Page 137 of Own Me

Our love.

Our devotion.

And all the thoughts about what the future would bring.

I was aware of the applause, yet I only had eyes and ears for the woman who’d rocked my world. Now I hoped to rock hers.

The powerful cheers continued as she walked down the two stairs, taking her time to head in my direction. Her eyes were brimmed with tears just as I’d seen with Nina.

She wasn’t just beautiful.

She was perfect.

My little butterfly.

“What did you think?” she asked and the entire room was silent.

“I think you’re amazing.” I cupped her face, taking a few precious seconds to caress her soft skin. “But I have a question for you.”

“Should I be scared?” Her laugh was nervous.

“Every day and I hope for the rest of your life.” The gasp was expected as I pulled the velvet box from my pocket, dropping onto one knee.

I’d never been the kind of guy who craved the spotlight, yet at this moment, I wanted the world to see how I felt about her. About the woman I loved.

“Lainey Rose, the woman who managed to crawl through all the armor seeing the man inside. A woman who refused to give up on me even when I’d do so myself. And the woman who reminded me that even in the most difficult times, love and family can help heal the beast within. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

As if in a game show, a commotion formed at the back of the ballroom. Suddenly, there were cameras everywhere, the flashes of lights blinding.

“You can’t marry him. You belong to me. We have a contract. And that fucking asshole ruined my life.”

Sighing, I slowly turned my head. Was he kidding me? Damien Kane? What the fuck. I stood, growling louder than I probably should have.

A hand was placed on my forearm and when I glanced at my bride to be, she had a highly mischievous grin on her face. “Allow me.”

I debated letting her walk away from me, but laughed. “Go for it, little butterfly.”

She strolled toward him and his entourage of reporters and influencers were eager to get a sound bite. “Damien. I thought I made myself clear. You and I were never together and after you decided to use my face to take out your frustrations for your failing career, you sealed the deal. But obviously, you’re hardheaded. So let me make this easier for you.”

“What is she doing?” Mikhail asked.

“Whatever she wants,” I answered, failing to keep a smile from my face.

The hard punch was smack in the middle of Damien’s nose. Even from where I was standing, I heard the crack. The gasps throughout the room were followed by applause.

Lainey didn’t bother waiting for a response. She turned toward me, shaking her hand and tossing her hair over her shoulder.

“That’s my girl, my little butterfly.”

“You have your hands full, brother,” Vissarian offered.

I took a deep breath as she walked closer. “Something I’ll spend the rest of my life enjoying.”

She wrapped her arms around me and I realized everyone was holding their breath. “Proud of me?”

“Very. Not to break the moment of revelry, but there’s a question on the table.”

“Oh, that,” she sighed, glancing toward my family. “My answer is…”

Everyone in the room had crowded closer. I lifted an eyebrow, cocking my head.

“Yes.”

As the room erupted with shared happiness, I pulled her even closer. I’d already made a promise that I would protect her with my life. Now I would do so as her husband.

In a world of monsters and men, few truly understood or valued having a family. Perhaps it had taken tragedy to allow me to understand and embrace what meant the most.

All because of a beautiful, caring pop star who’d reminded me that life was worth living.

The End