Stolen by a Sinner (Sinners #3)(60)

My voice is hoarse as I whisper, “I’m so fucking sorry.” I press a kiss to the side of her head, then pull back so I can see her face. Tears sparkle over her cheeks, each one cutting into my soul.

When her eyes meet mine, I repeat, “I’m sorry for the part I’ve played in all the pain you were forced to endure.” Leaning down until there’s only a breath between us, my voice is tight as I say, “I’m sorry for not finding you sooner.”

Lara throws her arms around my neck, holding me as tight as she can. “You don’t care… about the… marks?”

The way she hiccups through the sobs just shreds my heart.

“Of course, I fucking care but not for the reason you think.” I brush a hand up and down her back, wanting her to know they don’t change how I feel about her. “I hate that you suffered. I swear I’m going to fucking whip Mazur to death so he can feel what you felt.”

She starts to calm down but doesn’t let go of me. I hold her for as long as she needs and wait for her to pull back.

She gives me an apologetic look, then glances around the empty room. “I really ruined the party.”

“You didn’t. The people were aggravating the fuck out of me. You just gave me an excuse to get rid of them.” I brush my thumbs over her cheeks. “Once you’re ready, the party will continue.”

“I need the shawl.”

I crouch down, and picking up my jacket, I shrug it back on as I say, “You don’t need it.”

“But…”

I shake my head. “You have nothing to hide, Lara. You’re fucking beautiful, so lift your chin high and wear your scars with pride.” I frame her face again and look deep into her eyes. “You bled for them, and they show how amazingly strong you are. Never hide them.”

“What about other people?”

“Fuck them all.” I press a kiss to her lips. “Only I matter, and I love every inch of you.”

Once the words are out, we both freeze. Lara’s eyes widen on mine, her lips parting.

Your timing fucking sucks, Gabriel.

Letting out a chuckle, I pull back. “Well, that’s out in the open.”

With total disbelief, Lara asks, “You love me?”

Do I?

I search my heart and can only find one answer. “Yes.”

For a man who doesn’t like expressing his emotions, I’ve said those words twice in one night.

And I meant them both times.





Chapter 37


Lara



I’m starting to wonder if I died when I got shot, and this is heaven because it’s all too good to be true.

Staring at Gabriel, his love declaration wraps around me like steel armor. It gives me a sense of confidence I’ve never had before.

It fills my heart like it’s never been filled before.

The prince loves a maid.

Slowly my lips curve up. I lift my chin and pull my shoulders back, the love he is giving me flooding every inch of my being.

Ten years I went without hearing those words.

For ten years, I lived in absolute horror.

But that’s my past, and before me stands my future.

“You love me,” I breathe. The impact of this astonishing moment hits me so hard, tears instantly fill my eyes.

Gabriel presses a soft kiss to my trembling lips. “Yes, I love you.”

He wraps me in his arms and holds me while I process the meaning of his words.

I am his, and he is mine.

Gabriel belongs to me.

Pulling back, he tilts his head, his eyes inspecting every inch of my face. “Feeling better?”

I nod, and not sure what I should say or do because I’m still too overwhelmed, I murmur, “I need to fix my makeup before the party can continue.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “Good girl. I’ll gather the family while you freshen up.”

I hesitate to turn my back on him, so I can walk to the door, and Gabriel immediately notices. “Go, Lara. Let me finally see that sexy ass of yours in the dress.”

A smile trembles around my mouth as I slowly walk away from him.

“Jesus, what the fuck was I thinking buying you that dress?” he mutters incredulously. “You’ll only wear it for me.”

His words boost my confidence, and I lift my chin. I even dare to wiggle my butt.

“You’re brave, Ödülüm. I have no problem fucking you right on this floor.”

I let out a chuckle as I glance over my shoulder, and blowing Gabriel a kiss, I slip out the door.

I’m instantly met with Nisa and Alya Hanim’s worried faces.

Nisa darts forward, covering me with the shawl. “My Lara, are you okay?”

Alya Hanim hooks her arm through mine, patting my hand. “Don’t worry about the party.”

They keep fussing over me, and I don’t get a word in. I’m ushered into my bedroom and only then manage to pull away.

“I’m okay.” When the women I’ve grown to love just stare at me, I repeat, “I’m really okay. The party will continue. I just need to freshen up my makeup.”

“Allah Allah, if Lara says the party continues, then it continues.” Nisa shoves me down in a chair and starts to fix my makeup.

Alya Hanim sinks down in the other armchair, letting out a tired breath. “I’m getting too old for parties.”