Page 72 of Scorched King

“I already chose you and everyone knows it,” she whispered. “I don’t need a ring to prove that.”

“But I need to give you one.” I pressed my forehead against hers. “Need to stand up in front of everyone and claim you as my wife. Make promises that I intend to keep until my dying breath.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “You’re serious about this.”

“Dead serious.” I brushed away a tear that escaped down her cheek. “So what do you say, baby girl? Want to be Mrs.Monroe?”

Sasha

My heart thundered in my chest as I stared into JD’s intense eyes. The question hung between us, heavy with meaning and possibility. Everything I’d ever wanted was right here, wrapped up in this complicated, stubborn man who’d finally opened his heart to me.

The scars that had once made me feel broken now felt like badges of survival. Apparently, everything had led to this. I’d only risked death twice to make it happen. Hopefully, that was enough.

This club had felt almost like family for a long time, and now it felt real. I knew for certain that I was right where I was supposed to be.

“Yes,” I whispered, then cleared my throat and said it louder. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

JD’s face broke into a rare, full smile that transformed his usually stern features. He crushed me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me like steel bands.

“You’re sure?” he murmured against my hair. “Because once I put that ring on your finger, there’s no taking it back. You’ll be stuck with me and all my brooding ways. The whole club too.”

I pulled back enough to look up at him. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. I want to be your wife.”

His eyes darkened. “My wife.” The words came out like a growl. “I really like the sound of that. Especially when?—"

A knock at the door interrupted our moment. JD tensed, his protective instincts kicking in immediately.

“It’s just Bear,” a voice called through the door. “Got some stuff we need to discuss, Prez. In person.”

JD sighed, pressing his forehead against mine, his breath brushing softly across my face. “Give me five minutes,” he called back, his voice a low rumble that resonated through his chest.

“Make it ten,” I whispered, running my hands up his chest, feeling the hard muscles beneath his shirt. “Your club can wait while you properly kiss your fiancée.”

His eyes darkened at the word ‘fiancée,’ a possessive gleam sparking in them. He tangled his fingers in my hair, the touch sending shivers down my spine. “I like the sound of that,” he growled, his voice laced with desire before claiming my mouth with his.

When he finally pulled away, we were both breathing hard, our hearts pounding in sync. He pressed one last, lingering kiss to my forehead, as if sealing a promise, before stepping back, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Stay here today,” he said. “I’ll handle whatever Bear needs, then we’ll celebrate properly.”

I nodded, still dizzy from his kisses. “I’ll be here. Go be President.”

He quickly changed into a pair of jeans and then grabbed his cut from the back of a chair and shrugged it on, transforming from my JD into the intimidating leader of the Sins of Wrath. Butthe tender look in his eyes was all mine. I watched the change come over him, the way his shoulders straightened, his jaw set firm, the subtle shift in his stance that commanded respect. Even though I knew the fierce reputation that preceded him as President, I could still see the softness he reserved just for me, a quiet promise in his gaze that made my heart flutter. It was a side of him that no one else got to witness, and I treasured it like a secret between us.

JD

I watched her beautiful face light up with joy as I pulled her into my arms one last time before heading out to deal with whatever Bear needed. The way her eyes sparkled when she looked at me, like I was her entire world—it hit me right in the chest. Every damn time.

“I love you,” she whispered against my neck.

“I love you too, baby girl.” My voice came out rougher than intended, thick with emotion. “More than I ever thought possible.”

Her fingers traced the lines of my face, memorizing every detail. “Who would’ve thought? The big bad President and the silly little club girl.”

“You were never just a club girl.” I pressed my lips to her forehead. “You were always meant to be my queen. I just needed time.”

She melted against me, reminding me how she fit perfectly in my arms like she was made for me. Maybe she was. Maybe allthe shit we’d been through, all the pain and loss, had led us right here to this moment.

I’d spent so long fighting against what we could be, terrified of repeating past mistakes. But holding her now, feeling her heart beat against mine, I knew this was different. This was real. This was forever.

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