I start sweating under my T-shirt.
What the fuck did I just say?
Jesus. How reckless could I be?
This isn't what I planned to say or do before I got here.
Why the hell did I drop to my knee?
Valentina might as well be a statue. She doesn't move or blink. Then she narrows her eyes.
My heart slams once, brutal and loud. I school my face into something impassive, rise quickly, and shut the velvet box. I set it on her counter. "Forget I said anything. Here's your ring. See you at the wedding, Minx." I turn toward the door and take several steps.
"Brax! Wait!" she calls out, then grabs the back of my arm.
I stop, harden my expression further, and slowly turn.
She pulls me down into a kiss that strips the air right out of my lungs. When she breaks away, her lips brush mine as she whispers, "Thank you. For what you said. And for marrying me."
Relief hits me, but I don't move, still confused over what I said and did.
Her phone dings several times. She slowly pulls it out of her pocket, swipes the screen, then groans. She announces, "I have to meet Kirill."
Another round of relief hits me. I need air. This is all too much. But I still offer, "Want a ride?"
She shakes her head. "No. Vito will take me."
I scowl. "When we're married and on the council, you're getting a new driver."
She affirms, "You won't hear me complain."
Panic hits me. "Has he done something?"
She shakes her head. "No. But like you said, you could have killed him, so I need someone better, right?"
"Yes. For sure."
We stare at each other for a moment.
She walks to the counter, opens the box, and slides the ring on. She stares at it, then turns. "This is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen."
I softly grin, but puff my chest. "I'm glad you like it."
"I love it."
"Good."
Uncomfortable silence follows.
She clears her throat. "I really do need to go."
"Sure. I'll walk you out," I offer, escort her through the building, and scowl at Vito as we approach.
She goes to get into the vehicle, and I tug her back toward me.
She arches her eyebrows. "What's up?"
"Where's my kiss?" I wiggle my eyebrows.
