by D W Marshall
“You said yes.”
“I did.” I hop up from the bed and grab his undershirt from the floor. It is enormous on me and smells of him—clean, with a minty hint, mixed with Niko. I can’t resist the urge to pull it into my hand and breathe in, not even bothering to hide the warm smile that covers my face. His scent is home to me.
When I look up, Niko is watching me. “I fucking love you too much. Do we have a tattered and worn robe to put you in? Because seeing you in my shirt is doing things to me.”
I laugh at him, shaking my head as I go in search for my panties. My goal right now is singular, and it’s to get my hands on whatever is in that brown bag, and if it isn’t food, I might kill my fiancé. The word dances though my mind.
He reaches into the bag and pulls out two bagels, cream cheese, and danishes, placing them on plates on the table.
Niko pulls out my seat for me. “So, what have you been up to in London?”
This makes laugh. I grab my coffee and take a sip as I sit back and watch him. He is mine. My chest vibrates and hums with excitement.
“What did I say?” he asks, smiling.
“It’s just funny that we’re engaged and you are asking me that.”
His face falls. “Don’t even let your mind go there. You already said yes.”
“No one is changing their mind. I know I said yes, and I meant it. I love you and marrying you.” I take a sip and moan. It really is divine. I sit back and study him before I answer his question. We do have a lot to discuss.
I sigh. “Did Sam tell you about the money? The four million dollars?” I ask. We may as well get that out of the way. She may have kept it a secret from him, hoping I’d tell him one day, but I highly doubt it.
He nods. “She did.”
“And what do you think about the money. I mean me accepting the money?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know what I think. Was there a way to return it?”
“I don’t know. The money was just there. I never planned on touching it, until that night upstairs in the room when I met you, the night you planned to arrest me.”
He sucks in air and lets it out.
“I was happy for the money that night because I was able to use it to save myself, or so I thought.”
We sit in silence and stare at each other. He doesn’t say he has a problem with the money, but he also doesn’t tell me he thinks it’s okay that I have it.
“Listen. I’m not going to give it back. I couldn’t if I wanted to. At first, I thought it was dirty money, but not anymore. It’s mine. I didn’t ask for it. But I won’t give it away either.”
Niko smiles at me and raises his hands. “Not asking you to. I’m good with the money as long as you are. You shouldn’t feel guilty or dirty about it.”
I exhale and smile at him. Thankful that he wasn’t judging me.
“Back to your question, I am renting a two-bedroom flat in Belize Park. I thought about buying something but at the time, that seemed too long term.” I nibble on the pastry and sip my coffee before I continue.
“Apart from that, I’ve been going to school and taking a bunch of fighting and weapons classes. I bet I can take you.”
He laughs. “You think so? We’ll have to see about that.”
We sit in silence and enjoy our breakfast.
“What have you been up to? You didn’t seem as surprised to see me as I was to see you.”
His eyebrow hitches up. “You caught that?”
“I’m much more observant these days. Being kidnapped twice has taught me a thing or two.”
Niko’s expression is wary when I say that. “I knew you were here the second you got off the plane.”
“What? Are you serious?”
He nods. “And, don’t get mad, but…I’ve also been by your flat, multiple times. And I’ve watched some of your training sessions. And, no, you can’t take me, yet. But you are well on your way.” He lets out a small laugh. “I wasn’t surprised in the conference room because I was given a list of everyone that would be on the task force. Imagine my surprise when one of the interns turned out to be you.”
“You’ve been spying on me?” I cross my arms across my chest. “Why?”
He puts his food down. “You’ve been kidnapped, not once, but twice. Two times, Whitney. I’ve never been in love before, and I didn’t stop loving you just because you didn’t want me. I watched you to make sure you were safe. New country and surroundings and all. But I was so proud of you. Watching you learn to kick ass. I spoke with your trainers and told them who you were to me. I know that you smile from ear to ear when you leave your therapy sessions.”
“I can’t believe it. I’m engaged to a full-fledged stalker,” I say, but a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Why didn’t you reveal yourself to me back then?”
“You weren’t ready for me then. Are you mad?”
I smile at him. “Are you kidding? My very own vigilante, superhero. Of course not.” How can I be mad at him when he only wanted to keep me safe?
“Want to know the craziest part?”
I nod.
“Around two months ago, I got scared,” he says.
“Of what?”
“You not needing me anymore. I could see you changing. You became more aware of your surroundings. I actually thought you saw me a couple of times. I could see your confidence in the way you walked and held yourself. I watched you become a badass. Your Krav Maga instructor told me you were one of his top students. He said whatever happened to you in the past fueled you. I started panicking. I begged Sam to arrange a meetup,” he admits. “Of course, she refused. She said it had to happen organically. I was so mad at her.”
“I’m listening.”
