Page 103 of Theirs to Rule

The playful glint in her eyes softened into something deeper, and I felt that familiar tug of satisfaction. She was here with me, and nothing else mattered.

"Kage, I love this. I love that you're sharing this with me," she said, her sincerity cutting through the light-hearted banter. "But are you sure about this? It's your birthday. We should be doing something you want."

I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her against me, my lips brushing her ear. "I’m going to get what I want, which is time with you. After the small birthday party a few of my friends are throwing for me, it will just be you, me, and the city. That's all I need.”

She looked up at me, her expression softening. "And here I thought you'd be all broody about turning twenty-two."

"Broody? Me?" I feigned shock. "Never. Especially not when I have the best birthday present right here." I tapped her nose lightly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth as her laughter filled the space between us.

"Okay, Mr. Twenty-Two, let's hit the road then. Manhattan won't know what hit it.”

I opened the driver’s side door for her, watching as she slid into the seat with a grace that always seemed to catch me off guard. She drove the car with skill that still amazed me, flooring it and speeding out of curves, her laughter filling the car, making the space feel alive. As we pulled into the sleek, modern parking structure of a high-rise building, Camille's curious gaze swept over the surroundings.

"What hotel is this?" she asked.

I chuckled as we got out of the car. "It's not a hotel, Rebel. I've got a place here in the city. I used to stay here a lot before we got together. Haven't really been back much since then," I admitted.

“You have your own place? How come you never told me?”

“I figured I’d surprise you when the time was right.” We headed up the elevator and into the corridor that led to my apartment.

"So, is there a present for me in your overnight bag?"

She smirked. "Maybe. I guess you'll just have to wait and see."

"I'm sure I'll love whatever it is," I said as I unlocked the door and ushered her inside. The moment the door closed behind us, I felt a wave of relief, as if we had truly left the rest of the world behind.

The apartment was exactly as I left it, untouched and pristine—minimalist yet luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows thatframed a jaw-dropping view of the Manhattan skyline. Still, the place felt different with Camille here. Her presence seemed to breathe life into the space, turning it from just another asset into something more—a sanctuary for the two of us. I took her hand, leading her through the living space, showing her the view of the city skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Wow, Kage, this place is amazing," she breathed out, her gaze fixed on the twinkling lights of the city.

I stepped behind her, my hands resting on her hips, pulling her against me as I rested my chin on her shoulder. "It's even better with you here," I whispered, kissing her neck softly. "And when we’re here, I want to share more of my life with you. I want you to be a part of everything."

She turned in my arms, her eyes searching mine. "I want that too," she said earnestly. "I'll give you anything you want, Kage. Anything."

I tightened my grip on her waist, the words striking a chord deep within me, then kissed her. After I gave her a tour of the place, we headed onto the rooftop terrace. I had arranged for lunch, complete with her favorite dishes and a bottle of champagne to celebrate not just my birthday, but us.

After we ate, laughter and conversation flowing as easily as the champagne, I took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Her eyes widened at the size of my closet, filled with casual and formal clothing.

“If you think this is impressive, you should see my other closet."

Her curiosity piqued, we moved to the adjacent room, which I had converted into a second closet. This one, however, was filled with women's clothes—luxurious dresses and casual outfits that still screamed expensive.

"It's for you," I said simply.

She turned to me, her eyes wide. “What? Kage, no. It'syourbirthday."

“Exactly. It’s my pleasure to give this to you. Go on. Check everything out.”

Camille's gaze drifted to the array of shoes I'd carefully selected for her. The variety of Uggs, the luxurious feel of the place, it was all for her, but nothing hit as hard as the sight of the pristine white Converse sneakers with floral embroidery, the same ones her mom had gotten her so long ago but that she’d worn out with use. I'd gone to great lengths to find them, knowing how much they meant to her.

"How did you even...?" Her voice trailed off, choked with emotion as she turned to me, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"Called the company, told them the story, and somehow, they found a pair." My voice was casual, but the way her tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at me told me she knew just how much I’d gone through to get them. The truth was it took more than a few calls, but seeing her reaction now made every effort worth it.

She rushed towards me, her arms wrapping around me. I held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, and the softness of her lips as she whispered into my ear. “You're incredible, you know that?"

“Yes, but nice to know you’re on board.”

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