by Piper Malone
“Yes, of course.”
“First, though, she would like to be here with you.”
My mouth gapes. Kat, the woman who had done nothing but fight me tooth and nail, wants to be here?
“I would be happy to have her here with me.”
“She would like you to orient her to the club verbally,” Ax says with stately purpose.
“Okay.”
“Paradise requests a physical component as well.”
“Which is?”
“She needs to stand by your side and hold your hand until she feels comfortable being here.”
Her needs, simple, yet given the complexities of what relationships look like in clubs like Reign, are a welcome relief. “That’s not even a question, Ax. I always want her by my side whether it’s here or at home.”
“If you didn’t hear my previous introduction, she’s a pain in the ass and rather thick – Argh! Goddammit, do not pinch me!” I hear Caleb chuckle behind me as Ax rubs the inside of his arm following the assault of Kat’s fingers.
Despite her stance attempting to emulate a willing submissive, she smirks and stands just a little straighter. She seems confident, stronger than she did when she first walked in. Was she worried that I wouldn’t accept her?
“Ax, I will take her in any form she comes in. As Paradise or Kat, she is my doll, my heart.”
He nods. “She needs to work on trusting that fact.” Ax turns to Paradise. “Okay, girl, now it’s up to you.”
She looks up at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, they look at each other before she takes a tentative step forward and presses up on her toes, hugging Ax and whispering something to him. He responds nodding and agreeing with whatever she said. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were saying good-bye.
A second later she turns, taking two tentative steps to face me.
“I am so worried I will screw this up but I’m scared if I don’t try, losing you will be the biggest mistake of my life.” She bites her lip, hesitating for a moment. “I love you, Blake. More than I’ve ever loved anyone else. I don’t ever want to be without you.”
My chest explodes in the realization that this moment is everything I’ve hoped for. She’s here, by my side and willing. Tears stab the backs of my eyes. “Kat, you are amazing. Thank you for trying.”
“Thank you for loving me.”
Pulling her into my arm, I feel our bond, the connection we’ve been chasing for months. I waste no time in possessing her lips, tasting her for the first time in what feels like forever.
Her chosen name is perfect. She is everything I have ever desired. She truly is paradise. And she’s mine.
Chapter 35
Kat
“Okay, Mom.” I shift the phone to my other ear. “I’ll call you when we get back to set up a lunch date.”
“I’m looking forward to talking with you, Katya.” My mother sniffs past her tears.
We say our good-byes and end the call. Artur saw my parents to make amends yesterday. She called me the instant he left. My father is still shaken from the discussion and, according to my mother, hasn’t said much. Artur told them everything about his relationship with me and more about Yuri’s life once they returned to Russia. I confirmed what I knew to be true about Artur. She apologized. We both cried. It will take time, but I’m glad we are starting to heal as a family.
“Are you ready, doll? Caleb wants to leave in thirty minutes.” Blake grabs my duffle bag and starts for the door.
“Hey, wait,” I call after him.
Blake stops and looks at me. “I can only carry one brick-filled bag at a time, Kat. Let me toss this in the car and I’ll be back in.”
“What if we get there and it turns into a boxing match again?” My nerves have been on edge since we started making these plans. Skyler called Caleb. She and Nick have been snowed in at his cabin since they left Reign weeks ago. From what Caleb said, the call fell somewhere between distress and resignation. Nick wouldn’t talk to him, but Caleb could hear things breaking in the background. Reagan and Caleb decided to go and check on them. Blake wanted to talk with Nick so he’s tagging along. I couldn’t stay home and wait so I’m going as well.
“We have to go up there and see what’s happening, doll. He’ll keep it in check with Caleb.”
“I feel like I need to apologize to Nick,” I say.
Blake’s eyes bulge a little. “You need to apologize? I had the object of his obsession naked and restrained. If anyone should be taking Nick flowers and chocolates, it’s me.” Blake thinks for a moment. “Hey, before we go, let’s stop at that butcher and get him some slab bacon.”
“I just don’t want everything to get all punchy and ridiculous. I like your face the way it is. Watching it heal when it was rearranged was gross.”
“That’s comforting, Kat. It’s good to know that when I’m beaten to a pulp you can fall back on the important things, like my looks.”
I slap his arm, laughing at this sad puppy-dog face. “Ax is coming, too, right?” I ask.
“Yes, your BFWP will be meeting us there.”
“BFWP?” I ask, grabbing bottles of wine from the rack.
“Best Friend With Penis,” he issues.
“Nice!” I laugh. “Did you tell him that?”
“No, that’s our secret,” he give me a sly smile. “Can I tell you another secret?”
“Oh, yes, please.” I step into his open arms. “Tell me the dirt, Blaze.”
“I love you,” he says with bold conviction.
“That’s not a secret, Blake.” I kiss his cheek. “I know you love me. I love you, too.”
“No, that’s not the secret.” His smirk makes me a little nervous.
I step back from his embrace and try to get a better read on his expression. “Is Reagan pregnant?”
“Not that I know of, doll. I’m sure they’ll be sharing that news soon.” Blake inhales, blowing out a sharp breath. “This secret is ours.” With smooth movements, Blake reaches into his pocket and pulls out a red box. “This is for you.”
My mouth gapes. “What is that?”
I watch Blake’s throat bounce as he swallows down what I can only guess is apprehension.
“Open it, Blake.” I hear my voice, hushed and shaky.
Blake pulls back the lid of the Cartier box, a brilliant mass of diamonds and platinum nested in the black silky interior.
“Kat,” he hesitates, “I know it’s quick but I feel –”
I look at him, anxiety staining his confident mien. The warmth of love and confidence and rightness flows through me. “Ask me, Blake.”
He looks at me, his features relaxing as he takes my hand is his. “Are you sure?”
“Ask me.” I feel the excitement build in my chest. “Please, Blake. Ask me.”
“Marry me?”
“Yes!”
Somehow, we end up in an ungraceful heap on the floor, a tangle of limbs and lips and love. Laughter and happy squeals float through the air.
“Hey, hold on,” I say, jumping up from the floor. “I need to get my phone.”
Blake stretches out in the exact place I left him. “Posting your news to all social media outlets, doll?”
I snort. “No way, stud. I’m texting Reagan to tell her we’re going to be late.”
“See, that’s why you are my paradise, Kat,” Blake hums, as he tucks his hands behind his head exposing the deep, delicious cut of his abdomen.
I tap out the message, snap a quick picture of my ring and hit send:
Hey, newlyweds. I need some time to celebrate with my fiancé. See you in an hour.
I hope you enjoyed Kat and Blake’s story!
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Coming Soon!
Anc
hored
Book Three: The Reign Series
Nick and Skyler
A year of pain and suffering has kept them apart, but the longing never ended.
When a massive blizzard traps Nick and Skyler in his cabin, they are forced to face the source of their heartache.
Why did she leave without telling him?
Can he admit why he didn’t try to find her?
Join Nick, Skyler, and the entire Reign family in Maine for Anchored, Book Three of the Reign Series in 2017
Coming Soon!
Genesis
The prequel to Diesel
A young woman leaves the only world she’s ever known for the chance at a better life.
In a different country, with a new family, she faces the biggest challenge of all, allowing herself to be loved.
Genesis is an early look at Diesel, her life, and how she came to rule her empire, Eden.
Connect with Piper on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at local signing events. All social media links can be found on her website:
www.pipermalone.net