“People will hear you,” she said.
“I don’t care what other people think. You should know that by now.”
“Well, you should.”
“Why? Tell me what’s going on. What did Gary say to you? You were fine when I left you.”
“Exactly. You left me. I know you’re not looking for a commitment. That’s fine. It would never work anyway.”
“Do you know where I went when I left? I wasn’t checking on our seats. I met with Ross so he could deliver this to me.” He brushed the moist hair back from his face, then reached into his pocket, pulling out the little box.
He opened the lid, showing her the one-of-a-kind princess cut diamond ring.
She looked at the ring, then back at him. “I don’t understand.”
He smirked. “You don’t? This isn’t how I wanted to do this. I had a beautiful night planned. Even a violinist who was supposed to appear when I bent down on one knee. But this will have to do.” Darius got down on one knee, the wetness penetrating his pants, but it was the last thing on his mind. He took her hand and attempted to put the ring on her finger.
She pulled away. “I can’t.” Fresh tears ran down her cheeks. “I can’t.”
“Why? I don’t understand.”
“I love you too much. I have to protect you from your father.”
This time he stood up to his full height. “What are you talking about?
She shook her head, attempting to move away from him. What had Gary said to her?
All his fragile romantic feelings faded away, leaving him determined and focused. He wouldn’t lose his woman.
“Tell me why you’re pushing me away, Rose. I don’t want to hear lies. Tell me the truth.”
“I’m not worth losing everything over, Darius. If you don’t realize that now, you will in a week, a month, or even years down the road.”
“Why would I lose anything?”
“I know about your father. I know he doesn’t approve of us,” she said.
He rolled his eyes. “Do you see me losing sleep, baby? I can’t even remember the last time I spoke with the old bastard.”
“What about your sister? Is it true you bought her a house?”
He was confused. “What does that have to do with us?”
“So it’s true. Your father can do that to you too. He’ll cut you off. Then you’ll both be homeless. I won’t be responsible for that.”
He exhaled the burden he’d been carrying, then chuckled.
“What?” she questioned.
“You’re adorable,” he said. “You’d break up with me rather than to see me get hurt.”
“I would.”
He pulled her tight to his body, kissing her hard on the lips. She rested her forearms on his chest, looking up at him. She was absolutely gorgeous.
“No one’s cutting me off,” he said.
“He will. Because of me.”
“How? I own the company, Rose. Everything I have, I worked for. My father has no power over me. Not now. Not ever. I make my own choices. And I choose you.”
“What about your sister?”
“When she got pregnant out of wedlock, yes, he cut her off. That’s why I stepped in to take care of her and my nephew. That’s where his power ended.”
“So if we’re together, he can’t—”
He smiled down at her, cupping her cheek. “We will be together, and nobody will stop that fact. I want you to be my wife.”
Darius took the ring back out, and this time, she stayed still as he slid it carefully onto her ring finger. She stared at it, moving her hand side to side between them.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“So, what do you say? Will you marry me, Rose Henshaw?”
She sniffled, her eyes welling up with tears. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
Chapter Ten
Rose hadn’t wanted to announce their engagement, but Darius refused to keep her a secret. The whole company found out as he made a speech, alerting the staff and of course, the world, in having it printed in the newspaper.
Her name, face, and so many details were exposed about her life. He’d also taken away her apartment, moved her into his place, and pretty much took over the whole of her life. While it was happening, it had been overwhelming, but this was Darius Blackwood, and he made her feel so … loved and cherished. She didn’t want to argue with him or sound ungrateful for everything he was doing.
Each chance he got, he told her how much he loved her, and their lovemaking was off the charts. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but moments like today, when she was hiding in a bathroom, she couldn’t help but feel the nerves threatening to swallow her whole. The newspaper in her hand crinkled as she stared straight ahead.
Another exposé on Blackwood’s fiancée.
A whole bunch of gossip, angry rumors, and nastiness. She had grown up in a world where cruelty was an everyday occurrence, but now, total strangers were also taking their shot at her.