Page 139 of Carnal

His face hardens. "Don't tell me you're trying to backtrack on—"

"No! I'm not. I promise!" I claim.

He lets out a tense breath. "Okay. Good." He stares at me.

"So, what do you think he'll say?" I repeat.

He shrugs. "Not sure. Whatever it is, don't worry about it. Everything will be fine, and he'll get over it."

I take a deep breath, smile, and nod. "Okay."

I rise on my tiptoes, peck him on the lips, and he pats my ass. He orders, "Get dressed, and we'll go."

I obey, and within minutes, we're in my parking garage. My chest tightens as my mother's warning screams at me inside my head. I ignore it, listen to Tristano give me directions on which way to lean when he's turning, and put on the helmet.

"Do you always carry two helmets?" I question.

He gets on the bike then pats the back of the seat. "Nope. I had Flex drop it off."

"When?"

"An hour ago."

"Poor Flex. He was probably sleeping," I say.

"Nah. He's got insomnia half the time," Tristano replies, then slides his helmet over his head.

"He does?"

"Yep. Okay, hold on, baby girl," Tristano instructs.

I circle my arms around his waist, lean as close to his body as possible, and he revs the engine.

"Eek," I squeal, and an excited, nervous energy races through my bones.

He pulls out of the garage and onto the street. The darkness is fading as the pink sky turns brighter. We race through the empty side streets, past several exits on the expressway, and over a few bridges. We get to the west side of Manhattan, and Tristano parks the bike and leads me along an elevated railway track.

The sun is barely visible. The modern art and sculptures throughout the area look different at this time of the morning. We stop, and I take in the breathtaking view, blurting out, "This is beautiful."

Tristano says nothing. I turn to look at him and inhale sharply.

He's down on one knee, holding up a brilliant ring. His chiseled features look extra sharp against the rosy hues of the morning sky. He kisses my hand and holds it, stating, "You drive me crazy, Pina. Most of the time, I'm unsure whether I should spank you or kiss you."

I laugh, my eyes welling with tears. Tristano had mentioned marrying me, but while I wanted it, a part of me thought it would never be possible. We haven't even come clean to Dante yet, but everything seems within our reach now.

He continues, "I'm done hiding. There's only one woman I've ever truly loved or wanted. It's you. And even though you've driven me to the brink of insanity over the last few months, I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat if it means I get you. But I don't want another day to pass where you're not in my bed and the world doesn't know you're mine. So, baby girl, make me the happiest man and tell me you'll marry me."

Tears fall down my cheeks. I step closer and slide my palms on his cheeks. "I love you, Tristano. I do. So much."

The sky turns pinker behind him. His eyes sparkle, and he asks, "Does that mean you'll marry me?"

I laugh through my tears. "Yes, I'll marry you." I kiss him.

The happiness on his face is priceless. If I could bottle it up and keep it forever, I would. He takes the ring, slides it over my finger, and rises. He declares, "Thank God it fits."

I kiss him again then look at the ring. Diamonds surround an enormous round sapphire in an intricate pattern. It hugs my finger as if it were always meant to be there and has a sense of familiarity. I question, "How did you know I love sapphires?"

A semi-sad expression appears on his handsome face. He answers, "I heard you tell my mamma years ago. It was at one of the Christmas parties when Papà gave it to her."

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