Ruthless King - Page 236

She clasped him close. “You were always my dream man, Regent Malone. My hero who got me through some dark times. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen when I knew you would be mine. My hero. My man. My king.”

EPILOGUE

Twelve months later . . .

Jilly steppedup to the double doors and peered outside.

Guests were taking their seats in the white chairs. The chairs were separated into two sides, creating a wide aisle in between.

Everything just looked so beautiful. It was the most magical of days. The flowers were blooming, the sun was shining, and the day was still and clear.

Then again, it could have been dark and storming, and she still would have thought that today was the most wonderful day.

Because today she got to marry her hero.

The ruthless king of New Orleans.

Lord, how her life had changed. And all for the better. She’d finally found a good man. A man who loved her. Who wouldn’t harm or abandon her.

Her man.

Instead of holding her down, he lifted her up. Supported her. Her first book had been published three months ago, and it had been a huge hit, which had shocked her.

Regent hadn’t been surprised, though. He’d told her that he’d always believed in her. That he always would.

Because of him, Jilly now felt like she could be herself. That she knew who that was.

Because she knew that no matter what, he would be there for her.

“Ready?”

She glanced over as Scott walked toward her. His recovery had been long and hard.

But you wouldn’t know it now. He looked healthy and tanned. Regent had paid for Scott and Dan to go on a long cruise in the Caribbean. Mrs. Yards had gone along too.

Henri had survived as well and was still her bodyguard.

Jilly’s mom and her now husband, Frank, were sitting up in the front with Dan and Mrs. Yards. Anne had understood when she’d told her that she wanted Scott to give her away.

He’d protected her. Been there for her.

It felt fitting.

Was she ready?

Hell, yes. She’d been ready since she was sixteen.

“Let’s do this.”

They headed outside, her hand on his arm as he guided her down the aisle.

Ahead of her, Regent stood proud and tall. His face didn’t change his expression as she walked toward him. But she knew that didn’t mean he wasn’t feeling a lot.

He wasn’t always comfortable expressing his love in front of others, but he got mad if she tried to curtail her affection.

All of a sudden, she needed to get to him quickly. Breaking away from Scott, she raced toward him.

There were a few shocked laughs from their guests, but all Regent did was hold out his arms to catch her as she threwherself at him. He pulled her close and she let out a laugh filled with delight.