When She Unravels (The Fallen, #1)

by Gabrielle Sands

“If you don’t eat what I ordered, I’m going to come back and feed it to you. Think hard about whether you want me to do that in front of the entire restaurant.”

“If I see someone else’s hands on you, I’ll break them. If you come to the party, the only person who’ll touch you will be me.”

“But don’t you dare say it back to me. If I hear my name just once on your lips, I know I’ll become addicted.”

A moan fights its way out of my throat. “Damiano…” He shuts his eyes. A tremor runs up the thick column of his throat. Just then, I remember what he told me about calling him by his name. “You always remember your first hit,” he mutters.

“You sure you don’t want a therapist? He’d have a field day with you. Fantasies like that usually have hidden meanings.” “I know what this one means.” “What?” I lean forward and place my elbows on the desk. “It means I want to make you mine.”

I was about to tell her she can quit her job and I’d pay for all her things, but her outrage makes me backtrack on that idea.

“You will never put yourself in danger again,” he murmurs into my ear. “No one hurts what’s mine, not even you.”

I’ve claimed her as mine. And I’m never letting her go.

I realize that freedom doesn’t live beyond the walls of this house. It lives in the understanding reflected in his eyes.

“But I don’t want you to leave. Stay with me, Vale. Stay with me, and you’ll never have to fight another battle again. I’ll fight them for you. I’ll protect you. I’ll avenge you.”

“Oh my God,” I sputter. He smirks. “He’s not here. I am.”

“I don’t want a kept woman. I want a partner. An equal by my side. That’s you. If I’m about to become a king, you will be my queen.”

I’d die for you, Vale.” She kisses me again. “I’d prefer you live for me instead.”