"Where are we going?" She dared to whisper against my neck; not even the slightest concern in her voice that I had taken her out of the castle.. It seemed like my wicked wife cared very little what people would think after all. With the speed I took her out, I wasn't sure if anyone even noticed though. "It's a surprise." My arms had tightened around her, the smile that stretched her lips provoking some kind of lust that shook deep in my bones. It was never enough when I was with her. A taste and I was fully maddened. Like toxic. Her love was toxic.. Swirling my brain in the wildest ways. "A surprise? You didn't mention a surprise.." "I would've, later tonight, but—" I seemed to had lost all sense of reality because I took her lips, tasted her with all the demand that was burning my skin, and only when I almost lost myself managed to somewhat pull away. "But damn, it's part of the madness I fall into when I'm around you." Her lips were soft against mine, warm as I spoke.. Her fingers in my hair tightened and her eyes danced with desire. It was eyes of a seductress, framed with the kind of darkness that suggested the same primitive craving that stroke through me. The groan that broke from my chest was impossible to suspend. "I want you, Lara. I've had to— Hell, in front of that altar it took me every bit of resistance I have not to scoop you in my arms and take you to my room. I barely said those vows without—" She kissed my neck, her warm tongue sliding across my skin and I was almost unbalanced with lust. It was perhaps that breaking point of my patience, right when we reached our destination, right when she turned her head and saw the surprise. A slight gasp left those perfect lips of hers, and I knew that soon I'd have all kinds of indecent sounds leaving those same lips.. We were far enough from the castle so that I could finally have my Lana for myself.. So that I could kiss those lips until she forgot her name, inspect every curve and hollow of her body over and over again, until she melted against me, not caring if anyone saw, if anyone heard the screech of my name leaving her throat. My wife was all for me to ravish, all for me to adore and drive mad with lust. And perhaps that mare thought had me want her like never before. To possess her, eat her, take her, live with her, die with her.. Have a family with her, not because I needed an heir, but so that we would have children together.. With her eyes and her intelligence, the gold of her hair and the fierceness in her steps. So that her deep sweetness could always exist in Venedocia, with some of her blood and a bit of my temper. She was my Lana. No one could deny that. No one could oppose to that. And I refused to hide it. My love for her was going to live for eternity and beyond.. The world had to know that. That night, the world knew that. Lana's POV "Christian," As I took in the whole view, I felt that gasp leave my throat. "My goodness, what is this?" I couldn't believe my own eyes.. Before me, the small part of the lake that was surrounded by the large rocks was covered with red petals.. The whole surface of dark blue had taken a pretty crimson color, somewhat covered by the willow as well that hung and swayed just over a part of it. I hadn't a clue that such a magical place even existed, let alone that Christian knew of it.. That he had made one grand gesture out of it. On the side, I saw a blanket and a few pillows. Of course, Christian was no romantic, so I knew there was someone else involved as well, but he had done one hell of a job presenting it. He allowed me to slide down his body until I found my way back on my feet. For a second, I felt unbalanced. I felt as if my mind had gone blank, or perhaps.. Perhaps it was all a dream. But it wasn't. I walked a step closer to the water; the secret pool the lake had created so interestingly hidden by the high rocks around it.. The only light was from the luminous moon, and grasped by the mere thought of spending our wedding night there, I felt some sparks of electricity up my legs. A giggle left some delighted part in my chest, and I covered my mouth immediately. I didn't giggle. I never giggled. Never before Christian, at least. But that grin was still stretching my lips. I could feel bliss tingle throughout my entire body. No, Christian was definitely not a romantic. But he did always have wicked ideas. Another glance at the petals over the water and my heart melted. "Oh, it's beautiful." I turned to look back at him, following his eyes as he scanned me, as he took in the sight for a second, two.. And it occurred to me. I didn't think we were supposed to give each other wedding gifts. I would've made a grand gesture as well, or— or— "You shouldn't have.." There was some wicked spark in his eyes that I knew oh so well.. The meaning behind that half smile he gave me.. It sent a wave of heat down my spine. He knew I understood that look behind his eyes, and that simple fact seemed to reddened my cheeks. Each time he looked at me like that felt like the first, but I adored the euphoria that rushed through me. I watched him walk towards me.. This huge man of vigor and strength, towering over me in a way that I once found annoying. Now I was used to it.. Now, whenever he wasn't close enough, I felt the need to pull him to me, just so that I could feel the warmth of his body near mine, the way it familiar shielded over me.