Page 102 of The Don

“Come have something to eat. You’ve been locked away in your library for seven hours.”

I lower the book and look over to him. “Do you have any idea how addicting it is to read a story that just wraps its fingers around your neck and keeps you wanting to devour it until the very last word? Then all you want is five more chapters because you’re not ready to let those characters and their world go.”

Ruben leans against the doorframe and crosses his arms in front of his chest. “You’re telling me it has nothing to do with the sex?”

I lower my book and hold up my hand. “Back up a second, buddy. Spicy parts are a major part of the book.”

He shakes his head at me. “Why bother reading it when all you have to do is come downstairs and tell me you want sex?”

“You don’t get it.” It’s my turn to shake my head. “It’s all about the connection. The thrill of not knowing what’s going to happen but also knowing that by the end of the book, or the series that the couple will fight their way back to one another. It’s about seeing the other person through their eyes.”

Ruben pushes off the doorframe and huffs in irritation. “The make-believe shit you read.”

“Hey!” I call. “This shit is a multibillion-dollar industry.” That makes Ruben stop. “It’s all about the romance, baby,” I say.

For the first time ever, Ruben has nothing to say. He opens his mouth and closes it before flicking his gaze to the final present. “Hurry up and finish. Come find me when you do.” And just like that, Ruben leaves.

I look to Storm passed out under the window. He doesn’t lift his head or even acknowledge Ruben. “Storm.” He cracks an eye open, then closes it again. “You’re a great guard dog, aren’t you?” He ignores me. A small laugh escapes me, but I open the book and read the epilogue.

The words are like magic as I read about the couple and how after so many pages of angst, pain, trouble, heartbreak—and finally love—they find their very own happily ever after.

I smile as I read the last word. “Wow,” I whisper. “What a book.” I look out the window as the rich hues of dusk are quickly fading into an inky sky brilliant with the first stars of the evening. “Wow.” These characters and their world have been ingrained into me. I’ll go to bed tonight thinking about their challenges before they were able to finally come together. Once I’ve caught my breath, I flick to the next page for the author’s acknowledgments. It’s always a favorite part for me, because I get a glimpse of what inspired the author to write the book.

I’d usually start my acknowledgements by thanking everyone for reading my words. But this is only for you Eliza.

Huh? I close the book and turn it over in my hands before opening it back to the page. “What?” This is printed, not handwritten. How is this for me? No, it can’t be; the author must know another Eliza. Oh man, that’s super cool.

Ruben has an important question he needs to ask you, so he’s asked that if he’s not with you, for you to take the last gift and go find him. You know where he’ll be.

My breath catches in my throat as I look to the last present. “What’s happening?” my voice quivers as I read the line again.

I scoop the gift up and jump to my feet. I don’t even make it one step toward the door when Ruben appears. My eyes sting as I rapidly blink while staring at the beautiful man in front of me. “It’s time you unwrapped your last gift.”

My hands are trembling as I tear at the paper. When I finally do, there’s a black velvet pouch. “Is this...”

Ruben reaches out to take the pouch, then drops to one knee. “This was my mothers, and I’ve kept it safe until I found the woman I wanted to give it to.” He opens the pouch and slides out a massive, round diamond ring. “I’ll never fail you.” Ruben reaches for my hand, which I voluntarily give. “I’ll spend the rest of my life loving every part of you.” He slides the ring onto my finger. “Marry me?” He looks up, waiting for my answer.

“Yes.”

“Everyone will know you’re mine when you wear this ring.” He leaps to his feet, wraps me in his arms, and possesses my mouth with his.

I should never have married Adrian. But if I hadn’t, then I wouldn’t be with this man who I wholeheartedly love, like he loves me.

I’m not afraid anymore. I’m ready to face my future with Ruben by my side.

Epilogue

Eliza

Twelve months later

“Stop panicking,” Ruben says as he reclines in bed.

“How can I not?” I look around the room and shake my head. “This is a damn mess. Will you help me?”

“I pay Isabella good money to keep the house clean, you don’t need to do it.”

“But Rose will be over soon.”

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