Page 86 of Queen of Spades

Annika lets out a little squeak, flipping over on her back and ripping the pillow off her face. “Oh, hey. What’s up?”

“I was hoping you might eat a little something with me while the others are preoccupied.” My head tilts, and I give her what I hope is an inviting grin.

She nods, pushing herself up until she’s sitting. “Yeah, if I can bring my blanket.”

Goddamn.

She really is adorable.

Grady was right. She gets sweeter the closer her heat gets, and not just her scent.

Annika stretches forward on the couch to drop her salad bowl.

I put my plate down next to hers and turn to face her. “It just crossed my mind that I don’t know if I asked if I could court you.”

Her lips push together as she leans back. “I can’t remember if you said the words, but I kinda thought that’s where we were headed.”

“I, uh, have something for you.” I grimace, digging in the pocket of my jeans. “It’s yours, no matter how this courting thing goes, but I…” I exhale heavily, scooting closer and grabbing her hand.

She blinks at me with wide eyes, and it’s clear I’m fucking this all up. I pull my other hand over, revealing the small ring box.

“Kane…”

“Open it, please,” I say, shaking the box. She grabs it, popping open the lid. Her jaw falls as she rears back against the cushion. My heart races. This might have been a huge mistake. “She wasn’t wearing it that day. Ranger found it in her jewelry box.”

“My mom’s engagement ring?”

“Yeah.” I study her face, trying to determine if this is the world’s worst courting gift. “I thought you might like to have it. You don’t have to wear it. We’ll buy you another one, but I just thought it might be nice to have something from them.”

She nods, studying the ring in the box. “I’m honestly not sure if I want to wear it, but it means the world to me that you brought it to me.” Her eyes sparkle as she looks up at me. “I had nothing of theirs when I ran last time. It hit me harder than I expected. Not at first, you know?” She closes the box and drops it on the coffee table. “In the beginning, I was so in shock, it didn’t click. Once I settled in and was safe…” She climbs right over into my lap, and my heart races as she gives me a sincere smile. “That was the most thoughtful courting gift that I can think of. It means a lot. Thank you, Kane.”

“Of course. I know our circumstances aren’t ideal, but if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life courting the hell out of you.”

She grins, kissing the edge of my mouth. “Who knew you were such a romantic?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “We just have one thing to get out of the way first.”

“Oh yeah?”

I nod, eyeing her thin dress. It seems like a normal dress, rather than a pajama or sleep dress.

“Would you mind coming outside with me?” I ask.

She glances down at her bare feet. “Um, I guess. Will you carry me? I don’t have my shoes.”

I snort, moving to stand. “Yeah, princess. I’ve got you.”

Annika wiggles in my arms, burrowing deeper into me. Possibly because I made her ditch the blanket on the couch. Kicking the patio door closed with my foot, I swivel my head to check for threats.

Ward and Grady should be finished installing the trail cams by now. If they’re keeping their word, they should be out scanning the property for threats, so I can have some bonding time with my wiggly little omega.

“There’s a pool,” Annika says, twisting in my grip. “I don’t know if it’s warm enough to take a dip, but if there’s a hot tub or it’s heated, I would totally be down for that.”

“There’s a jacuzzi, but Grady gave me a different kind of idea,” I growl as my boots hit the concrete steps heading down into the backyard.

It’s right before sunset, but there’s still enough light to see—at least, for another few minutes.

She gasps, stretching so far in my arms that I’m concerned she might tumble out. “Is that a hedge maze?”

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