Page 45 of Unbearable Player

“I love you too, Reid. So much. It’s almost consuming.”

She raised her head off his chest and met his gaze. “But it doesn’t scare me anymore.”

His eyes held her captive, love filling his gaze.“You never have to be afraid. Not of me. Not of us. Never.”

He caressed her cheek and she took his hand and brought it to her lips and kissed it. “I know.”

TWENTY-ONE

Brianne sank into the plush comfort of Reid’s bed, her body still thrumming from their lovemaking. She caressed the mating marks he’d left on her hips with his claws. Her man was an animal. And the fact that turned her on wasn’t even a concern.

The scent of perfectly grilled steak wafted through the air, mingling with the crisp aroma of fresh salad. As she watched him move around the room, setting out the large food tray in the middle of the bed, Brianne marveled at how quickly her life had changed.

“You know,” she said, accepting the plate Reid offered her, “a few weeks ago, I would’ve laughed if someone told me I’d be sitting here eating steak after taking down a gang of tech-savvy thieves.”

Reid chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he settled beside her. “And I would’ve scoffed at the idea of falling head over heels for a brilliant, stubborn game developer who can out-hack a room full of criminals.”

Love spread through her at his words. She took a bite of the steak, savoring the rich flavor. “Mmm, okay, I might have to keep you around just for your cooking skills,” she teased.

“Is that all I’m good for?” Reid arched an eyebrow, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Well, you’re really soft on the eyes,” Brianne answered, earning herself a playful growl from Reid. “And addictive, if I’m honest. Like a drug. I can’t get enough of you.”

“Hmm, I like the sound of that. Addictive.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“I thought I was unbearable?”

She giggled and shook her head. “You are!”

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily between them, recounting the events that had led them to this moment. Brianne found herself marveling at the unlikely partnership they’d formed and how seamlessly they’d come to work together.

“You know,” she said, setting her empty plate aside, “I still can’t quite believe how well we worked together back there. I mean, when I first met you, I thought you were the stuffy, overly serious CEO type.”

Reid feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Stuffy? Me? I’ll have you know I’m the life of every board meeting.”

Brianne snorted, nearly choking on her water. “Oh, I’m sure. I bet you have them rolling in the aisles with your quarterly reports.”

“You’d be surprised.” Reid grinned, setting his own plate aside and pulling Brianne closer. “But seriously, I never expected to find someone who could match me step for step, challenge for challenge. You’re incredible, Brianne.”

The sincerity in his voice made her heart overflow with love. She looked up at him, taking in the warmth in his dark eyes, the strong line of his jaw. “You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Parker. I mean, not everyone can pull off the whole ‘turning into a massive bear’ thing with such panache.”

Reid laughed, the sound reverberating through his chest and into Brianne. “Panache, huh? I’ll take it.”

As their laughter subsided, a comfortable silence fell between them. Brianne found herself tracing idle patterns on Reid’s arm, marveling at the strength coiled beneath his skin. She thought about everything they’d been through, the dangers they’d faced and the bond they’d forged.

“Reid,” she said softly, her voice suddenly serious. “I love you. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

“I absolutely love you with everything in me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “I love you so much, Brianne. More than I ever thought possible.”

Before Brianne could respond, Reid unfolded a napkin, revealing a stunning oval diamond ring flanked by sapphires that matched the blue of her eyes.

“I had this whole speech planned,” Reid said, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. “About how you’ve turned my world upside down in the best possible way, how you challenge me and inspire me every day. But the truth is, I know with every fiber of my being that you’re the only woman for me. My mate, my partner, my love.” He took a deep breath, holding up the ring. “Will you marry me?”

Tears pricked her eyes, her heart so full, she thought it might burst. “Yes,” she whispered, then louder, “Yes! Of course, yes!”

Reid slipped the ring onto her finger, and Brianne marveled at how right it felt. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss that was equal parts passion and promise.

---