Page 124 of Army
“How’s it gonna play out when you go back to Durango?”
She glanced up at him. “I guess I can come down on my days off.”
“And the times you don’t come down or I can’t come up?”
Mia put her fork down and looked at him. “What’re you trying to tell me?”
“That commuting sucks.” Army finished the drink.
“I know, and I’m worried about if we get a bad snowstorm. Remember a few years ago when that blizzard hit? If that happens again, it could be weeks until we see each other. I don’t like thinking about it.”
The waiter removed their dishes and placed their salads on the white tablecloth. “Ground black pepper?”
Mia nodded and the server doused the lettuce leaves in black sprinkles, then did the same to Army’s salad. Mia picked up her fork and mixed the greens together.
“I’d get to you even in a blizzard,” Army said.
“That’s sweet, but it sounds dangerous.” She smiled.
Army reached into the pocket of his leather jacket that hung behind his chair and pulled out a box wrapped with a white ribbon. Mia’s eyes widened slightly as they focused on the blue box in his hand, and a pinkish flush tinted her skin. A smile played at her lips as she put her fork down then locked her gaze with his. “Is that a present for me?”
She looks so damn gorgeous, sitting there, her mind working overtime.“Yeah, but I’m gonna open it.”
“If it’s for me—shouldn’t I open it?” Mia asked.
Army laughed then handed her the box. For a long pause, she stared at it then opened the lid slowly.
“It’s beautiful,” Mia gasped.
Army gently took the box from her and took out the cushion cut black diamond. The band had three rows of smaller white diamonds all around it. The ring sparkled in the light from the candle on the table in a way that was majestic. He took her hand and slipped it on her finger.
“You’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me,” Army said.
Mia stared at the glittering ring on her finger then glanced at Army. “It’s breathtaking,” she said softly.
“I know we’re meant to spend our lives together. We’ve been through a lot, and I can’t imagine spending one fuckin’ day without you. I want to spend my forever with you by my side. I want you to be my old lady. Marry me, babe.”
Mia held up her hand and stared at the ring. “Aren’t you supposed to ask me?”
Her sassiness drove Army insane with desire. “I’m not asking shit—I’m telling.”
“If you’re not asking a question, am I still supposed to answer?” A devilish smile whispered across her lips.
“Fuck yeah.”
Mia locked her gaze with his. “I love you with all my heart.” She smiled and reached for his hand. “You’re my dark knight in leather on a big iron horse, and I want to live my life with you. I’d be honored to call you my old man.”
Army laughed, leaning forward then curling a hand behind the nape of her neck, under all that soft brown hair he loved so fucking much. He fused his mouth to hers as he kissed her passionately. Mia was his nasty princess in his twisted fantasy, and his demons played very well with hers. She was the only woman he wanted on his body and in his life. Mia was his old lady, and nothing would ever pull them apart.
The busser came over and Army sat back, his gaze still fixed on Mia’s as the man cleared the table. The waiter placed a plate of prime rib and sautéed mushrooms in front of Mia, then set Army’s thick steak, baked potato, and asparagus dish before him.
As Mia cut into the prime rib, her sparkling eyes matched the brilliance of the ring. “Are you sure you’re okay with getting married? I mean I know how you feel about the establishment.”
Her words made his cock twitch, and he couldn’t wait to take her home and spank some of the sass out of her. “I’m just thinking about you, baby. Unfortunately, we live under Big Brother’s rules, so if something happens to me, I want to make sure you get my assets.”
“Great answer,” she said softly before putting the morsel of beef into her mouth.
“Now that we’re gonna be hitched, I want you to move to Alina.”
