Page 164 of The Protégé

“It just popped into my head.” I patted his notch lapel, loving how he looked in a suit.

“You know what’s in Sassteroid?”

“What?” I looked up at him.

“Ass.” Smiling, he gripped my behind with his hands. “You were mine from the beginning. I was going to name the asteroid Sassteroid, but I didn’t want to share that with the world.” He squeezed my buttocks.

“I’m gonna make you see stars tonight, figuratively and literally.”

“I can’t wait. Let’s go.” He gripped my hand, and at that moment the lights returned to the city as though nothing had happened.

“Also, I heard I’m a character in your video game.” I grinned up at him. “When can I play it?”

“Let’s get home and we’ll play it, Sunshine.”

EPILOGUE

Six monthslater

Elena

I’d officially moved into Orion’s new home just outside of Providence, where there was a huge backyard with a stargazing center for us to explore the sky. I still kept my farmhouse and used it to harvest my dandelions and other herbs for tea.

“What do you think?” I stepped back, admiring the lotus painting I’d purchased from the art show at the Mount Centauri Museum. “Nessa’s art is truly unique. She invited me to her gallery to promote her next collection.”

Orion came up behind me, slipping his arms around my waist. “You should have bought more of her work.”

I turned around and looked at my love. “You bought the paintingfor me, remember?”

“How could I not buy it? You kept staring at it.”

“Yeah, there was something about it. The flower and color scheme just resonated with me.”

All my friends got a painting from their significant other as well.

“Nessa had twelve paintings on display. Our group bought six of them. She said an anonymousart collectorbought the rest. That’s not you, right?”

“No, Sunshine, it’s not me. As you know, I collect other things. Why?”

I shrugged. “Maybe I wantanother painting for the house or the office.”

“Why don’t you commission her? Don’t worry about the price.”

“I’ll ask her when I cover her event.” I looked up at him. There was something in his eyes that spelled trouble. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.” He laughed. “Can’t a man love and admire his woman?”

“You can. But I see trouble sparking in your eyes.”

“You know me too well. I made something for you, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted.” He looked disappointed.

“Let me see.” I was curious about what he’d made for me.

Orion had hired another team to assist him with his empire so he could spend more time with me. Not only that, he had started MuseWorks, a media company that owned Musepaper. He loved me and wanted me to be happy. I’d have my own TV show where I could report inspiring news. We would deliver the news with integrity and honestyand include more world news.

We walked out to the yard with some tulips and daffodils already in bloom. I loved the atmosphere of spring, where new beginnings were everywhere.

Orion and I had survived a tumultuous storm. We were now enjoying the peaceful calm. All my dreams had come true because of him. He was my sun—warm, vital, and the center of my galaxy.

---