Chapter Forty-one

‘Yes …’

Andrea sprang upright, surprised at the speed of her response but content not to question it. ‘Does that mean you forgive me?’

‘Not necessarily … but I will marry you.’ Elena discovered that her teeth were chattering with shock.

‘Okay,’ Andrea pronounced, wondering if that dazed look was positive or negative, and then remembering what he had not yet said. ‘I love you … I love you a lot, amata mia.’

Dazzled by the enormous sapphire and diamond ring he’d placed on her finger as he confessed his love, Elena lifted startled eyes to his lean, darkly handsome face. ‘You don’t have to say that if you don’t mean it.’

Andrea strode forward and caught both her hands in his. Intense tawny eyes claimed hers in a look as possessive and urgent as his hold. ‘I can’t sleep at night without you. When you left Sardinia I thought my life was over. I’ve been in love with you for weeks and weeks without realising it … I really need you to be with me … for ever. ‘

Overwhelmed, Elena nodded several