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He flashes his fake-ass smile. “Just wanted to congratulate you on a successful night. The club looks good.” His eyes flick to Roni again, lingering on her curves, the goddamn dimple in her cheek, and then her tits. I see fucking red.

I want to punch him in the throat, but I don’t. Not yet.

He nods at Roni, all smug. “Veronica, you look… incredible tonight.”

Roni regards him coolly while giving him a fake-ass polite smile. “Thanks.” Her hand finds mine, and she squeezes it, subtle and strong. That’s my girl.

I want to haul her behind the DJ booth and fuck her senseless just to get the memory of TJ’s hungry stare out of my brain. But instead, I plaster on my best fake-ass smile while gripping her waist tighter.

TJ’s eyes narrow. I can practically see the wheels turning in his calculated, lizard brain. He leans in, like he wants to make this shit intimate. Like he thinks he can get away with it.

“You ever get tired of the club scene, Veronica, you let me know.” He’s got his eyes on her, but they flick back to me, sharp and hungry, like he’s waiting to see if I’ll bite.

Fuck that.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.” Veronica’s voice slices the air, perfect and crisp, and I swear I see his jaw clench, that little tic of irritation he tries to hide.

Yeah, that’s right. The words hang there, thick and heavy, and for once, he doesn’t seem to have a comeback.

He just stands there with that fake grin stuck to his face, and I swear I see the exact moment his ego cracks. Beautiful. I almost want to clap for Roni, but I settle for a shit-eating grin and a little squeeze around her waist. That’s my girl. My queen.

“Well. Enjoy your night,” TJ finally grinds out, but he doesn’t even make it sound sincere. He tips his head at me, then at Roni, like he can’t decide which of us pisses him off more.

I don’t bother replying. I just let my hand slide lower on Roni’s back and anchor her against my side.

He stalks off, doing his best big shot walk, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. Dee’s watching him disappear, eyebrow cocked so high it nearly hits her hairline. “It’s about time someone brought the little weasel down to earth,” she stage-whispers, loud enough for half the crowd around us to hear. Dee winks at Roni. “Well done, babe.”

Roni leans into my side, all warm curves and soft perfume, and I tighten my hold on her, making it clear she’s not going anywhere. Ever. She beams up at me, and that fucking dimple pops again. I want to taste it. Maybe later.

Eamon sidles over, his face deadpan as always beneath that perfectly trimmed beard. His dark suit doesn't have a single wrinkle despite the packed club. "Nice work shutting weasel-boy down, Veronica," he says with the barest hint of approval in his Irish accent.

"Thanks." Roni laughs, the sound like music over the thumping bass. I’m done waiting. It’s like my brain flips a switch.

I lean in close, lips brushing her ear. “Come with me,” I growl. God. I can barely get the words out without just hauling her over my shoulder like a caveman, but I force myself to play it cool. Roni blinks up at me, wide-eyed and glowing, and follows without hesitation.

We glide through the crowd, my hand glued to her lower back. I don’t stop for anyone, not even when Eamon throws me a sly look, like he knows exactly what I’m up to. Whatever, man.

My private office door closes behind us with a heavy thunk. The second we’re alone, I turn and face her, my chest threatening to explode.

She’s still smiling, looking up at me like I hung the damn moon.

I can’t wait another minute. I drop to one knee. Just like that. No speeches. No drama.

Her jaw drops as her eyes go huge. And for a split second, I wonder if I’m actually about to have a goddamn heart attack right here at her feet.

I don’t even try to play it cool. I rip the little velvet box out of my pocket and pop it open while my goddamn hands shake. The ring inside is massive, over the top, and exactly what she deserves. It glitters up at her, and for once, Roni is completely speechless.

I stare up at her, throat tight. “Veronica Lewis, I’ve loved you since the first moment we met, and I’ll love you until my dying breath. Will you marry me?”

She actually sways a little, and I grab her hand to keep her upright. Her fingers are trembling so badly that I have to clamp down to keep her from floating away. For a heartbeat, she doesn’t say a thing.

Then she covers her mouth with her other hand and laughs a wild, beautiful sound like she’s about to cry. “Yes,” she chokes out. Then louder. “Yes!” She’s laughing and crying at the same time now, and I’m so relieved I nearly lose consciousness. “I love you, too.”

I slide the ring onto her finger while my hand shakes so bad, I’m shocked I don’t drop the motherfucker. The diamond catches the light.

She just stares at it, mouth open, then at me. I haul her straight into my lap and kiss her senseless. Her lips are wet and salty from happy tears, but I lick them right off her lips. She melts into me, wrapping her soft arms around my neck.

Life couldn’t get any better than this.