Carpe Diem (Sumettikul's Universe Two)

{20} Yes, Yes To It All

“You’ll marry me?” He whispers, incredulous.

I nod nervously, flushing and anxious and not quite believing his reaction—this man whom I thought I’d lost. How could he not understand how much I love him?

“Say it,” He orders softly, his gaze intense and hot.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He inhales sharply and moves suddenly, grabbing me and swinging me round in a most un-Bible like manner. He’s laughing, young and carefree, radiating joyful elation. I grab his arms to hold on, feeling his muscles ripple beneath my fingers, and his infectious laughter sweeps me up—dizzy, addled, a boy totally and utterly smitten with his beautiful man. He puts me down and kisses me. Hard. His hands are on either side of my face, his tongue insistent, persuasive...arousing.

“Bui,” He breathes against my lips, and it’s an exultation that leaves me reeling. He loves me, of that I have no doubt, and I savour the taste of this delicious man, this man I thought I might never see again.

His joy is evident—his eyes shining, his youthful smile—and his relief is almost palpable.

“I thought I’d lost you,” I murmur, still dazzled and breathless from his kiss.

“Baby, it will take more than a malfunctioning 135 to keep me away from you.”

“135?”

“Charlie Tango. She’s a Eurocopter 135, the safest in its class.” Some unnamed but dark emotion crosses his face briefly, distracting me. What isn’t he saying? Before I can ask him, he stills and looks at me, frowning, and for a moment I think he’s going to tell me. I blink up into his speculative eyes.

“Wait a minute. You gave this to me before we saw Flynn,” He says, holding up the keychain. He looks almost horrified.

Oh dear, where’s he going with this? I nod, keeping a straight face.

His mouth drops open.

I shrug apologetically. “I wanted you to know that whatever Flynn said, it wouldn’t make a difference to me.”

Bible blinks at me in disbelief. “So all yesterday evening, when I was begging you for an answer, I had it already?” He’s dismayed. I nod again, trying desperately to gauge his reaction. He gazes at me in stupefied wonder, but then narrows his eyes and his mouth twists with amused irony.

“All that worry,” He whispers ominously. I grin at him and shrug once more. “Oh, don’t try and get cute with me. Right now, I want...” He runs his hand through his hair, then shakes his head and changes tack.

“I can’t believe you left me hanging.” His whisper is laced with disbelief. His expression alters subtly, his eyes gleaming wickedly, his mouth twitching into a carnal smile.

Holy hell. A thrill runs through me. What’s he thinking?

“I believe some retribution is in order,” He says softly.

Retribution? Oh shit! I know he’s playing—but I take a cautious step back from him anyway.

He grins. “Is that the game?” He whispers. “Because I will catch you.” And his eyes burn with a bright playful intensity. “And you’re biting your lip,” He says threateningly.

All of my insides tighten at once. Oh my. My future husband wants to play. I take another step back, then turn to run—but in vain. Bible grabs me, and in one easy swoop while I squeal with delight, surprise, and shock. He hoists me over his shoulder and heads down the hall.