Chapter 87

Make-up sex is wonderful. ‘Reunion sex after a near-death experience’ is mind-blowing. But I think the best of all is ‘let’s spend the rest of our lives together’ sex.

We couldn’t get back to the palace fast enough.

As we lie there afterwards, I admire the ring on my finger. The stone catches the sun again and lights up the bed with reflected sparks of color.

“You like it?” he asks.

“I love it.”

“Good.”

“It’s just…”

He frowns. “It’s just what?”

“It’s almost too much.” Afraid of giving offense, I rush on: “I absolutely love it, but you didn’t have to spend the GDP of a small country on it.”

“Don’t worry, I can afford it,” he jokes.

“I know… it’s just…”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I practically stole it.”

The word ‘stole’ rips through me like an electric jolt, and I bolt upright on one arm.

He sees my face and rolls his eyes. “I didn’t really steal it – calm down. It was my grandmother’s.”

“Oh.” That piece of information should make me even happier – a treasured family heirl