Page 68 of Edging Obsession

“You gave us your word before. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in crime, you’ll be staying here, plus you’re in the most popular band in the world. Jules isn’t safe in your presence.”

“Do you think she’ll be safe going home to an empty apartment? No job? Will that make her happy?”

“No, but in time, she’ll forget you.”

I shove my cup away. “The hell she will, Elise.”

Elliott stops me. “Don’t talk to her that way.”

My hand points at both of them. “Could you forget about Elise? And Elise, could you forget about Elliott?” I run my fingers through my hair. “I fucking know my life is on the dangerous side. That doesn’t mean Jules and I shouldn’t be together. I have the funds and the means to keep her safe and happy. What happened will never occur again. Once I talk to my brother, the business will be transferred to him as sole leadership.”

“Is that even possible?”

“If this was a U.S. gang, getting out would be hard, but this is my brother. My family. I haven’t been involved in the business for five years, so he and I know he can handle it.”

They’re still on the fence about letting Jules stay here, so I add a bit of enticement. “This is also for your benefit. It will allow you a place to stay when you come to visit Anja. I’m not sure what her plans are, but it gives you all the freedom to visit one another.”

Elise hugs her cup and smiles. “That would be nice. We haven’t really talked to Anja about it.”

“And when Jules and I marry, we’ll have a place to live in the U.S. and Germany.”

They both sit straighter, mouths hanging open, wide-eyed from shock. I let out a laugh, knowing this is a shock, especially when I haven’t said anything to my Schatzi.

“I’m going to ask your daughter to marry me, but I’d like your blessing. It would mean a lot to me and Jules. I hate seeing her hurt because we don’t get along. We all love her, and it’s in our best interest to make sure we’re on good terms.”

Elliott stutters before saying, “Uh, well, we know you can take care of her financially. Jules suffers from mental illness. She’ll need someone who can give her attention. Care for her.”

“I think I’ve proven I can do it. I’m not blind to the fact her mental illness won’t play a factor in future problems. What I do know is I’m here for her. Whatever Jules wants and needs, medication, therapy, quiet time, it’s hers. I’ll make her life as comfortable as it can be.”

Elise purses her lips and whispers, “That’s very nice of you to say, Miles. Ever since meeting you, our daughter has been happy, aside from the shooting and abduction, which is hard to ignore.” Her smile grows. “But I’ve watched the both of you. There’s no doubt you love each other.” She gets a glimpse of Elliott and adds, “So…you have my blessing.”

My face hurts from my huge smile. “Thank you so much, Elise. It means everything to me.”

Elliott then says, “I have to agree with Elise. Jules loves you. For us to deny her happiness, would make us horrible parents, so you have my blessing, too.”

I thrust my hand toward Elliott who takes it. “Thank you. I’ll take good care of her.”

“We expect nothing less. Plus, we want to see Jules often.”

“Definitely.”

This has turned out perfect. Elise starts talking about the wedding, and Elliott and I laugh, because I haven’t even mentioned it to Jules, let alone asked. They want to know how and when I plan on proposing, and I tell them the truth. I have no idea. On my way out, I tell them I’ll let Jules know everything is good with us.

At my house, I find Jules in one of my t-shirts, which falls a little above mid-thigh. Her curls veil over her shoulders, nipples pushing against the material, and her long legs are buried in a pair of thick wool socks. She’s a vision. One I want to wake to every day.

She approaches, engulfing me in her arms, resting her chin on my chest, and asks, “How did the meeting go?”

My fingers slide over her scalp, collecting her gorgeous locks. “Good.”

“Did you tell your brother?”

“Nope. I haven’t seen him yet.”

She pulls away a little. “I thought that’s who you had a meeting with.”

“I met with your parents.”

In the cutest Jules fashion, she backs up, lifting herself onto the kitchen island. “What? Why?”

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