Roman’s POV:
“So, you went against my orders?” I asked Jersey furiously.
She shifted her gaze from me in silence.
Astrid looked at me, then moved closer and hit my face. I flinched and glared at her, ignoring the pain.
“Are you saying you enjoy seeing tears on my beautiful face?” she asked.
“What?” I asked in disbelief.
“I asked you if you enjoyed seeing my beautiful self cry,” she answered as I burst out laughing.
“Why are you laughing? Are you implying that I’m ugly?” she asked, then pressed her hands on her hips.
I stopped laughing and lightly and playfully hit her cheeks with a smirk.
“There is no denying your beauty, mate,” I answered seriously.
“See, so never make Roxanne or me cry ever again,” she said, then made a crown gesture on top of her head, making me chuckle.
This was a side of Astrid I had never seen before, and I wasn’t expecting it. I knew she was serious because of the rank she held, but I couldn’t have imagined her being this playful.
I moved, closing the little space between us and looked into her eyes.
“I still want to die,” I whispered softly as her expression turned cold.
“But I also want to learn more things about you and see sides of you that I have never seen before,” I said as she smiled sadly.
“So you will live,” she asked.
“For now,” I answered.
She wrapped her arms around me as I hugged her back and looked at Jersey seriously.
I was still furious with her for disobeying my orders, but then again, it wasn’t a bad deed she had done.
I was stunned when Astrid pulled back and tip-toed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Before I could say a word, she crushed her lips against mine. I wasted no time in kissing her back as I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I didn’t know why, but I felt happy and content talking to her and having her with me.
When she pulled back and looked at me in a daze, I moved my hand, gesturing to Jersey to leave the room.
She gave a low bow and vanished from my sight.
I swept Astrid off of her feet and walked with her to the bed, then carefully sat at the edge with her on my lap. Her head was resting against my chest and her breath was sounding a little labored.
I didn’t want to get turned on right at that moment. We had gone through so much, and rushing to mate would only signify fear of losing each other and giving in to impulses.
I just wanted us to be like this, in each other’s arms.
“Roman,” she called softly.
“Mm,” I hummed in response.
“Do you know that I love you a lot?” she asked.
I wrapped my arms around her, thinking back to everything Roxanne had done to make me and Garren happy.
“I knew that way before Garren did,” I answered softly.
“Good. Do you remember Garren’s dream?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
“I believe that isn’t yours. Did you have one before your revenge plan and death wish?” she asked.
I kept quiet for a while, remembering how I used to have one.
“I did, but it wasn’t as amazing as Garren’s,” I answered honestly.
“Can you share?” she asked.
I didn’t want to, but then again, it was the love of my life asking. Not some random female.
“Well, before my mother asked me to avenge them and look after Garren, I had imagined what it would be like to come across my mate. Being the dominant type, I expected her to be intimidated by me. If she was weak, I anticipated her rejecting me over time as she realized how broken and cold I was towards her. However, if she was the stubborn type who still wanted to be with me despite knowing my flaws, then I would treat her right and settle down with her in the castle,” I answered.
“You see, that place may just be a place for Garren, but to me, it’s my home. It’s where I grew up and shared many amazing memories with my parents. It’s a part of me and will always be. That’s why I hoped and wished to spend my life there with my mate by my side. Although it isn’t a safe place, I promised myself to make it safe and do everything in my power to protect her. And if we did have pups, I would look after them and train them on how to survive while showering them with kindness and care, just like my parents did,” I said, my voice breaking at the end of my sentence.
“It’s a beautiful dream,” she whispered softly.
“Dreams will forever remain that way, Astrid,” I answered seriously.
She pulled back and looked at my face coldly.
“What?” I asked.
She moved from my lap and walked to the wardrobe, opening it.
I watched as she grabbed her clothes and threw them to the floor.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my tone serious.
“I’m about to start packing,” she answered, as I frowned.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because we are both leaving for your castle,” she answered.
“What?” I asked in shock.
“You heard me, Roman. We are going to your castle to start our lives there,” she answered.
I stood up and rubbed my hand against my forehead.
“Astrid, come on, stop messing around,” I said as she gave me a murderous gaze.
“Keep thinking I’m messing around, but the joke is on you when you get me pregnant,” she answered.
“What?” I asked loudly.
She sighed heavily, then walked to where I was and stood in front of me.
“Dreams are not only dreams, and I will prove it to you no matter what. We will go back to your castle and live there. You won’t have to do much because I will be the one to do everything. From cooking to giving you a bath, from watching you sleep in bed to pleasing you,” she said, and for the first time, I felt embarrassed.
What did she take me for, a kid?
“I will give you pups, love, and give you everything you will need. I will be your sole reason for your survival and will to live. So just sit your handsome ass down and let me pack,” she said, then turned.
I quickly grabbed her hand, making her look at me.
“Roxanne,” I said, more of a question.
“She is me, and I am her. Whatever I decide, know that she’s in. When I’m done packing, we will go and talk to my parents, then leave,” she answered.
She looked so determined, and that made her look so sexy. I wanted to kiss her badly.
“Please sit down, I won’t take long,” she said.
“Okay,” I answered, then moved her hand to my lips and kissed it while I stared into her eyes.