“And you won?”
“Yeah, I won, with a beautiful warrior by my side. Now, I’m living a life I never could’ve imagined.”
“That is wonderful. You will marry her?”
“I hope to. We just closed on a new house a few months ago, and things are good. Better than good. She’s amazing.”
“Ah, the difference the love of the right woman makes in a man’s life.”
“Amen to that.”
“I am so pleased to hear you are doing well. I wanted it for you.”
“I had to get to the point where I wanted it for myself.”
“So true.”
“Have you heard word of François?”
“Oh, François.” His voice turns somber. “He is in a rehab facility. Court ordered, I’m afraid.”
“Court ordered?” I crinkle my brow. “What the hell happened?”
“As I understand it, he went on some sort of three-day drug binge and ended up accused of rape and assault. His attorney argued he was not himself due to the influence of the drugs and alcohol, so he is reprimanded to six months in a facility. After that, he will serve probation and community service for his actions.”
“That’s it?”
“I hear these things third hand, but the woman did not press charges directly. Others who helped her reported his crimes. It all happened at the club.”
“Shit.”
“Yes, a terrible situation, but I suspected one day his excesses would get the better of him.”
“His visit here was awful. I saw firsthand how out of control his urges were. It made me sick that I was like him once, and I couldn’t even see it.”
“But your eyes have been opened. I am glad that was not your demise.”
“I was saved.”
“Yes, she saved you.”
“No, she helped me see that I was worth saving and gave me the strength to save myself.”
“Even better, no?”
“Absolutely. Life is good with you?”
“Oh yes. I am a happy and blessed man.”
“You deserve it, Luc.”
“So do you.”
“I know. I’ll invite you to the wedding.”
“It will be with great pleasure I attend. Take care, my friend.”
“You too, Luc.”
After hanging up with him, I look up as Adrienne and Max knock on my door.
“Lunch?” Max asks.
“Not today. I’m heading out early. Got big plans with my girlfriend.”
“No problem. Just thought you’d like to eat with the little people once more before your promotion is official next month.”
Laughing, I reply. “Raincheck?”
“You got it.”
Adrienne smiles at me. “Enjoy your time off.”
“Thanks. How are things with you and Carl?”
Her cheeks turn red. “Oh, you heard about that?”
“Word travels fast.” Which is why I always fiercely protected of my privacy.
“It’s good. He’s… perfect.
I nod. “Good for you.”
“Thanks for suggesting I talk to him.”
“You’re welcome.”
As they walk out, I grab my keys, ready to start my night. I can’t wait to see Mia’s face.
Pacing the living room in our new house, I check my watch as I wait for Mia to appear. I can’t believe it’s been a year since she walked into my life, and like a hurricane turned everything upside down. It’s been an amazing ride, and one I wouldn’t change for anything. I know she won’t be expecting what I have planned for us, and that’s exactly how I like things. Surprising her brings me so much joy.
When I hear the click of her shoes, my stomach does a flip. She comes into view wearing the stunning black dress I picked out for her. A smile spreads across her face.
“Hey, handsome.”
“Hey, gorgeous. You ready?”
“I think so.” She looks past me out the French doors. “It stopped raining?”
“It did. I guess Mother Nature didn’t want to compete with you.”
She laughs softly. “There you go again.”
I extend my arm as she takes it. “You’re breathtaking, Mia.”
“Thank you.”
We walk out to the garage and get in the car, then I start my drive to our destination. Mia gazes out the window, completely unsuspecting. When we come to a stop, she peers through the windshield, then at me.
“I don’t get it.”
“You will. Come on.” I help her from the car and we walk up to the place where it all started. “Right here, Mia, right here, is the spot where you were sitting when I first saw you.”
She smiles. “Yeah.”
“I remember it so vividly. It’s forever etched in my mind as the moment my entire life changed. I didn’t know the magnitude of the change that day, but I knew I was different after meeting you.” Her eyes glance at the people passing us, then back at me. “I can hardly remember the man I was before you. I was so lost, I thought I wasn’t. I thought the way I lived was normal and fine, and I honestly believed it’s what I wanted, until you showed me a glimmer of what could be. I wanted that vision, that life with you, and I fought for it. I knew you would be worth it. I only hope that I’ve lived up to your hopes and dreams of what can be. I pray that I inspire you as you do me. I wake up every morning so incredibly grateful that somehow you chose me. You saw through the bullshit. You saw the man I could be, and helped me embrace him.” She waves her hands over her eyes, fighting back tears. “Some people might not understand what we have, how we do things, but like you told me a long time ago, all that matters is that it works for us.” I gaze up at the sign on the building in front of us. “Maybe to some people this isn’t the most romantic place for an anniversary date, but I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate our first year together than the place where it all began.”
“I love it, Gabriel.”
