Page 668 of The Tempted
He took another step closer.
Then another.
He stood before me.
“Why would I ever want to be numb again when I’ve got someone who makes me feel like I’m on top of the world?”
I swallowed against the lump in my throat as fresh tears filled my eyes.
“Why would I send myself to hell when I have an angel who brings me to heaven?” he whispered.
Then I watched in shock as he dropped onto one knee in the middle of the circle, his lips quirked as he reached into his leather jacket.
“Why would I ever want anything other than her?”
He pulled out a tiny black velvet box and flipped the lid open.
“I wouldn’t,” he answered his own question. “I don’t want anything other than you, girl. You brought me back to life, gave me a second chance, one I didn’t think I deserved, but you insisted I did. Thank you for that. Thank you for being the angel who rescued me and showed me how to smile again. You’ve given me so much but there’s one more thing I’m going to ask of you…marry me, Lace, give me forever, let me be the one who shows you the good and the beautiful… let me give you my leather and take from you your lace.”
When you find yourself at the end of your story and you think there is nothing left, I hope you’ll think of me and Blackie and realize there’s always a chance for a rewrite.
Remember to smile.
Remember society doesn’t get to label you.
Remember life is good even when it’s bad.
Remember you are stronger than you know.
Remember me.
Remember him.
Remember Leather and Lace.
And know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and your temptations are only lethal if you let them be.
“Of course I’ll marry you,” I whispered. “There isn’t a single thing in this world I’ve ever wanted more than to be your queen.”
Remember to play your cards until the end.
