Chapter 72: End

CZAR

"Is there something you don't like about the mansion? Tell me and I'll call for interior designers immediately. Or do you want a separate home from my brothers? I could buy the neighbor's houses and make my brothers live there."

She shook her head. "I just want to do this courting properly."

I didn't understand what living separately had to do with courting.

"Cariño, if you're worried that I won't court you properly just because I already have you, I promise I'll pursue your love even if we live in the same house. No need to find your own place."

"Czar, I want a reset for us. That means getting to know each other and building a foundation and trust for our relationship. After that, we'll talk about me moving back to your mansion."

She said that with such dreamy eyes. Even in the middle of her speech, I knew I'd give in. There was no way I could deny her wish.

And just like that, the argument was over.

During the day, we focused on our respective jobs. Avaline wanted to concentrate on La Archante's technology. Even though she didn't say it outright, I knew this was her way of respecting the position she had left behind in De Greco, so she declined being a soldier for La Archante.

At night, I'd drive to her apartment with takeout meals. We’d eat while watching movies together; some nights we’d talk all night long and ask each other questions—though by asking each other, I meant Avaline did most of the asking.

Our dates didn’t always take place at her apartment; we’d dine at restaurants too. Then we'd go to Caffe Lighthouse and gaze at the stars together. It wasn’t an activity I enjoyed much, but Avaline liked the quiet and the breeze.

At times, our dates would also come in the form of buying groceries together. And again, she’s making me experience things that aren’t usually appealing to me. I can have groceries delivered. I’m a boss. I don’t waste time on domestic stuff. But with Avaline, I could shop with her for as long as we live.

Today, I wanted to take her somewhere else. To my mother’s favorite place.

I chose a day when there was no mass so we could quietly enter the church. This is the kind of place Avaline deserves. This is where I’ll marry her. Here, my mother prayed for me to find a woman to love. And Avaline was given to me. If I marry her here, even though I’m the most undeserving man on this planet, maybe He will grant me an eternity with her.

Her cheeks flushed. And I know it wasn’t a blush. She was holding back laughter.

“Are we in the wrong place?”

I grinned. “Keep it up and we’ll be doing something opposite of holy.”

Her eyes widened just a bit. Her lower lip disappeared between her teeth. She looked down at the bouquet I gave her and smiled shyly.

“Why are we here?” Her eyes traveled the walls of the church.

I pulled out a ring I purchased from a goldsmith. Avaline turned anxious. And I smirked.

“Darling, this is not a trap. I won’t force you to marry me on the spot. Our wedding will be planned properly.” She still wasn’t calming down. “And this is not a proposal.”

That’s when she finally breathed easy.

“Thank goodness,” she blew out a long breath. “You’re still just courting me. You can’t skip.”

“This is only a promise that I’ll marry you.” I lifted her hand between us and slipped the ring on her finger. “I don’t want you to think that something would still change later on. Even if I’m still just your suitor right now, it’s only you that I see in my future. This is a symbol of your ownership over me.”

A flicker of delight and possessiveness appeared on her face.

“A symbol of my defeat and my surrender. I have fought and denied your love for so long. You don’t have to strive to be loved by me. I have long been in love with you. This time, it is my turn to show you my affection and more every day.”

My words must have torn down her inhibitions. When I dropped her off at her apartment, she didn’t let me leave. She pulled me inside and started kissing me desperately.

“I love you so much, Czar,” she whispered between our lips. My tongue demanded entrance into her mouth. She moaned and opened up for me.

“I love you, darling,” I rasped and brought both of us to her bed. I could tell she was already exhausted from our day.

She dug her nails into my shoulders when I put her down.

“Don’t go, Czar. You can stay the night,” she sounded drunk on lust. And one of us needed to be rational. Why can’t I just take her invitation? My body is hard and ready for her. I'm annoyed that I'm being so traditional; I want to sink myself into her but want to save it for our wedding night.

She arched her hips up and ground herself against my erection. I groaned and used my strength to pin her waist down on the bed.

"Czar," she cried in frustration.

Her cries were swallowed by my lips on hers.

"Shh..." I kissed her forehead to comfort her.

"I don't want to make out. Make love to me, Czar," she pleaded.

"Shh..." I put my hand on her throat and applied pressure to help her come out of her lustful haze. "Calm down, Avaline. I'll make love to you, but not tonight."

"Why?"

"I'll marry you first. You deserve everything special. I'll take you on the night of our special day."

That seemed to pull her out of her trance. Her lust was replaced by affection. I don't care about the looks of fear and hatred I receive from the world. As long as I get to be looked at by her like she loves me.

"Let's get married tomorrow," she declared, licking her lips.

My mouth tipped up.

"Czar, I'm serious! Marry me tomorrow."

I lay down beside her and gathered her in my arms.

"Czar, we'll get married tomorrow, right?" she insisted.

I nodded indulgently. If she wants to get married tomorrow, we will. I don't care which competent planners I have to threaten to get it done immediately within the day. But I know she's only saying this out of lust. If she changes her mind and wants me to court her longer, I'll be fine with it too.

I am a powerful man. But I'd willingly hand over everything to her. I will bow to her.