Page 13 of Absolution
I indicate a large, oval emerald that’s surrounded by a halo of diamonds set in platinum. The price is insane, but I know better than to put up a fuss about the expense. Dane wants a clearly visible marker of our commitment to one another, and I won’t deny him.
I want it too.
I’m no longer worried that he’ll try to use his money to control me. He sees me as an equal, and he wants to provide a comfortable life for both of us. One day, I’ll contribute to our partnership, our home. Once we return to Charleston, I’ll devote all of my time to my art, and I’m determined to finally open a gallery.
My whole future is opening up before me, and I choose to share it with Dane.
5
DANE
I’m relieved that the street “performer” on the purple bike isn’t stationed beside the Minster this morning. Abigail seemed to find him amusing, but I don’t want anything garish to distract from the moment I’m about to share with her.
She’s practically glued to my side as we stroll toward the cathedral, and her face is upturned to drink in the imposing, ancient edifice with its intricate stone carvings.
I don’t care about the church; I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever seen, her porcelain complexion shining with ethereal light beneath the late morning sun. It illuminates her remarkable eyes, and they glow with otherworldly vibrancy. The soft, contented curve of her perfect lips makes me think about how she looks when she’s cuddled up with me in bed, and their rosy hue is offset by the amethyst curl I love so much.
This miracle of a woman loves me despite everything I’ve done to her.
She wants to marry me.
I’ll never be worthy of her, but I’m selfish enough to claim her anyway. The least I can do is give her the proposal she deserves.
I reach into my pocket to retrieve the jewelry box. It takes all my willpower to peel myself from her side so that I can take her hand in mine and drop to one knee before her.
Her lovely lips part on a soft gasp, and she turns to face me. Her eyes are alight with something between giddy excitement and wonder, and for a few long seconds, I simply stare up at her. I’m thoroughly under her spell, at a loss for words for the first time in my life.
I haven’t said anything when she extends her left hand. Her fingers tremble slightly as she offers herself to me, a silent promise of forever.
“Abigail.” Her name is a rasp, and I have to draw a breath so that I can speak clearly. “You’ve given my life meaning. I didn’t think I was capable of feeling this…” I swallow hard against the strange constriction of my throat. “You’ve made me feel alive for the first time in my life. I can’t live without you. I refuse to live without you. I know I’m not an easy man to love. I’ve wronged you in so many ways, but I plan to keep you anyway. Do me the honor of sharing the rest of your life with me.”
It's not a question.
But she answers with a soft, “Yes. I want to be with you, Dane. I love you, and I want to marry you.”
I take the emerald ring from the velvet box and slide it onto her slender finger, sealing her fate. It fits perfectly, securely. She’ll never take it off.
I lift her hand and press a reverent kiss over the green gemstone that marks her as mine. Now every man will clearly see my claim over her, and the ring is large enough that they’ll know it’s a warning.
No one touches what’s mine.
Half an hour later,I finally release Abigail’s hand so that she can sit down. She’s ready to return to the penthouse so I can fuck her senseless, but I want to show her off for a little while.
I’ve brought her to an upscale rooftop bar near York’s city walls. Up here, we have a full view of the river and the historic buildings that surround the Minster. It shines like gold in the midday sun, and Abigail can’t stop staring at it with that dreamy but intense focus that comes over her when she’s memorizing a scene for a painting.
An insane, jealous part of me doesn’t like her distraction. I want her focus to be onme.
But I’m content to watch her as she indulges her artistic nature. I know that she’s imprinting this moment on her memory so that she’ll have it forever, and my presence is part of her treasured experience.
“I’ll get us some Champagne,” I say, brushing one final kiss over her engagement ring. “I’ll be right back.”
I hate to leave her side for even a few minutes, but I want to celebrate the occasion properly. Abigail deserves to be spoiled, and I won’t neglect her. She finally allows me to care for her in the way I’ve always wanted—she doesn’t protest when I spend money on her anymore.
I admire her stubbornness, but it irked me in that regard. I’m pleased that we’re past that now.
And I meant what I said about her gallery; she’ll earn more than I do one day. Her art is priceless, and if I could, I’d covet each painting for myself. But I can allow her to sell her work. She deserves to feel that sense of accomplishment. Her talent should be celebrated.
I step off the terrace and enter the lavish hotel bar so that I can order our drinks.
