Page 109 of Submission

“And just so we’re clear, you’re the first woman I’ve ever given a piece of jewelry to.”

“Well, what other presents have you given women?” I ask suspiciously.

“Let me rephrase that. You are the first woman I’ve ever given a gift to, period.”

“How many women were there? The ones that didn’t get gifts.”

“Only you would find a way to be jealous after I’ve given you a diamond bracelet…and a baby.” He pulls me in closer to his body, pulling me by the hips. “Sit closer to me. I missed you.”

I chuckle. “What’s the point of this big car if we’re just going to sit on top of each other?”

“God, I wish you’d sit on me. Maybe it would help you relax.”

“You’re such a pervert.”

“Thank you.” He grins.

“And you’re also a good gift giver for a first-timer,” I quip, staring back at the bracelet. “This is so gorgeous I can’t take my eyes off of it.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He wraps his palm around the back of my neck, pulls me close, and kisses me gently on the lips. “You’re welcome.”

Every corner we turn and every street we pass holds its own magic, and I find myself soaking in the city's allure with wide-eyed fascination.

Just when I thought the night couldn’t be more surprising, our journey takes an unexpected turn. Hunter guides me to a waiting helicopter, his confident grin telling me he has something special in store.

“Before we get on, I just want to make sure that you’re not nauseous,” he checks with worry etched on his forehead.

“I’m fine.”

“And the gunshot wound?”

“All better.”

“Have you ever been on a helicopter before?”

“Aren’t these questions you should have asked before tonight?”

“It wouldn’t have been a surprise then.”

I place a hand on his chest and tilt my head up to meet his eyes.

“I’ve never been on a helicopter before, but I don’t have any motion sickness, and if I hadn’t gotten shot, I wouldn’t even know that I was pregnant right now. So let’s go. I’m excited.”

As the chopper soars above the sprawling city, Hunter points out various landmarks—the glittering coast, the iconic Hollywood sign, and more. Each sight seems more beautiful than the last, the world stretching out beneath us in a breathtaking panorama.

“Los Angeles seems almost magical from this view,” I gush. “Not the same city where you might trip over a body in the alleyway.”

“Yeah, everyone should see it this way. Maybe they’d respect it a little more,” he says.

The helicopter touches down on a secluded rooftop. I gasp when I see a candlelit table set against the backdrop of the city.“I’ve always dreamed of dining beneath the stars,” I murmur, awe-struck.

Hunter pulls out a chair for me, his usually stern face softening. “This is the closest I could get.”

The night creates a whirlwind of emotions for me. What started as a simple date has turned into so much more…almost a statement of some sort. Hunter is making a point and making it well.

I feel myself drawing in closer to Hunter, the city lights below us painting a picture of dreams and possibilities. At one point, he leads me to the edge of the rooftop. The vastness of L.A. spread beneath us, its lights twinkling like distant stars.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, feeling a sense of insignificance amidst the grandeur of the night skyline.

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