Masked Sins (Ravaged Castle, #4)

by Amanda Richardson

“I, uh…” The nervous energy makes it hard to stand still. “I actually wanted to ask you for something. Officially.” His eyebrows lift, curiosity replacing his usual fatherly sternness. “Go on.” I shift my weight, deciding to blurt everything out and rip the bandaid off. Why the fuck not. “I love Layla. I’ve loved her for a long time now. And I want to make sure I do this right.” My voice wavers for a second, but I steady myself, meeting his gaze head-on. “I want your blessing to ask her to marry me. When she’s ready, of course. We only just started … ” For a second, there’s nothing but a distant hum of life going on around us. Scott doesn’t move, his face unreadable, and I wonder if I’ve overstepped. But then, slowly, a smile creeps onto his face, warm and genuine. “You already have my blessing,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. He claps my shoulder, a little rougher this time, like he’s holding back the flood of feelings rushing between us. “You’ll be good for her. I know it.” Relief surges through me, and I blink back the sudden sting in my eyes. “Thank you, Scott. It means the world to me that you approve.” He clears his throat, pretending to be casual, but I can see the emotion tugging at the corners of his eyes. “Just make sure you don’t screw it up, alright? She’s my girl.” “I won’t,” I promise, my voice firm with conviction. “I’ll take care of her. Always.” Scott nods again, his hand still gripping my shoulder as if to cement the deal, then lets go with a sigh...