Page 49 of Security Breach

“I’m trying to tell you that I love you, Emma. I lost part of my soul when you were in WITSEC. You’re the best part of me.”

“David.” She kissed him.

After a series of deep, hot kisses, David pulled back, aware that she hadn’t verbally responded to his declaration. She seemed to feel the same way about him, but he needed her to say the words. If she didn’t love him, he would do his dead-level best to win her heart because the alternative was a lifetime without her. No. A thousand times, no. While he’d learned to handle many things through the years, losing Emma was unthinkable.

He cupped her face. “You’re killing me, baby. Do I have a chance to win your heart?”

A vibrant smile curved her luscious mouth. “You already have. I love you, David. I’ve loved you for so long.”

David crushed her close. “Even though I don’t have a ring yet, will you marry me?”

“Nothing would make me happier.”

Man, he hoped she meant those words because he didn’t know how long he’d be able to wait to marry Emma. “Soon? A long engagement might be the death of me.”

Emma laughed. “As soon as you want.” Her smile slowly faded. “What if we can’t find the Butcher?”

“I’m not delaying our wedding because the Butcher is roaming free. In fact, I think he’s a great excuse to marry you sooner. I’ll have a legitimate reason to keep you by my side all hours of the day and night. As soon as I have the chance, I’ll buy your engagement ring. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

And if they were forced into WITSEC, they’d go as husband and wife. That would, indeed, tick off Agent Jordan. He wouldn’t like adjusting his protection plans to include David. Tough. Emma was his to love and protect.

“I don’t want our wedding tainted by the Butcher.”

“Our wedding day will be about us.” He kissed her until she practically melted in his arm. “Let’s not worry about the date yet. Knowing you’ll be my wife soon is enough for the moment.”

“What about our friends in Maple Valley? Will marrying before the Butcher is behind bars heighten the risk to them?”

“We can’t solve every problem tonight.” He smiled. “I’m just happy you put me out my misery by accepting my proposal. Now, I’ll be able to sleep.”

Another laugh from his bride-to-be. “I’m not sure I’ll sleep at all. I have wedding plans to make. Oh, I wish I could talk to Gigi.”

David chuckled. “Soon, okay? Save some of the planning for after sunrise. Do you need anything? Water, more tea, a snack?”

She shook her head. “I have what I need most in this world. You.”

Another kiss, this one soft and tender. “I’ll be close.” Walking away from her was the hardest thing he’d ever done. David returned to the first floor and found four of the operatives gathered in the kitchen. “Where’s Jackson?”

“Manning the security cams,” Eli said. “Coffee?”

“Not unless I’m on watch tonight.”

“Lucky for you, your shift isn’t until nightfall.” Rafe tossed him a bottle of water. “How’s Emma?”

“Trying to sleep.”

Jon frowned. “You told her the truth, right?”

“I did.”

“Huh.” Cal rubbed his jaw. “She must be one strong woman to fall asleep after hearing the Butcher’s threat.”

“I balanced out the bad news with something else.” His cheeks burned. The news would leak soon. He needed to tell his brothers.

Eli’s eyebrows rose. “Must be something good.”

“I asked her to marry me.”

The operatives stared at him in stunned silence. “Well?” Rafe demanded. “What did she say?”

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