Page 133 of Ruthless Regret

“What’s that?”

“A new contract.”

“A … what? Why?”

I reach for the envelope. He places a hand over it, stopping me.

“I spent fourteen years plotting my revenge. I had a plan. There were three simple steps. Get out of prison. Find the girl who put me there. Make her pay.” His fingers drum a beat on top of the envelope. “I had it all worked out, except for one important thing.”

I’m holding my breath, listening to that soft voice, heart hammering.

“I didn’t account for meeting a woman who wasn’t prepared to lie down and accept her punishment. She drove me crazy, challenged everything I thought I knew, turned my entire world upside down.”

He sets a small velvet box on the table between us. I stare at it.

“Open it.” His voice is soft.

My hand shakes as I reach for it. Inside is a ring that catches the light, sending sparkles across the envelope.

"For fourteen years, in that prison cell while I plotted my revenge, you gave my life purpose. For the past fourteen months, you've given my life meaning." A smile finally cracks his stern expression. "The problem is, I need a more permanent arrangement.”

He pauses, smile softening.

"I love you, Ashley."

Three words. That's all. But they steal my breath away.

"Zain—"

"I think I've loved you since that night at dinner with my parents when you told Sondra to go fuck herself." His voice is rough. "I just wasn't ready to admit it."

Tears blur my vision. "I love you too."

His eyes darken, and his hand finds mine across the table. "What do you say, Firecracker? Want to sign your life away for eternity? Marry me. For real this time."

I don't hesitate. "Yes.”

THE END