“Nothing else. I told my mom and both my dads about you. They can’t wait to meet you.”
I stare at Niko. I’m wearing my new perma-smile. I deserve the happiness that is right in front of me. “When is that going to happen?”
“How soon can you get dressed?”
Chapter 36
Whitney
Thirty minutes later, Niko and I are standing in the middle of my flat. I walk over and open the window that overlooks my lush backyard.
“So what do you think? My lease isn’t up for another six months. But there is definitely room for two.” I walk towards him. “I mean, unless you want to live apart. Are you old fashioned?” I wrap my arms around him and tilt my face up, hopeful for a kiss.
His lips are warm and sweet. I moan into his mouth.
“I can have my things moved in by tomorrow.”
“Really? I’ll make room for you in the closet.” My cheeks hurt from smiling.
“That’s settled. Now go shower and get cleaned up before I have my way with you again. You have parents to meet.” He turns me toward the bedroom and smacks my ass.
“So bossy,” I say smiling all the way to my bedroom.
Twenty minutes later I step out of the room, wearing a pair of slim fit jeans, a deep gold sweater, and knee high flat boots. In the six months that I’ve been here, I haven’t figured out my hair. The curls are less defined, with a frizz that has a mind of its own. Messy bun has become my signature look. “Am I parent ready?”
He reaches out his arms for me, and I cross the room eager to fill the space between them. We stand in the center of my living room holding one another.
“Are you really mine?” I ask, pulling myself as close to him as I can.
“All yours, forever.” He kisses top of my head. “And you?”
“You had me at bad ass.”
This causes him to laugh. A sound that has an invisible cord that travels to my heart.
“My badass.”
“Okay then it is settled,” I giggle. “I’m a badass, and I’m yours. You are mine. I love you more than coffee and life and now I get to meet your—” Niko drops to his knee and looks up at me, cutting me off before I can say family. “What are you doing?”
“I’m making this official.
Whitney Marie Alexander, will you marry me?” Niko slides a ring box in front of me. Inside is a simple, yet elegant solitaire with two smaller clusters of diamonds on each side. I look from the ring to him and back to the ring.
“It’s beautiful. When did you get this?” I ask. This is really happening. Excitement courses through my body and mind.
“Today, while you were snoring. There’s a jewelry store right next to the coffee shop. Let’s just say I don’t waste any time.”
“Yes, Niko, I will marry you.”
I hold out my finger and he slides the ring on and sweeps me into his arms, flooding my face with kisses. “You don’t know how happy you have made me.”
When he sets me down, I push him playfully. “I don’t snore.”
“You do, and I can’t wait to wake up to it every day for the rest of our lives.”
“I hate you,” I say through a smile.
Niko laughs and wraps an arm around me. “I know. Let’s go meet my parents. They are going to love you.”
We leave our flat arm in arm, with me swearing that I wasn’t snoring and Niko promising to record me. One thing that he said keeps replaying in my ears the entire ride. He can’t wait to wake up to my alleged snoring every day for the rest of our lives. Even though he obviously heard something else—the rest of my life with Niko Andres is something I will cherish and forever be grateful for.
Acknowledgments
My wonderful cheer squad of friends and family that keep me excited and encourage me to keep going: Mom, whose vision of me at the finish line is a constant motivation. My sister-cousin Jamie who is one of the most positive people I know. Renee for your constant and valued friendship, you are a sister to me. Dolly, for letting me run my mouth and just being a great listener. My Girly Pop’s, I just love you guys so much. My boys, Spencer and Jacksen for being a source of motivation for me. I won’t give up my dream and I hope my determination teaches you to never give up yours. My Uncle Larry and Aunt Debbie for your constant support and encouragement. And a most special thanks to my husband. You are my gold medal, my Oscar, my Emmy. Your hard work inspires me and your love and support continues to drive me.
To my fans. Oh my goodness, I still can’t believe I have those. Thank you for the messages and inspiring words. The fact that you love my work is a big reason I keep going. To my blossoming beta reader team: Tanisha, Krystal, Jessica, Larissa, and Dirkje, thank you for the love and support.
To my publishing team: The Danielles, Danielle Acee and Danylle Salinas, you two are the toughest editors I have ever met, and Danielle you assassinate my words and challenge me to write better. Thank you for the work you do as my Author Assistants. My cover artist, Heidi thank you for creating beautiful covers.
About the Author
D.W. Marshall is a graduate of Tuskegee University. She is a native of California, but grew up in Las Vegas. If you opened her purse you'd find too many pens for one person, lip balm, and the dreaded receipts that never seem to go away.
D.W. loves to read dark and sweet romance, fantasy, YA, thrillers, and lives in Las Vegas with her husband, two sons, niece, and her one-eyed Bichon, named Sadie.
https://linktr.ee/dwmarshall
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