“Smile, Honey.” I squeeze her hand. “You’re doing great.”
She exhales shakily, but her eyes warm. “You’re seriously good at this.”
I lean closer, whispering against her hairline. “You have no idea.”
Priscilla storms toward us,her fury barely disguised beneath brittle civility. “Kamiyah.” Her voice is acidic. “A word.”
Kamiyah’s hand freezes on my arm and I tighten my hold. “She stays.”
Carissa’s glare snaps to me. “You are crossing a line, Mr. West.”
I smile. “I built the line.”
She seethes. “This engagement—if that’s what you’re calling this stunt—is a farce.”
“On the contrary,” I say smoothly. “It’s the most sincere thing I’ve announced in years.”
Kamiyah shoots me a startled look, but I don’t break eye contact with her aunt.
Priscilla’s lips curl. “I hope you understand what you’re entangling yourself in.”
“Oh, I do,” I say. “Perfectly.”
“And you think you can protect her?”
“I know I can.”
Kamiyah inhales sharply.
Behind Priscilla, the guests erupt in a hum of whispers as they side-eye us with rapt fascination. I lower my voice so only Priscilla can hear. “Walk away, Priscilla. Before you lose more than you already have.”
Her nostrils flare. “This isn’t over.”
“It is tonight,” I say.
When she storms off, Kamiyah turns to me, awe and fear and gratitude swirling in her eyes.
“The most sincere announcement in years,” she repeats, cocking her brows.
“Yes,” I say, brushing her cheek with my thumb—barely a touch, but enough to make her inhale sharply. I meant every word.
She shakes her head slightly. “Why are you going through the trouble of helping me?”
A stream of answers burn on my tongue.
Because I can’t stand seeing you afraid.
Because I want to protect you more than I should.
Because even though I tried to forget, I’ve always wanted you.
But I only say, “Because you’re mine.”
Her pupils dilate.
The room falls away and the noise fades until it’s just her. Just her scent. Just her mouth inches from mine. Just her skin flushing under my touch. “Kamiyah,” I say, voice low and rough.
She steps closer, breath trembling and I love that she’s so consumed by the moment that she forgets where we are. That she’s finally learning to take what she wants without permission. It’s not the boldness I remember, but this is another step on the road to regaining her self-confidence. I wait…wait for her to close the distance.
