I step back, take her hand, and press a kiss to her knuckles before dropping it. “You can ask me anything.”
To keep my hands to myself, I shove them in my pockets, and she smirks. Then she hops up onto the gleaming conference table, looking like an elegant CEO ready to bring the world to its knees.
I stare at her for a beat, the room silent except for the soft sound of conditioned air coming through the vents. King was right. I’m crazy about her. Besotted. Head over heels in love for the first timein my life.
The realization, or rather, admitting the truth to myself, embracing it, owning it? Feels amazing. Like a weight has been lifted. All those old movies my mom used to watch were right. I feel like singing. Dancing. All those wild, out-of-character things people in love do.
Am I going to start whistling?
Her brows lift, a silent prodding to keep talking and tell her the truth. Tell her what Alex and I were arguing about.
If there was ever a woman who could bring me to my knees, it’s her.
Focus, Rothburn.
But as soon as I remember her question, my stomach sours. I wasn’t very sensitive that night and never should have said what I did to Alex. Gah, and in front of King, too. The two of them, no, all three of them just strip me bare. Like right down to my core, where I can’t hide. Where I’m the most vulnerable.
“I get that you have demons, Gabriel. We all do. And I can almost guarantee that they’re going to rear their ugly heads at some point in our future. How you deal with those demons means everything.”
“I know.”
“I need to know that next time, you’ll find the willpower to regroup and then fightfor us. That you’ll ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions…”
“I know.” I think we’ve both learned some things, especially when it comes to airing the truth between us.
“I never expected you to be perfect. And I get it. Maybe you felt trapped. You wouldn’t be the first man. But I don’t need your money, Gabriel. I don’t need your company, your power, or your connections. And I don’t need you to marry me.”
What?
My brain screeches to a stop. All the little hearts floating around us pop like bubbles.
“I thought you had to be married.”
“I do. Just not to you. Or any man.”
I rock back on my heels, stunned at the news.
“I don’t follow.”
“My grandfather was terribly short-sighted and unclear with his word choice. There’s nothing in the stipulation that says I can’t marry LaShonda and gain my inheritance.”
That takes the wind out of my sails, and I fall back against the wall, my jaw dropped in shock. Her expression remains soft and curious, watchful. Finally, I snap my lips closed.
She doesn’t?—
Her grandfather?—
I tip my head back, staring up at the ceiling. Then I huff a laugh. She really is ten steps ahead of the rest of us.
“I’m the world’s biggest idiot,” I say.
With her ice queen persona tucked away, though long may she reign, Katherine’s smile is soft, and her eyes are kind. “Yeah, but I love you exactly as you are. Idiot and all.”
My heart beats in double time, and I march the few steps until I’m pressed against her, one hand flat on the table, the other curling around her waist. Her hands press against my chest, and I feel the war inside her. Should she pull me closer and push me away?
“Say that again,” I demand.
With a husky laugh that makes my cock even harder, she shakes her head.
