“He’s given me an ultimatum,” Finn spits. “Even after he agreed I could do my own thing. He’s gone back on his fucking word.” I can’t believe our father could do this, but if he has, there must be an explanation.
“I don’t understand. He has never gone back on his word when he’s promised us something,” I tell my brother, who nods in agreement. “What is he asking you to do?”
“Well, since you and Damien both have wives—”
My chest tightens. “Kalyn and I aren’t even engaged yet.”
“Well, you’re practically married,” Finn throws back in frustration while rolling his eyes. He’s right; we live together, we’re inseparable. “Dad wants me to… he wants me to marry some spoilt brat to ensure her father will sign a deal. Apparently, her father is some fucking bigshot capo that wants his daughter to have a ring on her finger before he signs Dad’s contract.”
“An arranged marriage?” My tone is incredulous. “But don’t they tend to marry within the familia?” I ask, my hackles rising as I consider the ramifications of our family getting involved in something like this.
“Most times, yeah, but apparently this girl is special. If I don’t agree, Dad loses one of the biggest contracts Thorne Industries has ever seen. This could make or break our family name.”
“Jesus.” Running my hand through my now growing hair, I lean into the chair and regard my youngest brother. He’s always been a party animal, so for him to marry someone he’s never met is a tall order. Perhaps our father expects him to calm down the partying and roguish behavior, but even so, I think it’s unfair to ask Finn to give up his whole life to do this.
“Anyway, what’s going on with you?” he asks, gesturing with his chin at the box on my desk.
“I’m going to ask Kalyn to marry me,” I tell him; opening the box, I show him the ring.
Finn whistles as he takes it in. The star-shaped diamond shimmers on the gold band that is dainty for Kalyn’s slender fingers. “That’s a definite yes from her,” he says, a smile on his face. “Congrats, brother.”
“I don’t want to think it’s set in stone,” I respond. “She could change her mind and decide I’m not for her.”
“Like that will ever happen.”
“Cass?” Kalyn’s gentle voice comes from the door, causing me to jump to my feet. The box drops to the desk with a soft thunk as she pads barefoot toward us. “Is…” Her eyes are wide on the ring. I had plans on how I would do this, and now, now I can’t do that because she’s seen the goddamned ring.
“You’ve spoiled my surprise, little liar,” I say.
“That’s mine?” she asks, finally finding her voice.
Finn rises quickly. “I’ll see you later; I think you two need a moment.”
“Tell me what you decide,” I tell my brother. He nods before walking out of my office. I pick up the box, pulling the ring from the cushion. Rounding my desk, I stand before Kalyn, then drop to one knee. “I wanted to do this in a more romantic setting, but since you’re here, I better do it now.”
“I’m sor—”
“Kalyn Narro, you’re my life,” I interrupt her. “You saved me, but you’ve also given me something to live for. You complete me in ways I didn’t think were missing. And I want to spend my life showing you just how much you mean to me. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Tears trickle down her cheeks, and for a moment, I expect her to say no, but then she nods and laughs. “Of course, I will.” The ring fits perfectly on her finger, and I rise to full height to pull her into my arms.
“I love you, little star,” I whisper the words in her ear before pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Kalyn looks up at me, her eyes shimmering with tears as she smiles. “I love you too, fiancé,” she murmurs against my lips just before I steal them and dip my tongue into her warmth, tangling with hers. I deepen our connection; lifting her against me, I set her on the desk.
I pull away, locking my stare on hers. “You’re a high so sweet I never want to come down from.” Before she has time to respond, I kiss her again; this time, I inhale every moan and whimper. Time to show her just how much I love her.
My future wife.
My forever.