Page 34 of Desperate Valentine

My only regret is that I didn’t pay for it sooner, but we just weren’t at that stage yet and I thought making that kind of decision so soon into our relationship would seem—clingy? I asked him just once more, a month into being “official” and he was furious.

“You have no idea how much this means to me,” he says, finally letting go of me, allowing me to breathe a little easier.

He looks to Mila and Gunner, cluing into the fact that they have known about this for quite a while.

“You two knew about this?” He laughs, pointing toward the two of them.

“For a few weeks, at least,” Gunner grins.

“I expect some free drinks in exchange for keeping that big of a secret,” Mila chuckles.

“That can be arranged,” Jude replies.

“So, I was thinking, we can do a grand opening this weekend. Given that the stock arrives on time tomorrow!” I suggest, watching as Jude turns his attention back to me.

“You’re telling me you stocked the place too?” he asks, reaching for my hand under the table.

“I even found all of the furniture you had to sell. The lady said it didn’t quite work with what she wanted them for and offered them back at half the price she paid for them. I may have exaggerated a sob story though.”

Jude grabs my face between his hands, kissing me with so much passion that Gunner and Mila start to clear their throats from across the table.

“A room, guys. Get a fucking room,” Mila laughs.

“I mean, I wouldn’t mind watching,” Gunner chuckles, shooting me a wink.

“Actually, I take that back. I would one-hundred percent watch the two of you fuck,” Mila says, biting down on her finger.

“Not a chance in hell, guys,” Jude says, pointing a warning finger toward Gunner.

“Baby, think about it, you can show them your flogger collection.” I smirk, knowing that Gunner and Mila have no idea what I’m talking about.

“It’s a date. Name a place and time, and we’ll be there,” Gunner says.

I love this. This is exactly where I want to be in life. Finishing another year at St. Valentines, getting engaged to the best man I’ve ever known and a best friend that finally found everything she was looking for too.

Somehow, the news in regards to the missing trio went silent after just a few weeks. Charles’ employees were glad to be free finally from his wrath and Charlie wasn’t missed either. Blaise’s family searched for him for a few weeks and then flew back home, never to be heard from since.

The way it went was flawless, really.

All thanks to my walking red flag of a fiancé.

THE END