CHAPTER 4: In Love with Her

DIEGO'S POV

I longed to make beautiful babies with this woman as quickly as possible. Babies with her eyes, her hair and her skin. I wanted us to spend the rest of our days together.

I loved her. I had loved her since that day—the day at the masked party five years ago. I remember the first time my eyes fell on her; she stood at a corner confused and innocent. She was too charming for me to resist, even though I hadn't seen her face at first. We spent the night outside, away from the party, under the moonlight. She told me soothing stories. She made me feel the best version of myself. For the first time in my life, I could let go of my terrible past and focus on what was in front of me. I knew I wanted her near.

I still have her mask—a white sparkling mask. She lost it while running back home. Since then, I vowed to find her and protect her. I waited for this day—a day to finally make her mine. And I have succeeded.

The moment she stepped into the wedding hall, I could sense her distinctive scent—that flower perfume. The scent that drew me in that night—my favourite scent for the last five years. It reminded me of the moments we shared.

It was bad that I didn't reveal my identity then but we both felt something we had never felt before. She made me feel something I never knew I would ever feel—love. Does she even remember me?

I want to reveal myself so badly but I do not know how she would take it or how she would see me. I know she already sees me as a ruthless, heartless tyrant just like everyone else and it hurts. I have watched her behind the shadows for too long, under the shackles of these evil people and now, all I want is to protect her.

I saw the way she looked at me—with fear and disgust. How could I change that? How can I show her that for her, I could be a better man and much more? How could I tell her I spent years building an empire for her? I had her ring crafted by the best jeweler in Asia?

For the first time in years, my heart thumped loudly. I don't give a damn about the twenty million—it's nothing to me compared to her. All I want, all I’ve wanted these past years is Savannah McGrathy.

I looked at my wife for a second time in her wedding dress. She was perfect—everything and more. But the unwavering sadness in her eyes disturbed me. I challenged myself to change that.

“Shall we go?” I told her, breaking the awkward silence between us. I stretched out my palms for her. She hesitated, staring at me like I was some kind of devil. When will it stop? Does she not want me?

She finally placed her palms in mine, avoiding my gaze as I guided her to the car slowly. It was a long and quiet drive to my mansion. I did not strike up a conversation with her because I didn't want to scare her.

After a few minutes, we arrived. I made sure everything was arranged to her taste in preparation for her arrival. If there was anything she didn't like, I wouldn't hesitate to change it—even myself.

I had no intention of consummating our marriage immediately but the sight of her in that dress ignited a raw need in me. Me, up close with her cleavages with my hands caressing her smooth thighs. God! She looked breathtaking and beautiful in that dress.

I gestured for her to come closer and sit, just when I noticed the scars on her palms. I had seen it earlier at the wedding but we were too busy with everything. Those evil people. I would make sure they pay for all they did to her. I must get back everything they stole from her!

My eyes roamed her body and I didn't even realize when I placed a kiss on her lips. She seemed to want it so I continued. At some point, I could feel her hesitating so I stopped. I didn't want her to feel used or feel like she was doing it to please me or it was her duty. I wanted her to want it as much as I did. To do it for herself.

I wanted to pull away when her soft voice broke through the silence. “Don't…don't stop.”

I felt my body get hotter than it was. Her words finally broke my barriers and without hesitation, I kissed her roughly. My fingers found their way to her dress and with one stroke it was off. She was bare before my eyes. Her body was magnificent. Immediately, my hunger increased to an almost uncontrollable level. I wanted to devour her right there but her comfort mattered more than my desire.

But then, I had to be sure. I asked the question that had been on my mind the whole time. She said no. She had not been intimate before. A virgin. How is that even possible?

A beautiful girl like her? I still wanted to devour her but I had to control myself. I pulled away, removing my gaze swiftly as looking at her body could make me do things I didn't want to do.

I didn't want to rush things. I wanted it to come at the right time when she was ready and when she wanted it. I longed for her to want me as much as I wanted her. For her voice to tell me to do it from the depth of her heart. I will wait until then. I am ready to wait.

I turned, backing her. I'm sure she saw my scars and it made me a bit insecure. She must feel disgusted by them. I bet she turned her face but I realized, if I wanted her to love me, she had to know every part of me, even the ugly sides–the scars, the pain and the darkness within me.