Page 492 of Savage Bosses

He caressed her cheek. “Neither did I. Not until you came crashing into my life and turned everything upside down.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is that a complaint?”

“Far from it.” He smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his entire face. “You make me want to be a better man, Deja.”

Her heart swelled. Just a few months ago, she would never have imagined feeling anything but contempt for the man beside her. Now she couldn't picture her life without him.

“I love you,” she said simply. Because it was the truth. However unexpectedly, she had fallen deeply, irreversibly in love with Stephen Farrow.

And when his eyes shone with emotion, she knew he felt the exact same way. “I love you too. So much.”

He pulled her close and she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. The past didn't matter anymore. The only thing that mattered was this - the two of them, together. Finally, seeing each other for who they truly were. It felt like he was finally at peace.

He released her. “Sit, you need to eat.” He poured her a cup of coffee and handed it to her. She sat and they ate breakfast.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” Deja asked as she sipped her coffee.

“Today, I’m going in the office to revise the company policy on work relationships. I don’t want to keep my feelings for you a secret, and I want the world to know how much I love you.” He kissed her forehead. “Now eat.”

Deja smiled as she placed a piece of bacon in her mouth.

Epilogue

Six months later…

O

livia and Deja sat in the living room of Stephen’s home, both nursing a glass of wine. It had been months since they’d first met and now Deja practically lived there.

“So, what do you think? Are you excited about tonight?” Olivia asked as she sipped her wine.

Deja grinned, “I am excited! It’s been a while since I got dressed up.”

“The best part was the shopping spree. I need to get a job like yours, where my boss with benefits buys me an expensive dress for a party.”

“Gurl, when he said buy what you want and don’t worry about the price, I was like, okay, I can do that.” She and Olivia laughed. Then Deja's expression turned serious. “I know I shouldn’t, but I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“What are you talking about?” Olivia asked, confused.

“I’m waiting for him to tell me it was fun, but he’s done.”

“Don’t start that, Dee. That man loves you.”

She gave Olivia a faint smile. “I love him so much, but I hope I’m not opening myself up to be hurt.”

“Trust me, that man is head over heels in love with you.” Olivia smiled as she gave her a hug. She knew that Stephen was planning on asking Deja to marry him. Stephen had given Olivia instructions last week. She knew she needed to get Deja to the party on time.

After going to several stores, Deja settled on a stunning, strapless emerald-green gown that glowed against her smooth brown skin. It had a fitted, strapless bodice and straight skirt that stopped at her feet. The back had a split that was just above the back of her knee. Deja wore her hair up in a swooped bun. Stephen had gifted her a paired of diamond stud earrings and a matching necklace. He told her it would go perfectly with whatever dress she chose.

Stephen straightened his tie as he stared at his reflection in the floor-length mirror. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

Tonight, was the night - after months of planning, he was finally going to ask Deja to be his wife. Thirty minutes later, he was heading into the place he rented for his engagement dinner.

Stephen glanced around the ballroom. Twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, giving the room a soft romantic glow. It was perfect. Elegant, intimate, just like his beautiful woman, Deja. Stephen took a deep breath as he surveyed the scene before him. The room was decorated beautifully for the occasion. White linens draped the tables, and an arch of orchids framed the dance floor. A live band played softly on the stage, filling the room with smooth R&B music. The servers were waiting to serve champagne and hors d'oeuvres as the guests arrived. It was everything he had envisioned for this special night.

He checked his watch. The guests would be arriving any minute, but all he could focus on was Deja. Though they had been nearly inseparable since confessing their love, he had managed to plan tonight's event without her knowledge. He wanted it to be a complete surprise.

He patted his pocket, reassured by the small velvet box tucked inside containing the ring he had agonized over for weeks. Tonight, would mark a new chapter for them, one filled with the love and trust they had built since that first fateful encounter.

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