[ThorenVald Estate—Leif's Office—Continuation—Leif's POV]
Alvar's arm froze around my waist. His blue eyes—calm, terrifying, and impossibly bright—locked onto mine. Somewhere in that gaze, I saw a storm brewing. Or maybe a wildfire. Either way… I was toast. Completely, utterly… toast.
"…Married?" His voice was low, smooth, and dangerous. A growl lurked behind it, subtle but definitely there.
I blinked. Tried to look innocent. "...Y-yes? I mean… if you want to, it's… totally optional…"
Optional. Ha! Right. Because no one says no to Grand Duke Alvar. Anyone sane, that is.
He tilted his head slowly, watching me like a predator savoring its prey. "You… want to marry me?" There was no question in his tone—more like a verdict being read aloud.
I smiled. "Of course. There's nothing wrong with that. Everything is legal in this generation— "
Then my brain… imploded.
Wait—hold up.
