Page 106 of Torment
“It tried to break you and instead you burned it to the ground. I’m in awe of your strength. I can’t promise an easy life, but I can promise that for the rest of it,” he pauses, then adds simply, “You’re mine. And I’m yours.”
The officiant clears her throat gently.
“Do you have the rings?”
Maverick steps forward, dropping them into Karon’s hand with a quiet chuckle. Glancing over my shoulder, Parker smileswith tears slipping down her cheeks. She tips her head to the side, and nods gently at me.
Karson hands me his band then takes my left hand, and slides the band onto my finger on top of my engagement ring. It matches perfectly with the half carat solitaire diamond, and the small diamonds on the band.
“With this ring,” he says softly, “I’m never letting you go.”
I slide his simple, tungsten band onto his finger.
“Good,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. “Because I’m not letting you go either.”
The officiant smiles warmly.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Karson Tate.”
Karson doesn’t wait for the rest.
He tugs me gently by the hand into him, and his other hand cups my cheek. He leans down, pressing his lips to mine for a slow, deep kiss that makes my head spin.
And just like that, it’s done.
After some paperwork, and filing for my name change, we leave the courthouse and head back to Perdition.
Dinner is loud, even in the reserved section of the restaurant.
Parker and Layla insist on champagne. Slater slaps Cole’s hand when he tries to steal more appetizers. Maverick and Nick laugh at something Jeremy says. Elias toasts to me and Karson and everyone’s glasses clink.
For the first time in a long time, nothing feels heavy.
By the time we leave the restaurant, the night life in the casino is in full swing. Slots sing, bright lights flash, and strangers who stumble over their steps congratulate us as we walk by.
The penthouse is quiet when we step inside.
I’m halfway across the living room when music fills the space. I turn to see Karson standing near the speakers by the television, his phone hanging loosely in his hand.
“Really?” I ask, lifting a brow.
He smirks.
“You didn’t think you were getting away without a first dance, did you?”
I shake my head as he walks slowly toward me, taking me by the hand. His hand settles at the small of my back as he pulls me against him.
The lights from the building spill through the windows, painting the room in silver and gold.
We move in slow circles toFall For Meby Sleeptoken, and I inhale deeply against him.
“You okay?” he murmurs softly.
I nod against his chest.
“More than okay.”
He takes a half step back and I tip my head up to look at him as we sway.
