Page 124 of Out of Control

And then there’s me with a double whammy—a sister and a girlfriend.

“Hey.” He presses a kiss to my shoulder. The whole weekend he’s stood at my back, his hands on me, his watchful eye all around us as if he’s afraid his celebrity status might hurt me. Mr. Protective is most definitely back. “I’m gonna grab us a new drink before the show starts. Will you be okay by yourself?”

“I’ll be fine, Ollie.” I turn in his arms and press a searing kiss to his lips as I run my hand down his cheek—my tangible reminder of how real and incredible he is.

“You sure?”

“Lilith and Zach are right over there. Dozens of security guards are at each set of railings. I assure you, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay. Only if you are.”

“I am.”

He kisses me one more time before walking away, our fingers linked until we can’t touch anymore.

It isn’t a minute before Lilith’s beside me, arm slung around my neck and a kiss plastered to my cheek. “I’ve gotta admit, being your friend has its perks, Navarro.” She stretches her arms out. “Look at all this space around us.”

I glance over my shoulder at all the people jam-packed on the other side of the barricade for general admission. “Yeah, I have to admit. It’s nice.”

“So with this VIP access, do you think Rossi could get us up there to meet the band?” she asks of BENT. This is the first time in the festival’s history that they’re using a repeat headliner, but the damn band just keeps getting better and more popular. “You know I have a thing for Vincent Jennings. The way he holds that guitar. The grit to his voice. His ass in those jeans.”

“I’m right here, you know,” Zach says jokingly. “Current boyfriend who is not a hot guitar player.”

Lilith smacks a kiss to his lips. It’s loud and dramatic and signifies everything she is. “Current boyfriend, you are the best. But if I got the chance, I might ask for a hall pass with Vince.”

Before he can respond, there’s a tapping on the microphone and the crowd goes wild in anticipation for the hottest band in the world to perform. But then there’s a second pause as the crowd tries to figure out who’s walking center stage.

But I see him.

I know.

And when he lifts the mic to talk, my heart races a million miles a minute.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Oliver Rossi. I’m a driver in a little-known sport called Formula 1. You might have heard of it.” The crowd erupts into a frenzy and his smile could light up a whole freaking room. “I’ve been asked to come up here and announce our next performers. Are you good with that?”

BENT starts being chanted throughout the crowd.

“I know, I know. But I have one quick thing to do first. You don’t mind, do you?” Whistles ring out among the crowd. “I met a woman here last year.”

Oh.

No.

Don’t you dare.

But when two guards start escorting me to the stage stairs, I know he has.

He meets my eyes and that look. The man is a sight to behold on a normal day, but this look? Breathtaking. It’s pure love and a dose of . . . embarrassment? Fear? Worry?

And the sight of all three makes me want him even more.

“Here she is now.” He presses a kiss to my hand. “Everyone, meet Sofia. Sofia? Meet everyone.”

The crowd erupts and I wave back and mentally prepare myself for what I know is coming. What the only thing this can be.

And I’ve never been more excited.

“Like I was saying. I met Sofia here last year. A drunk fuck was taking advantage of her, and I may or may not have remedied the situation.” He squeezes my hand. “But a lot has changed in that year. For her. For me. For us. We came here hoping to be someone else for a few days, hoping to let loose without anyone caring. What we found was each other. A person who pushed the other to be better than we ever imagined we could be. We found hope. We found courage. We found friendship. I’ve had those things before, but never like this. Sofia is . . . simply amazing and right now, right here, in front of all of you, I was wondering if you could help me ask her a question. What do you say?”

The crowd goes frantic as I meet Lilith’s eyes. She’s hopping up and down like a loon with her hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes.

“On the count of three. You ready?” Rossi asks. “One. Two. Three. Will you marry me?”

The sound of the crowd is deafening, but there’s only one voice I hear, especially when I look beside me and find him down on one knee with a ring box open.

I stare at him. At this man who has upended my world in the best damn way and stolen my heart. Sure, things are still rocky with el patriarca, but with Cruz continually inviting Rossi to family functions, he’s coming around. The scowl is a little lighter. A few more words are said each time. I have no doubt Rossi will win him over just like he has me.

I smile at him. At this incredible person who’s run interference for me in giving all of myself and leaving none to myself. He’s taught me that my mother is not my problem. That my family—in all its fucked-up glory—is not my problem, but that my happiness is.

I love him. This partner of mine wins me over time and again with his kind gestures, his hard work, and his constant need to try harder and be better. To not be that public persona everyone expects of him.

Everyone says they love the villain.

I truly do.

And I’m the one lucky enough to get to love him the rest of my life.

“Yes. Ollie. Most definitely yes.”