The view is one of my favorites, and I knew this is the perfect place.
Kira stares at the scene for a minute, then turns to me. “Come sit with me—” She freezes, and her mouth drops open. Her eyes meet mine and then drop down to the box in my hands.
“Kira,” I say, holding up the diamond ring that looks like it’s made of lava in the setting sun. “It hasn’t been that long for us, but I’m a big believer in when you know, you know. And I have known from the first time we spoke that you are the one for me. We’ve been through a lot together in the last couple of months, and I will never forgive myself for allowing you to be put in harm’s way. But I can tell you right now, if you agree to be my wife, if you’ll marry me, you’ll never have to worry about that again because I will spend the rest of my life protecting yours and making it as happy and full as I can.” I take a deep breath, waiting for a moment. When she doesn’t respond, I say, “Kira. Will you marry me?”
Something about hearing the actual words seems to help her to realize what I’m asking. Suddenly, she is on her feet, throwing herself at me. “Yes,” she says, kissing my lips and nearly knocking me over. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” She pulls away, her eyes sparkling more than the lake. “Are you sure?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t.” I reach for her hand. “May I?”
She squeals with delight and then nods. “Yes, please.”
I slide the ring onto her finger, which thankfully is a perfect fit. I stand up and kiss her again, and she clings to me like I’m keeping her from falling over the edge of the cliff.
“Now,” I say after a few moments. “Let’s watch that sunset.”
We sit together and I look down at her at my side. This is a perfect moment. I’m VP of the club, and my girl just agreed to become my Ol’ Lady. A part of me always knew I’d win her heart, but I never expected to have to fight Eli for it, and I really didn’t expect Steve or bloodshed to factor into it.
She is mine now. Queen to this Ruthless King. And together, we are going to bring this town of ours to a whole new level.
But not yet. First… I have to take my fiancée home. Our bed is calling, and it’s saying wicked things.
Who am I to deny it?
