Looking around at everyone at the table, I realised it had been so long since we’d done this together. It was nice to get away. Running Luxe Corp had given me less time with them—it wasn’t like it used to be before I took over.
Then there was the Organisation. Something that wouldn’t run itself.
I shouldn’t have been doing “business” deals whilst away with Aria, but it was the perfect opportunity I couldn’t miss.
I’d made a promise, and all I wanted to do was protect Aria and keep her safe. So for now, I had to keep it from her.
“I think the champagne may have gone to my head,” Aria giggled, leaning against my shoulder. I tilted her chin to meet my gaze, and her eyes were a little glassy, so I kissed her lips, which tasted like alcohol.
“You’re everything to me,” I whispered against them.
“I love you,” she whispered back.
“Ok,” Hayden said, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Now that dinner is out of the way, I just want to take some time to appreciate this phenomenal woman sitting next to me.” He took Serfina’s hand, and she blushed.
I don’t think I’d ever seen Serfina blush the whole time I’d known her. She was such a badass with everything.
Placing my arm around Aria, I pulled her in close to me.
“You completely took me by surprise,” he continued.
“That’s true. I literally had to kiss you to make you realise I liked you.”
“I hardly had anything when we first got together. You stood by me when your dad said I wasn’t good enough and couldn’t give you the life you deserved. We almost didn’t make it, but you fought my corner with him—and won, of course. You helpedwith the business and were there through it all. You’re the most precious thing in my life, and I couldn’t imagine a second without you.”
Hayden stood, pulling a red velvet ring box from his pocket, and got down on one knee. Serfina’s eyes widened, and she placed her hand over her mouth. He opened the box to reveal a princess-cut diamond set on a platinum band. Tightness hit my chest.
I glanced down at Aria. Her eyes were dancing with joy.
“Nari, my fiery one. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”
3
Aria
“What are you and Hayden going to do while we go dress shopping?” I asked as Sebastian wrapped his arms around my waist the next morning.
Last night had been amazing. Serfina hadn’t had a clue it was going to happen—she’d just thought we’d come over to celebrate her birthday. I was so happy that Hayden had wanted us all there to share that magical moment with them.
“We’ll probably go for drinks or something.”
He kissed me, then grabbed my coat and placed it on me, gently untucking my hair out of the back so it was loose. He pushed a few strands behind my ear and kissed my forehead.
“Take my card and get anything you want,” he said, holding it out.
“You know—”
He cut me off, placing his finger over my lips. “Take it.” I smiled at him and slid it in my jacket pocket with my phone. “Anything you want, Nyx. Buy it.”
It was very rare that I ever purchased anything with his card. I had my own money, but he’d insist I still have his just in case. He knew I didn’t care about money like that, and I wasn’t one to take advantage.
He’d already bought me a fair few designer items to fill up my part of the walk-in wardrobe at home. It looked like its own shop. I’d come to the conclusion that no matter how many times I’d tell him he didn’t need to, he wouldn’t listen and would do it anyway.
“I’ve arranged for a private water taxi for you both, in case you want to go further afield.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you.” He rested his hands on my jaw and slowly kissed me.