“I knew you’d understand. At first I thought maybe I’d take you to Paris. Then I thought maybe some other exotic place in the world, but I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most.”
She smiles. “I agree. This is sweet.”
I tilt my head, knowing she doesn’t get it yet. “This isn’t a small gesture though. This is the biggest gesture of my life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Once again, ma petite, you’ve inspired me to my knees.” Taking a deep breath, I drop down on one knee as I gaze up at her. Her smile dissipates as what’s about to happen sinks in.
“Oh my God,” she whispers. “Gabriel.”
“You asked me to wait a year, and I waited a year, but I can’t wait a day longer to ask you this question.” Reaching in my suit pocket, I pull out the small velvet box I’ve been holding onto for over a month. Opening it, I watch her as she gasps, covering her mouth. People start to gather around us. “Mia, you know what you mean to me. Every word, every action, every look, every touch has left me astounded by the grace your love has given me. When I asked you so long ago to be my devoted, I had no idea that it was really me becoming yours. I couldn’t have imagined a year ago that we’d be so transformed, so entwined, so in love, but you, Mia, are bigger than my limited imagination. Vous êtes mon tempête, mon abri, mon trésor. You are my storm, my shelter, my treasure. You are my everything, and Mia, in return, I am forever devoted to you. Will you please marry me?”
She gazes down at me and smiles through her tears. “Don’t you already know, Gabriel? You amazing, beautiful, breathtaking man. Of course I’ll marry you. There isn’t anything I want more in the world.” She smiles. “Besides, I didn’t really think you’d listen to me and hold off a year. I’ve been waiting for you to ask.”
Laughing, I slide the ring on her finger as the crowd around us claps. I stand up and pull her into my arms, swinging her around. When I set her down, we kiss, then I step back.
“This is just the beginning.”
“I know.” She rubs my cheek. “Did you have anything else planned for tonight?”
“Just dinner, then taking you back home and doing what we do.”
“Mm, that sounds amazing.” She rises up on her toes and bites my bottom lip. “I want your dominance, Gabriel. Full force.”
“That’s exactly what I plan to give you.”
“Did I mention I’m not wearing any panties under this dress?”
My eyebrow rises. “I don’t think you did.”
“Well, maybe when we get in the car, you should double check, just to make sure.”
“Yeah, I better.”
She grabs my hand swinging it as we walk back to the car. “Mia di Capo. That’s pretty bad ass.”
“It’s fucking hot.”
“So are you.” She grins. “And you’re gonna be my husband. Ain’t that some shit?”
I laugh. “It sure is.”
“Can we get married in Paris? I think it would be awesome to replace your worst memory with the best one. We can find one of those amazing castles then honeymoon in Europe. What do you say?”
“Whatever you want.”
“Okay.” She grins. “Maybe, since we’re all dressed up, we should go check out Club Gidget.”
I tilt my head. “Really? Why do you say that?”
“I feel like showing you off.” She reaches in her handbag and pulls out a pair of silver handcuffs, dangling them between us. “Make sure the women know you’re mine. I’m sure Bridget would let us in.”
“I’m sure she would.” I grab her by the waist, leaning her up against the car. “How about a private show instead? You can cuff me to the bed for a change.”
She laughs. “Is that consent?”
“Hell, yeah, baby, that’s consent.” I kiss her softly. “Inspire me to my knees, Mia, like only you can.”
“What are you gonna do when you get down there?”
“Whatever the fuck I want.”
She smiles. “There’s my dom.”
“Get in the car.”
“Yes, sir.”
A smirk pulls at my lips. “Sir? It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
Chuckling, I reply, “I won’t.”
As she gets in the car, I walk around to my side, shaking my head. I never saw this coming, this life with her, but what a life it is. Sliding in my seat, I start the car, turning to study the beauty beside me as she admires the diamond on her hand.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. Almost as much as I love the man that gave it to me.”
“It’s very beautiful. Almost as much as the woman who wears it.” As I put the car in drive, I lift her hand and kiss the back of it. “I love you, Mia. You’ve changed my life.”
She smiles and flashes those gorgeous eyes at me. “We changed each other’s lives. All it took was a little reckless devotion.”
Smiling, I kiss her cheek. “Let’s go home. I’ve got work to do.”
Leaning back against the seat, she hikes her dress up. “Aren’t you forgetting something? You better check.”
I lean in close as my hand moves between her thighs. “With pleasure, Mia. With pleasure.”
The Sunflower Trilogy
~Book One: Turn Towards the Sun
~Book Two: After the Rain
~Book Three: Forever in Bloom
Have my Heart- A Novella
Beautifully Twisted
Chasing Desire
Londyn Falls
Exposed
Break Me Down
If I Told You
At First Glance
When I Found You
Unexpectedly Royal
Reckless Devotion Book One
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Reckless Devotion: Book 2 Page 22