Page 94 of Undercover Desires

“I was just surprised to see him,” she responds. She exchanges a meaningful look with Kobe, and I feel like there's a silent message passing between them that I'm not privy to. “Most of the time, I can forget what happened that night, but every now and then, something throws the memory right back in my face,” she whispers. She looks at me and takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She knows all my secrets, but she's not as open with hers. She's learned to keep them close to her chest, but I wish she could confide in me the way I do in her.

“It's a long story, and I'll tell you later tonight,” she says with a soft smile, and I believe she will. “Right now, we need to get this party started.” She winks at Kobe, and he gleams with delight. What the hell is going on with them tonight?

“That's right, time to party,” Kobe exclaims as he rises and clinks his glass with a spoon, capturing the room's attention as Xavier turns the music off. I'm confused because this wasn't part of our planned itinerary.

The room grows quiet, and Kobe grins in my direction. Xavier takes my hand and guides me out from behind the bar. “What's going on?” I whisper over my shoulder to her.

She just grins back and shrugs.

Kobe takes my hand. “As many of you know, our relationship didn't start out in the conventional way. While it was love at first sight for me, Miss Arabella here wasn't quite so sure.” He winks at me. “But it didn't take long for me to win her over with my charm and for my family to accept her as one of their own.” He works the room, holding his audience's attention, as I feel my cheeks redden further. “But tonight, I want to make it official.”

I blink back at him, wondering if he's about to do what I think he is.

In front of everyone we know, he gets down on one knee and produces a small velvet box from his pocket, flicking the lid to reveal an enormous diamond. His other hand is firmly in mine, and all I can do is gape back at him. This is so unexpected. “Arabella Hamilton, my sugarplum, from the second I laid eyes on you, I knew you were made for me. Life's a crazy and unpredictable ride, and I wouldn't want anyone else in my corner for the chaos. So, what do you say, babydoll? Fancy being the queen of this madness and making an honest man out of me?”

I beam down at him, my heart singing with joy. I don't even have to think about it. I knew a long time ago that when this man asked me anything, I would always say yes. “Yes!” I squeal.

He slips the ring onto my finger and then stands, pulling me close for a passionate kiss as he spins me around.

The End

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