8

Mira did a double take and was sure that her mouth had fallenopen.

"You're not serious…"

He gave her a sardonic smile.

"Oh, I'm very serious." He stated, "You think you love me. That you know who I am, Mira. Then marry me. We're already here in Vegas. We can do it today."

He was serious!

Mira pushed him away and got up to pace. This was not what she'd been expecting when she planned on spilling her guts to him.

"Nicholai, this isn't necessary." She tried again, "We can try dating-"

"I'm tired of dating." He cut her off again, "I'm ready to settle down and I want you, Mira."

He walked over to her and gripped her shoulders.

"If you really want me too, you'll marry me." He cupped her cheeks in his hands, "Marry me, Mira, and you and Jahan will never have anything to worry about for the rest of your lives."

The money she had gotten from him already ensured that, but the pleading in his voice was getting to her. He seemed so lonely and that called to her like nothing else could.

Could she take the plunge and jump in blindly? With Nicholai Bach, she knew that she could. She'd seen so many facets of his personality and while she knew they'd definitely bump heads on a lot of things, they could also make a difference in the world together - as a team.

Besides, marrying one of the richest, sexiest bachelors in the world? What did she have to lose really?

"Yes."

His eyes widened, as if he had expected her to refuse him.

"What did you say?"

She linked her fingers around his neck and smiled against his lips.

"Yes, Nicholai Bach. I'll marry you."