Page 116 of His Rules

There was something so sweet about the way he wiped the single tear that had slipped past my lashes. “You’re one beautiful woman, Kacey. Never forget that.”

“You’re not so bad yourself. Even if you are a grouch.”

“Mmm… I’m learning.”

“I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.” When I saw the look in his eyes, I clapped my hand over my mouth. I was certain the man was going to blow a gasket.

He rose to his full height, cradling me against him and heading toward the hallway.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To the bedroom. You have a bed, don’t you?”

I wasn’t about to tell him there was only a mattress on the floor at this point. Oh, who cared? The man needed to learn to rough it.

“Is this a bad time to ask you about a raise?” I purred coyly.

“I’ll show you what’s raised.”

As he headed into the bedroom, we both laughed, but something told me this was the beginning of a new phase in our relationship.

One that truly included the word forever.

EPILOGUE

Six months later

Sebastian

“I demand to know where you’re taking me,” Kacey barked out.

“You don’t appear to be in a place to make a single demand.” I was grinning as I looked down at her shackled wrists. The handcuffs Stephanie had purchased certainly came in handy.

She huffed and wiggled in the seat. “Well, at least take this blindfold off so I can see where we’re going.”

“I repeat. You’re in no position to make demands. Besides, it will ruin the surprise.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

“Learn.”

“Meanie.”

“Bad girl.” In the months since the fiasco with the now nonexistent company, we’d worked side by side for long hours,struggling to keep the creative buzz going while exhaustion had slowly started to take hold. Fortunately, Steven had been there the entire time, working just as hard if not harder.

After successfully moving our corporate headquarters into a new building, we’d transitioned clients from World Hospitality Corporation to Winfield Partners, and acquired several hotels and resorts all while continuing to build additional luxury planes. Suddenly, they seemed more sought after than we’d planned for.

In addition, our stocks were soaring.

Now was time to finally enjoy the spoils of the war we’d waged and won.

She huffed and continued squirming. I could hardly keep my eyes on the road. However, this was one surprise she deserved. It was her baby. Her inspiration.

And she was the reason for all the changes in my life. Because of her, I was closer to my family than I’d been in years. Because of her, I was finally happy with the corporation and enjoyed spending time with my employees.

Because of her, I wanted to get up every morning and couldn’t wait to face whatever challenge was brought our way. And because of her, I felt the light of love.

I pulled into the airport where we had several hangars, parking in the small executive lot set aside for members of our company.

---