I nod, not sure what he could be doing talking about me when I’m the one who is supposed to be giving a birthday toast to him and his twin who I’m growing fonder of by the day.
With a quiet confidence, Artemis sinks to one knee on the floor between his chair and mine and holds out a ring. His face doesn’t say he’s stressed or worried, it says unburdened contentment which curls its way around my heart.
“You have zero chill,” I whisper to my soon-to-be fiancé with a shaky voice.
“What can I say? You’ve rubbed off on me.”
Ares snorts, but I shake my head. “Too easy.”
“You’re the only storm I’ll ever run toward. Marry me,Duende.”
“So bossy, ice prince.” I purse my lips. “You’re not the boss of me.”
The corner of his lips tilts up. “No, but you’re the boss of me. And I don’t want to live without you.”
The fluttering in my chest feels like I might take flight. He’s staring at me like no one else in the world exists. Some days it feels like they don’t. “It’s a good thing you don’t have to then, isn’t it?”
The room erupts into applause and cheering, but time stands still as I leap into the arms of my fiancé, and he catches me, like he will for the rest of our lives, whether I need him to or not.
After the buzz settles down, Ares lifts his glass of non-alcoholic wine. “You could have a joint wedding with Abuelita.”
Artemis groans. I used to think hockey was the only place I’d ever belong. Turns out, it was just the path thatled me home—to him.
Artemis
Xavier’s still laughing from his call with his brother, Roman, when I drag him into the bedroom—cheeks flushed, eyes bright, that post-proposal glow making him look like he’s lit up from the inside out. I imagine I look similar. I can’t remember a time I felt so damn happy.
Was it too soon to propose? Maybe. But when you know, you know. There was no point in dragging it out when I have no intention of marrying anyone other than Xavier or letting him marry anyone other than me.
He’s mine. Until the end of fucking time.
“He says he’s proud of me for pursuing the foundation. Again. And he’s claiming best man.” He grins at me. “He doesn’t even care if it’s yours or mine.”
I snort. “I think there are a few de la Peñas who might have an issue with a Martinez as my best man.”
He winks at me. “I’ve been your best man since we met, Dark Destroyer.”
“I’m about to fucking destroy you.” I shut the door with my foot, and he raises a brow, smirking like he’s about to make some smart-ass comment.
I don’t give him the chance. I need him close before the adrenaline wears off, and I start overthinking.
My mouth finds his in one long, claiming kiss—slow, deep, the kind meant to brand. His fingers curl in my shirt, yanking me down, greedy as hell. Good. Let him be greedy. He’s spent too long giving everything of himself away.
Tonight, he gets to take. I want him to feel claimed and cherished in the same breath.
“I can’t believe you proposed like that.” His murmur against my lips is with a shaky breath. “In front of your family.”
“That was the point.” I slide my hands beneath his shirt,palms gliding up his warm skin. “I wanted them to hear you say yes.”
His breath stutters. “I’d say it a thousand times.”
Something in my chest pulls tight—hope and relief and hunger and love all tangled in a messy ball. I don’t answer, at least not with words. I haul him onto the bed and climb over him, letting my weight settle just enough to make him gasp. His thighs fall open without hesitation, welcoming me in like he’s been waiting for this exact moment all night long.
“Tell me what you need.” I brush my mouth down the line of his throat, his pulse kicking hard beneath my lips.
“You.” He’s already breathless. “Just you. All of you.”
I smile against his skin. “Your wish is my command, princess.” I wink at him, and he grins back. This unburdened version of myself is taking a little time to get to know, but I don’t think I hate him.
