Her hands flew over her mouth.
Inside was a sixteen-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum. The stone glimmered under the lights.
“It’s too big,” she whispered.
“You said that about something else the first time we were together at your place.” I grinned.
She laughed through her tears.
“And the ring isn’t too big. It’s perfect for the woman I love who will soon become my wife. Claire, you are one of a kind. You deserve happiness.”
Another tear slipped down her cheek.
We were sitting ducks out in the open, my heart pounding in my chest. As much as I wanted to savor this moment, I knew I had to wrap it up quickly to keep her safe.
“From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew I had to make you mine. Your smile is infectious, and I love every moment I get to light up your face and hear your laughter. I want to be your husband and show you how you should be treated like precious metal. I plan to treasure you for the rest of my life. Claire, will you marry me?”
More tears streamed down her mocha-toned face as she yelled, “Yes.”
I slid the ring onto her finger. Standing to my full height, I pulled her into my arms and kissed her like the world was fucking ending.
Vix snapped several pictures, sure to capture our special moment.
“Boss, time to move,” Glacier announced through the earpiece.
My heart crashed down as if the weight of the world was dragging me into a dark abyss.
I gently placed Claire on her feet and guided her to stand at my right side.
“It’s beautiful,” her eyes locked on the glinting diamond engagement ring.
Vix darted off to the left, hopping in one of the waiting black SUVs.
The moment we reached the final step, I swiftly scooped her up and placed her in the backseat.
Claire let out a giggle.
“Xavier will get you home,” I said.
Sorrow filled her eyes as she added, “We were supposed to get pizza. I’ve been craving it all day.”
I pressed a kiss to her lips. “Gorgeous, you’ll get your pizza. First, I have to keep you safe.”
Locking eyes with Xavier, I said, “Get her home safely.”
“Will do, boss,” he responded.
I slammed the rear passenger door shut.
Pyro hopped in beside him, and they peeled off from the curb.
My black Suburban rolled to the curb. I yanked open the rear door and quickly removed my tuxedo jacket, guns, and holster. Strapping on the black kevlar vest, I slung the holster over my shoulder and loaded my Glocks inside. I pulled a skull mask from my pocket, letting it hang around my neck before yanking it over the lower half of my face.
“Glacier, how far out?” I asked over the earpiece.
“They’re closing in on The Met—fast.”
I swiftly jumped into the backseat of the SUV as Marlow pulled away from the curb. One of my other bodyguards, Jefferson, was sitting in the front passenger seat.