Page 103 of August

He planted his hand on her cheek. “Never better, babe. Never better.”

She smiled and brought her lips to his, and he forgot the fear of losing her.

***

Gigi stretched in the cool sheets. The firm mattress and the light streaming into the room through the window assured her she wasn’t in the dilapidated house anymore. That nightmare was over. Nevertheless, her brain had had a hard time understanding that during the night.

After she and August had made love, she’d cuddled up in his arms expecting to feel safe until morning. But every time she drifted off, she woke with a start. Sometimes she cried out, other times her body would jump or tense. On and on it went until, halfway through the night, August pulled her on top of his chest. Heart to heart with him, she’d slept deeply.

And now, the light filtering in brought peace and excitement for a new day—a day she’d spend with August and her family. Despite the late hour, she’d called Ivy at her parents’ house last night and spoken to everyone, confirming that she was alive and safe.

She rolled to a sitting position. Every muscle screamed, and a pitiful groan escaped her lips. Thankfully August wasn’t around to hear how pathetic she sounded. Pain seared across her face, and she brought her fingertips to her cheekbone to prod the swollen flesh. She didn’t need a mirror to know it probably looked worse than it had last night after their shower.

The sound of bacon sizzling drew her out of bed. Since she had no clothes other than the nasty ones she’d been rescued in, she put on one of August’s T-shirts and nothing else. Making her way to the kitchen, she rubbed her sleepy eyes then winced as she touched a tender spot.

August turned, and his gaze immediately went to her battered face. A muscle in his jaw jumped. “Morning.”

“Morning. How long have you been up?”

“Not long. An hour, maybe. Sit, I’ll get you coffee.” Shaky and sore, she did as he asked. He pulled down a mug, filled it, and slid it over the counter. Once again, his eyes hardened as he looked at her face. “That must hurt.”

She shrugged. “Only when I touch it,” she said with a smile, then grimaced. “And apparently when I smile.” She scooped out some sugar and added cream. The sight of the scrambled eggs and bacon made her stomach growl. “You didn’t have to make breakfast. But I’m glad you did.”

“I suggest you take all the breakfasts I make. It’s one of the few meals I’ve mastered.” He filled a plate and passed it to her. After filling his own, he came around the island and took the stool next to her. “Did you sleep okay?”

She made a face. “I’m sorry about that.”

His intense green eyes pinned hers. “Don’t be.”

“I just... couldn’t get it out of my head, you know?”

He exhaled and stabbed his eggs with his fork. “Same. I think I was running on fumes all night. My mind just kept turning.” He offered her a weak grin. “It’ll wear off. I promise.”

The weight of his words reminded her of his past. Of his days in black ops and the mission that’d almost killed him. “I hate that all this happened.”

Chomping into his toast, he covered her hand with his. “It’s over now. I mean it. We can talk about it as much as you need to. I’m always here for that. But you need to know the threat is gone—and I wouldn’t tell you that unless I was sure.”

She nodded. Of course she trusted and believed him, but she’d lived in fear for months. Her feelings wouldn’t change overnight.

August must have picked up on her unspoken words. “Like I said, it’ll take time. But you’re safe. I heard from Rami this morning. Ghost discovered Alvarez was a problem for the cartel. I don’t know all the details, but it seems his death has made way for a more suitable leader.” His eyes held hers, unwavering. “You’re safe. The new leader won’t want anything to do with Alvarez’s drama. At least that’s what Ghost said. We can move on with our life now.”

Relief filled her. It was really over. A tentative smile curved her lips, and her belly warmed. “Our life?”

He blinked. “Yeah, I mean...” He cleared his throat. “I should have said everything I wanted to say last night. I just wanted you to rest and—”

The flutters in her stomach curdled. “What do you mean?”

His stool screeched on the wood as he pushed back and faced her. “I meant what I said last night. I love you. Two years ago, I fucking lost you. And those two years were the longest, hardest years of my life. You need to know that I never want to experience your absence again.”

Tears rushed to her eyes, and she sniffled. He clasped her hands with both of his. “I don’t have a ring right now.” He slipped off the stool and landed on one knee. “But I’m asking you to marry me. Spend your life with me, Georgia, and I promise I’ll make you as happy as you’ve made me.”

All the moisture left her mouth. She clapped her hand over her lips. “You’re asking me to marry you?” The shriek was ridiculous. Over-the-top girly, dammit. But she couldn’t have stopped it if she’d tried.

He chuckled. “Baby, I just did.” His face turned somber. “Will you be my wife?”

Tears rushed down her cheeks and she nodded. “Yes. Oh, god. Yes.”

He scooped his arms under her and lifted her off her seat. “August!” she said with a laugh.

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