Page 29 of Forbidden Vow

“Sir!” a stern voice echoed through the corridor refusing to be ignored. “I’m calling security.”

Raven watched as Ms. Kara lifted her head and cleared her throat.

“This is my room. I’m the patient, and I say who can visit.” Ms. Kara, for as frail as she looked, owned a spine of steel. “Don’t you dare call security. He’s my family. Now, go away.”

A huff sounded behind the door. “Raven?”

“He’s fine.” Raven eyed him. “Don’t call security, yet.”

“Go on,” Ms. Kara added, “mind your own business.”

Darius stepped inside, panting as if he’d run from Shell Cove to California. Sara’s white shoes scurried off.

“What are you doing here?” Raven stood in front of Ms. Kara, shielding her prying eyes.

“Oh, he’s very handsome.” Ms. Kara reached for her glasses on the table. “Come closer dear.”

Darius took another step but didn’t take his eyes off Raven.

Raven asked again. “What are you doing here?”

Ms. Kara chuckled. “I suppose he’s here to grovel. I know that look,” she mumbled.

Long minutes passed as Darius and Raven stared at each other. Neither moved. No one spoke. Raven held his gaze and searched his soul. She saw in him something he’d never revealed before. Vulnerability. Desperation. Hope flared within his eyes and it flooded to her heart.

“Darius Kent, is it?” Ms. Kara sniffed.

He nodded, still unable to look away from Raven. “I love you.”

“I know. You came to convince me to move back to Shell Cove?”

“No. I came to beg you to let me stay.”

Raven gasped, not believing her ears.

Ms. Kara sighed. “Oh dear, that’s so sweet.”

Raven waved. “Shh, Ms. Kara. You’re witnessing a miracle. Let him finish.”

A slow smile spread across Raven’s face. “You were saying?” she prompted.

“Shit, you’re eating this up, aren’t you?”

Raven inched closer to him. “Like free lobster and steak.”

He opened his arms to her, waiting. “I want to be wherever you and Lexi are. I’m not fucking leaving, so bring your ass over here. I got my heart on my sleeve, my belt buckle, a damn banner back in Endurance.”

Raven dashed forward, arms open and outstretched, tears streaming from her eyes. “Really?” She breathed him in.

“Hell no. I’m not making a banner,” he laughed, “but,” he pulled an envelope from his pocket. “I wrote you a letter.

“Oh gosh, I love you.” Darius took her in a warm embrace. He held her tight and smelled of spice and safety. “Such an asshole,” she murmured.

Darius gathered her so tight, she barely took a breath, but she didn’t care. “Soon-to-be-married asshole, thank you very much.”

She sniffled, laughing at the craziest that was their love. “That’s not a proposal.”

Darius released her and lowered to one knee.