Page 79 of Crude Heir

Ezequiel’s gaze comes back to Nicole. He turns pensive, then he looks to the floor. “You need backup?” Ezequiel offers.

Addler stops short, turning to find Ezequiel studying the carpet. “You sure about this?”

Again, I have a sense that there’s more to this call than Addler’s letting on.

Ezequiel nods, glances up at Nicole, then at me. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

He pulls his phone, a determined look on his face. “Come on, let’s see how it goes.”

Holding her tight, I struggle with my conscience. “Guys, are you sure this is something you want to do?”

“We’re good,” Addler says dismissively.

I should have expected that Addler wouldn’t be deterred.

“Thank you, both.” While I don’t know what they’re risking, the simple fact is that something’s on the line. I can only be grateful they’re willing to stick their necks out for me, for Nicole.

“Sure, bro,” Addler replies.

Ezequiel merely nods as they head out the door. “Let me tell Sage she can stop looking through the logs,” he says, reaching into his back pocket, “before she hands me my ass.”

“Security?” Addler’s voice carries a teasing note. “When did this happen?” he asks. He receives a shrug as a reply.

“Your mom,” Nicole says quietly.

I look up to find her approaching. She glances at Keith then leans in. “Addler said it was fine to come in,” she whispers.

“Yes.” I tip my head toward my father. “He’s calling his attorney,” I say without thinking.

“Can he fix this?” she asks, sounding hopeful.

At this point, I’m not sure what I can say and what I can’t. I’d rather not bring her into something that she shouldn’t be a part of to begin with.

“Uh, in a way.” I try my best to keep to the truth while skirting what Addler is trying to coordinate. “I…accepted what he’s set aside for me.”

Her face lights up. “Derrick. That’s wonderful!”

“If it’ll help Nicole, I’m willing to do it.”

“I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to pay you back,” Nicole murmurs.

I smile down at her, knowing she’s torturing herself over money. Both the one I’m accepting and what we’ll end up using to keep her safe. There’s one way I can always be sure she’s safe, and mine. “Marry me.”

She turns, her eyes opening wide in surprise, almost as much as my mother’s.

While I knew this was going to happen, I’m not prepared at the moment. “I don’t have a ring right now, but—”

“Wait.” Mom brings up her hand, pulling a wide, intricately woven ring off her finger. “Will this do?” It’s one she’s worn ever since I can remember. One that’s a favorite.

“Miss Josie…” Nicole shakes her head, turning from her to me as I take the ring. “Derrick, you don’t have to do this.”

“Nicole Fuentes,” I continue, dismissing her concern even while she’s chewing on her bottom lip. “Will you marry me? I love you, and I want you with me, always.”

Her shoulders relax, and she offers a sweet smile. “Yes,” she says, tears starting again. “I’d be honored to marry you.”

I tip her head up for a kiss, swallowing her own declaration. That’s for my ears only the first time, so I savor the unspoken words, and anticipate the next moment we’ll be alone together.

Addler and Ezequiel come back in as I put the ring on her finger. His eyes go wide as he takes in the scene. “Hey, thisis fantastic.” His gaze shimmers more gold than green as an infectious smile covers his face.

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