Page 5 of Endless Love

“You said you wouldn’t make promises you couldn’t keep,” I say, while he places my hand on his heart.

“Then my life will be the proof.” My eyes meet his. They’re full of love and hope, and they melt any sign of rebellion. When he drops to one knee, my heart threatens to burst.

“Will you, Bria du Mont, make me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife? Take notice, please, that I asked you.” He chuckles. I pierce him with a look, and he turns serious again. “Let’s spend our lives together until we’re old and gray. I hope it will be enough time to show you you’re not only the love of my life but also the reason I find sense in all the nonsense.”

He plucks a velvet box out of his jacket and tears well up in my eyes. He flicks the lid, and inside on a small, plush pillow rests a ring—two sparkling barn owls encrusted in tiny diamonds form a heart with a large, heart-shaped diamond centered inside. It’s beyond beautiful. My hand flies to my heart, and emotions knot me up.

“This ring is a symbol of our love’s foundation. To represent how our love beat the odds, and the future we’ll build together.” My eyes linger on the ring. “Just a hint, a particular answer would thrill me right about now, love.”

“Don’t ruin it, Damien. You know the answer.” Oh, he deserves the anguish he feels of me not answering him immediately. He fixes me with a stare filled with disbelief.

“Bria!”

I bite down on my lower lip and stop playing. “I’ll marry you. Yes, forever yes.”

He breathes, relief oozing from him. I throw myself in his arms as he loses his balance, and we tumble to the ground.

“And now put that ring on my finger already. I have waited way too long as it is.”

“I like you bossy,” Damien says as he slides the ring on my finger. The ring sparkles even in the night. For a second, the owls appear to smile at me, as if knowing they’re where they belong at last.

“Finally, I can make you mine officially.”

“I’m yours.”

“What about next month?”

“One month? I don’t think it’s doable.” His fingers dig into my skin, and as he presses me to his chest, I sense his desperation.

“I’m sure between our mothers and Sarah. It will work out.” Heat reflects from his gaze to mine. The energy shifts between us, this magnetic pull we have drawing us closer in. He bites my earlobe as he whispers, seduction flowing from his tongue, “I want you.”

At his alluring voice, lust trickles down my belly, and I squeeze my legs.

“Take me home.” He scrambles upward and holds his hand out for mine. I grip it, and he pulls me up.

“To my place? Are you sure because you said . . .?” His eyes seek my face for any sign of discomfort, and I nod. “I changed the bed,” he answers, an apology wavering through his words.

“Who’s the mood-killer this time?” I groan, irony coating my question.

“I try, baby. You could also show an ounce of appreciation.”

“Orally?”

I feign innocence as he stares at me dumbfounded. He throws me over his shoulder and I squeal.

“By now, I’m sure you like to play with fire as much as I love to fuck you senseless.”

He puts me down when we reach our cars, and I search for my keys in my purse.

“I can’t find my keys. It’s like a black hole in here.”

He chuckles as he takes my hand in his.

“Leave it here, baby. I’ll send someone tomorrow to pick it up. I want you near me. I’m a starving man here.”

I pat my heart into a faux-touched gesture.

“Look who can be romantic.”

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