“I’m glad I stuck with my gut, then.Want me to get them for you?”
“Yes, please.”
She leaves, and I stand there feeling frustrated my stalker is still out there, coming after me.I thought he’d given up.I hadn’t heard from him in a month.
As soon as she returns with Dori and Buttercup, I kneel down and love on them, worried over how close I was to losing them.I’m so glad I went with this daycare.It might cost me a lot of money, but they saved my babies.
“There was a note.I sent images of it to Titan.Mr.Boseman wants you and the dogs to come to the office,” Jada says when she walks back in.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.I’ll just head home and take care of them.”
“Ms.Placer, he wants to check you and them over.It will settle his nerves.”Jada pleads with me.
I do want to see him.I’m scared.
I nod, and she helps me get the girls outside and loaded into the back of my car.We head downtown toward Darrell’s office.I park across the street along the curb.Jada rides with another man, and they pull in directly behind me.
“We’ll take your car and have it parked in the underground parking garage,” Jada says as she signals to someone walking out of the building.
I look up at the high-rise and can’t believe Darrell runs a business that needs a building this big.It’s the first time the empire he runs is right in front of me.He really is a big deal, like my uncle and others have pointed out.In this moment, I feel like I’m in over my head.But I love him and won’t run from him again.I promised.
We unload the dogs on their leashes, and Jada and I walk across the street to the entrance.The glass doors open into a large marble foyer with Boseman Unlimited and its logo set into the floor.It’s awe-inspiring to see the subtle design choices that aren’t over the top but still impressive.
The guards at the desk nod at us as Jada guides me into a private elevator.I’m nervous being here and feel uncomfortable.The man I’m in love with controls all this.
Taking a moment, I collect myself and look at my reflection in the mirrored doors.I’m dressed in a pair of designer cargo pants, my favorite Doc Marten boots, and a black cami.I’m not the image of a billionaire’s girlfriend.I’m just an everyday girl.Yeah, I have my own money, but I’ve never flaunted it.Darrell doesn’t excessively flaunt his wealth either.
The doors slide open, and every moment of indecision fades away when I see him standing there in his suit.He reaches for me, and I’m instantly in his arms.
“We’ll protect them, baby.They won’t be in danger any longer.”
I start to cry as I’m finally hit with the emotions.
Darrell lifts me up into his arms, and Jada takes the leashes as he carries me to a room.I hear the door close, then we’re alone, sitting in his office.
“Baby, don’t cry.It tears me up to see you like this.”
“I thought he was gone.He hasn’t sent anything else.I didn’t know he’d go after my babies.”I sob against his neck.When his body tightens, I pull back and look into his eyes.“He didn’t stop, did he?You were hiding it from me.”It’s not a question.I already know the answer.
“Daphne, I’ll do whatever is necessary to protect you.You know that.”
“I do.Ugh.”I drop my forehead into the crook of his neck.I feel safe here.
I take a deep breath as I calm myself.Pulling back, I hold his face in my hands and look him in the eyes again.
“You need to keep me in the loop.You can’t just take over everything in my life.Got it?”
He starts to argue, but I hold a finger over his lips.
“I need to know for my own protection.Besides, we’re partners in this.You can’t go roughshod over my life and take control.That’s not what a relationship is, Dare.”
I lean in and remove my finger to kiss his lips.He deepens the kiss and shifts around.Before I know it, I’m sitting on the sofa and he’s kneeling in front of me.
“Baby, we are a partnership.That’s why we’re getting married.”He pops open a box, and I see a large pink diamond with several other diamonds surrounding it.
“Darrell?”My hands go to my mouth.“I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s not a question.It’s a statement, baby.”Darrell pulls my hand from my face and slides the ring onto my finger.
