Page 108 of Theirs to Rule

“Of course I did. I’m ready for you, Kage.”

We continued to play for a while longer then started another drinking game. Suddenly, Kage stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need to step out," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. "You okay here?"

I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment at his departure but also a strange sense of independence. He’d never leave if he didn’t think I could handle myself. “Yeah, I'll be fine."

“You,” he said to Sienna, pointing at her. “Out. Now.”

“What are you?—”

“Now, Sienna. Don’t test me. You won’t like what happens.”

With a scowl, Sienna grabbed her purse then stormed out with Kage following.

As he disappeared, Ryker slid into the seat beside me, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he began, his voice surprisingly sober, "Kage's never been like this with anyone."

“And I’ll enjoy it until graduation.”

Ryker smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. “There’s still a part of you that hopes for more, though, right?”

I opened my mouth to deny it, then closed it without saying anything. He was right, and the realization hit me hard. I was still holding out hope. How pathetic.

He leaned closer. “Now that Sienna’s gone, every single person here is rooting for you. Just thought you should know.”

My heart squeezed at his words. If nothing else, that Kage’s friends accepted me made what we had together seem even more real.

When Kage came back, there was a subtle shift in the room. Conversations wound down, and one by one, people started to leave.

Kage didn't say anything at first. He just eyed me, and there was something in his gaze that felt like a dare and a promise rolled into one. When we were alone, he suddenly swept me into his arms and deposited me onto his lap as he took a seat on the couch. I nestled in and cuddled close.

"Did you enjoy your party?"

“Minus Sienna being a bitch, yes, I did," he said. "But the best part is yet to come."

My mind raced to the obvious conclusion—me tied up. “I’m looking forward to it, Kage.”

“Good. But before I tie you up, Rebel, I want something else from you.”

“What’s that?”

“All of you. Every piece of your heart, including any part you’ve been afraid to give me up to now.”

I stared at him. “Kage,” I said tremulously. Why was he asking for this? Why now? He had to know I needed to keep some part of myself closed off. Otherwise, I’d never survive when he left.

“Give it all to me, Rebel, so I can give you all of me.”

I froze, the words hitting me harder than I expected. "What does that mean?"

"It means," he began, his hands finding mine, entwining our fingers together, "that we could never be temporary. I was an idiot to ever believe otherwise. But tonight I stepped out to make a call. I told my mother I'm not going to marry anyone but you."

My heart pounded in my chest, thumping so loudly I was sure he could hear it. This was the Kage who had been adamant that we couldn’t have a future together beyond graduation. This was the same man who had told me repeatedly that his place inthe mafia was set, that our relationship couldn’t interfere with the plans his family had for him.

How did I respond to this? How could I communicate the relief yet fear that he’d changed his mind. Or the fear that he’d be giving up something he might later resent me for?

"What changed your mind?" I finally asked, barely able to get the words out.

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "It’s my birthday," he began, his voice steady but soft. "And you made it special. And if there was any doubt in mind, how you handled Sienna proved how fierce you are. It showed me I needed to step up my game and be as brave as you are. All night, I’ve been trying to imagine celebrating my birthday without you next year, and the year after that. And you know what I saw? A vast, empty loneliness that nothing could fill. I would waste away without you, Camille. Ineedyou in my life. I’m willing to give up anything to be with you. That includes my family and the life I was born into.”

The sincerity in his voice hit me like a punch to the gut. This was Kage, laying it all out, offering me a future with him. He was willing to leave it all behind for me. And as much as I wanted to leap into his arms and say yes, I hesitated.

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