time.