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The station still can’t believe they ever trusted a man like Frank. Many people from my work have come forward with stories about him abusing his power.
I feel like a naïve idiot. All the clues I found were ones he set me up to find. I thought I always had a keen eye for reading people, but Frank pulled one over on me, promising me fame and glory if the story ever broke. Well, that’s one thing Frank didn’t lie about during his scheme.
Since publishing the article, I’ve received some national media attention, and there’s even mention of a book deal headed my way.
I have to thank Titan Henry, though. Without him, none of this would have ever been possible.
None of it.
“You home?” I ask as I shut the front door to Titan’s house.
“Back here,” he says.
I head in the direction of his voice, back near the kitchen where he’s preparing something that smells fantastic. Basil floats through the air and garlic entices my nose in a way that has me salivating over the pungent smell.
“What are you making?”
“I’m trying a simple pasta sauce with my herbs from the garden. I’m trying to get a good flavor profile for a new spice blend I’m working on.” He kisses me on the top of my head as I stare into the pot on the stove. “I see the key worked.”
I smile up at him. “Like a charm.” Titan gave me a key to his place, pleading for me to move in with him.
Obviously I’ll say yes, just haven’t told him yet.
“Did you bring the wine? Rogue and some of the guys will be here shortly.”
I hold up the bottle of Pinot Noir I spent a good thirty minutes searching the liquor store for because I’m nervous about having dinner with Titan’s friends and old co-workers. Basically, dinner with a bunch of hitmen.
I feel like I will be one of the safest women on the planet tonight, but still my nerves are all over the place.
Not for fear of these men, but fear of them not accepting me. Or liking me. I want to make a good impression.
So, while Titan tends to the meal, I step outside and survey his lush garden, looking for fresh flowers. I spot a rose bush in the corner and bring the clippers from the side table that holds all of Titan’s gardening supplies.
I snip off a few red buds and bring them inside.
“You didn’t need to get me flowers,” Titan says with a laugh.
“They’re not for you. They’re to spruce up the place.”
Titan grabs a crystal vase from under his sink and fills it with water. He sets it on the counter, and after I stuff it with roses, I carry the arrangement into the dining room, placing it in the center of the dark table already set with white dinnerware and lit candles.
It’s intimate and looks amazing.
The doorbell rings, and I smooth my hair in the mirror in the entryway, making sure I look presentable for the people I’m about to meet.
“You look perfect,” Titan says with a kiss to the top of my head.
He opens the door and the first face I see is Rogue’s. He has a wide smile, and enters with a kiss to my cheek. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m fine.”
“This is Merrick and Cash.” Titan introduces two men standing with Rogue.
“Hi, how are you?” I extend my hand for them to shake.
Cash, with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, takes my hand in his giant one. “Pleasure.”
“Please, come inside.” I lead them back to the living area as we wait for more men to arrive.
After a few more minutes, the house is filled with so much testosterone I can feel the effects wearing off on me as I drink my beer straight from the bottle. Normally, I’m not really a beer type of girl, but when bulky men hand you a beer, you take a beer.
Everyone has been so nice.
Everyone has been so normal.
“I like your friends,” I tell Titan.
He smiles. “Yeah, they all like you too.”
I beam with pride, knowing I’ve gained the approval of his friends. Not that Titan appears to be a man who cares about having their approval. But it helps.
We eat and drink. The men share stories about Titan, and I laugh the whole night away.
Later, when everyone has left, and it’s just me and Titan, I snuggle up close to him. He kisses the top of my head, which I’m learning is one of his favorite things to do.
“I’d like to live with you,” I tell him, giving him the answer he’s been waiting for.
“Actually, you waited too long to answer so I’ve taken back my request.”
I stare into his dark eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, now I want to know if you’ll marry me?” He moves from the couch, kneeling before me, producing a black ring box from his pants pocket. He opens it and shows off the biggest blue diamond I’ve ever seen. “Blue, I’m in love with you. There’s no point in trying to take things slowly when I know what I want. And what I want is you. As my wife.”
