Page 54 of Claimed By the Boss

“We’re here.” O’Donnell parks in a reserved space at the curb and climbs out to open my door.

I slide out and drag Leo after me so that he’s not getting out on the street side. We haven’t tracked down Tony and Bugrov yet, and I’m cautious of giving them another chance to snatch Leo.

Watchful for people showing us too much interest, I entwine our fingers and lead the way to the jewelry store, which had closed to the public for our appointment.

“Mr. Rockford, Mr. Daniels, welcome.” The manager, who stands at the entrance, offers two champagne flutes. “Sparkling pear juice?”

“Thank you.” Leo takes one and sips, then looks up at me. “It’s sweet.”

I accept mine, and we follow the man to an intimate sitting area. With a hand on Leo’s elbow, I help him onto the padded cushion farthest from the windows, which earns me an exasperated look of affection.

Taking the seat on his other side, I drape my arm over the back of his chair.

The store manager opens a locked safe on the table and lifts out a small, dark wood ring box, setting it in front of Leo.

He leans forward to open it and gasps before twisting to stare at me. “This isn’t the one I picked out.”

No, when we came here two months ago to choose his engagement ring, he had been overwhelmed by the prices and had chosen a simple silver band, but I had seen where his heart lay. I had used the excuse of needing to size the one he chose to have a custom ring designed based on what he really liked.

“No, but it’s the one you wanted.” I caress the back of his neck, where the faint circle of my Mark lingers.

It’s not a permanent one, since he hasn’t gone into Heat again because of his pregnancy, but it’s a promise of what will come after he gives birth.

His hand trembles as he pulls the platinum ring from the box. Sapphires and black diamonds inset around the band give the impression of a waterfall. On the inside, in delicate script, are the words: To my heart, forever.

Leo’s throat works as he swallows back tears and turns to me. “Will you put it on me?”

Chest tight, I slide it into place on his slender finger. The thick platinum band stops just below his first knuckle and sparkles as he moves his hand back and forth.

He sniffles. “It’s beautiful, Nolan.”

I cup his cheek. “Not as beautiful as you.”

His bottom lip wobbles, making me want to pull him onto my lap and smother him in kisses.

Before I give in to the temptation of his lush lips, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I take it out. “I’m sorry, but business calls. Why don’t you pick out a chain while I take care of this?”

Leo’s brow furrows. “Chain?”

I rub his belly. “For when you get too fat and the ring won’t fit.”

His indignant squawk fills my ear, and I dodge his swat. Laughing, I move off to the side to check the message from Sebastian.

It’s a link to an article from an online gossip site that stalks the families of the elite, digging up sordid details about our lives to expose to the public. This specific journalist latched onto us a year ago, and the articles he writes about the “Rockford Corruption” doubled the website’s income.

The newest one focuses on my new multi-use building venture, where he speculates what the exact purpose of the apartments will be, citing my nightclubs to titillate his readers with the scandal of sex workers taking over the city, which pisses me off from two fronts.

The first is that there’s nothing shameful about people who enjoy being sex workers. The second is that this is a passion project that grew from my love for Leo, and I refuse to have it tarnished by some gossip columnist disguising himself as a real news person spreading lies about our family.

Opening my texts, I shoot one off to Caleb: We have a problem I’d like you to deal with.

“Nolan, what do you think of this one?” Leo calls out.

I turn to see him holding up a chain from the cheaper side of the store.

Smiling, I tuck my phone away and stride toward him. “Be less frugal, sweet boy. We want to make sure it’s sturdy so you don’t lose the band.”

Suspicion fills his eyes, but he slides down to the pricier section.

At the glass counter, I cup his round waist. “Pick what you want. This is forever.”

He pulls my hand farther around to rest on his belly. “Say that again.”

I lean down to kiss the top of his head. “You and me, forever, Leo.”

From the moment I saw him, I knew he was mine, and I look forward to claiming him for the rest of our lives.

The End.

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