Page 8 of The Last Shadow

Odd.

Frankie stares at the ring box, now open, her eyes are wide as they settle on the two-carat diamond ring. She runs her finger along the diamonds circling the band and smiles. “Damien, it’s beautiful.”

“You are more beautiful, Francesca. But this ring is a symbol of what I feel for you. Marry me?” I pull the ring from the box and slide it onto her finger. A genuine smile forms on her face. “Oh wow, Damien! This is stunning!”

It’s perfect. Too big, maybe, but she doesn’t even notice. She’s lost in the sparkle, a moment of pure magic. No grand gestures, no theatrics. Just Francesca and me. That’s all I want. Seeing her like this, happy. Like she’s the only woman in the world.

“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you.” she says, beaming. “Oh my God, I just…I don’t…oh, Damien.”

I was certain she’d say yes. I’ve been planting seeds for almost a year. But hearing the words spill from her lips brings anunexpected wave of relief. I can’t even begin to imagine what I’d do if she’d turned me down.

A laugh rushes out of her as she nods. Her face lights up like a Christmas tree. “I love you so much, Damien Wolfe.”

My chest puffs out a little at her words. I smile and lean forward. “I love you too, Francesca.”

“I can’t believe this is real. We’re getting married!”

I take her hand in mine. “Believe it, kitten. You’re going to be my wife.”

Frankie squeezes my hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “There’s so much to plan! I’ll need to find the perfect dress, something classic and elegant. Oh, and the venue! Maybe a beautiful garden ceremony.”

I smile at her enthusiasm. This is exactly what I wanted—Frankie focused on our future, on building a life with me. “Whatever you want, Francesca. The sky’s the limit. I want to make all your dreams come true.”

She sighs happily, leaning in closer. “You already have. You’ve been my rock through all of this, Damien. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Hey,” I say, cupping her cheek. “I’ll always be here for you.”

Frankie turns her head, pressing a kiss on my palm. “I love you so much. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

Pride surges through me at her words.Wife.“I love you too, my pet. More than anything. You’ve brought the light back into my life.”

“We’re going to have such a wonderful future together.” She gazes at me adoringly, like I hung the moon and stars just for her.

At this moment, I’ll do anything to keep that look on her face forever. To be her savior, her everything. “I promise, Frankie, I will spend the rest of my life making you happy. Anything you want, anything you need, it’s yours.”

Tears shimmer in her eyes. “All I need is you.”

I raise her hand to my lips. “Forever and always. You and me.”

Frankie giggles. “So when should we have the wedding? Spring could be nice.”

“Spring sounds perfect. New beginnings.” I wink at her. “But take all the time you need to plan. I’ll marry you tomorrow if you want.”

“My eager fiancé,” she teases, grinning. “Don’t tempt me. I just might take you up on that.”

Stroking her hand, I marvel at how far we’ve come at how deep she’s fallen.Fool for love.But she’s my fool now. My Frankie. “I’m all yours, kitten. Mind, body and soul. We have our whole lives ahead of us.”

In this moment, I almost believe my own lie. That a monster like me could make an angel like her happy. But I’ll play the part as long as it keeps her under my spell.

Forever and always, Francesca. Till death do us part.

Heat flares in her eyes as they scan my face, landing on my lips. “Want to get out of here?”

My brows shoot up. “What about dessert?”

“I’ll be your dessert.”

I stand and toss a few hundred-dollar bills on the table and take her hand, guiding her out of the restaurant. “There’s an extra fifty for you if you get my car back here in under two minutes.”

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