Page 276 of By His Play

“Hey,” Kieran says, gently taking my face in his. “The only people’s opinions that matter are mine and yours.”

I suck in a deep breath as his dark green eyes search mine.

“Me and you, yeah?”

I nod, and he raises a brow.

“Me and you,” I force out.

“Everyone is going to love you. And wearing that dress, I’ve no doubt that every man is going to want you.”

His grip on me tightens a fraction as he battles with a little dose of jealousy.

“But I’m yours,” I confirm.

“Fuck yes, you are.”

The car pulls to a stop, and when I glance out of the blacked-out windows, all I can see is people.

“Oh my god.”

“Effie, you are the strongest most incredible woman I know. Get out there, smile for the camera, and let the world know who you belong to.”

His little pep talk helps a little bit, but even if it didn’t, it’s too late. The back door is pulled wide open, the commotion from the crowd gets louder, and my chance of getting out of this diminishes.

Not that I really want to. I want to stand beside Kieran during everything, but my fear is getting the better of me.

“We’ve got this,” Kieran promises me as he climbs out of the back of the car. The screams of the crowd and flashes from the cameras go wild, and my stomach twists painfully.

But then he is right there, standing in the doorway and holding his hand out for me.

“I’ve got you, Effie. Always,” he promises.

And without thinking about it, I slide my palm against his and allow him to pull me from the car.

There’s a moment where the noise level drops. I don’t know if it’s shock or his fans’ hatred of me, but it only lasts a heartbeat.

The screams and shouts come so loud and fast, I don’t stand a chance at hearing what they’re actually saying as my blood rushes past my ears.

Pinned against Kieran’s side, I follow his lead, smiling for the cameras that flash all around us.

My heart drops into my stomach when he releases me, but then, he’s in front of me with my left hand in his.

Oh god, he’s going to do it. The world is going to hate me.

His lips press against my ring finger, and I stare up at him in awe as he holds my hand up for the world to see.

“My girl. My lucky charm, and soon, my wife.”

I can’t tell if he shouts it or whispers it just for me. It doesn’t matter, because when his lips descend on mine, he’s the only person in the world.

“I love you, Effie, and so will they,” he promises between kisses.

Just as our kiss ends, someone in the crowd bellows, “About fucking time,” and both of us burst out laughing.

“See, even they were waiting for us to get our shit together.”

With my hand locked in his, I follow Kieran as he says hello to some fans, signs some autographs, and to my amazement, thanks those standing closest to us for their congratulations and well wishes.

By the time we step inside the building, my heart is so full I’m sure it’s about to burst.

“That’s it; it’s official now. The world knows you’re going to be Mrs. Effie Callahan,” Kieran states as he backs me up into a corner and gazes down at me with heat burning in his eyes.

“I can’t wait,” I breathe.

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