Hexed (Never After, #6)

by Emily McIntire

“Watch your mouth,” he says slowly, his New York accent coming through strong, dropping the r and elongating the vowels. “You won’t disrespect yourself to me.”

He stands there and stares at me for a moment, the muscle in his jaw ticking before he grins. “I like the way you say my name.”

“That’s it?” I cross my arms. “You folded just like that?” He shrugs. “Sure, if it will make you happy.”

“Don’t stand so close,” she breathes out. I bend my head farther just so I can take another hit of her. “Tell me what to do again.”

I’m not sure where we’re headed, but after what just happened, I think I’d follow her anywhere.

That’s what she is to me: a work of art.

her hair flowing down her back, and the sun setting behind her makes her look like an actual siren come to shore, tempting even the most loyal of men. I’m fucking gone while I watch her. The world could light itself on fire behind us, and I don’t think I’d care.

“You okay?” I ask. “Shut up,” she demands. I close my mouth, throwing my hands in the air and miming that I’m zipping my lips. I’ll never say another word again if it means she’ll keep looking at me the way she is right now.

Knowing I’m the only one to get that from her? It’s a gift. One that fills me up and makes me want to fall and worship at her feet.

She makes it last a few seconds, clearly proving a point, and I let her, because frankly, I’ll do whatever she wants me to do.

I wonder if she realizes she holds all the power here, that I would crawl on my knees to be wherever she is.

“The truth is, Yrsa Venesa Andersen, my soul knew you were its other half the moment I laid eyes on you. You have changed me. Irrevocably. I don’t want you in a different life. I need you in this one and all the ones we’ll have after.” Emotion clogs my throat and I clear it. “So marry me.” She laughs, a hand coming up to cover her mouth, tears dripping down her apple-shaped cheeks and off her chin. “Is that a question?” “Not really.” I shrug. “Let me make new memories with you every single day, piccola sirena. Do me the honor of allowing me to be your husband, and I’ll love you so goddamn loudly, everyone will hear.”