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“Oh fuck no.” Anthony took off across the club with Max hot on his heels, quickly catching up to the table the subs stood around. The breath left Anthony’s lungs when he saw Kaley holding a knife. A knife! If it activated her fear to where she shut down, he’d never set foot in this club again. “Easy with that, sweetheart,” he said to Kaley, reaching for the knife.

“It’s okay. It’s rubber.” She put her finger on the tip, and it wiggled.

He breathed a sigh of relief and dropped his hand until he saw the items on the table. “What’s going on?”

“They’re helping me get over my fear.” She placed the rubber knife back on the table.

“There’s no need. It’s a hard limit, and I understand it.”

Kaley shook her head. “For the first time since the attack, I think I might want to try. Some day.”

“You don’t have to. I can live without it.” He could. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt Kaley, mentally or physically. He loved her.

He loved her. The words bounced around in his head. This was why, over the last two weeks when he’d been lost in his work, he needed her close to keep him grounded, knowing she was there for him.

“You look a little shell shocked.” She took his hand.

“I think I am.” He framed her face with his palms. “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Her cheeks went pink. “I have to say, being with you has been different.”

“It has for me too. You don’t use me as a way to gain favor with my father.”

Kaley stiffened in his hold. “What the hell are you talking about?”

The anger in her voice surprised him. “My parents have always used me as a prop. Others have tried to use me to get to my father. You don’t do that. You see me.”

“Of course, I see you.” Kaley took a step back, causing him to release her face. “Anthony, you’re more than worthy. You’re the kindest, gentlest, funniest, sexiest, and most loving man I’ve ever known.”

Her words were like a balm over his heart. “I love you.”

“I love you too, and have almost from the beginning. You aren’t getting rid of me that easily.”

A cheer went up from the group around them.

He grinned, then pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips. When he broke the kiss, he stared down at her. “Be right back.”

“Where is he going?” Max asked.

Anthony sprinted to his car and then back in, carrying his painting. It was time. He looked at one of the stages. Perfect. He mounted the stage and placed the still covered painting on the chair, then made his way back over to Kaley.

Taking her hand, he led her over to where the painting sat on the stage. “I want you to know I should have realized how much you meant to me long before now. But maybe this will convince you.”

He pulled the covering off the painting, and the room gasped. It was Kaley lying on the sofa in the sunroom. He’d painted her in a beautiful nightgown, short, but it covered the important parts. Anthony had captured the sparkle in her eyes, her sensuality, and most of all, her love of animals. Nugget nestled in her arms and a cat was curled in her lap.

“Oh my goodness.” Kaley put her hand over her heart. “Anthony.”

“I tried my best to capture your essences. Your heart, soul, and kindness, but also how you love animals and take care of everyone.”

“It’s… Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word.” Kaley slid to his side.

“I will cherish you the rest of my life, Kaley. I know it’s too soon for those types of words, but I can’t help them. You’re working at overcoming your fear, and there’s no reason I can’t either.”

Her eyes filled with tears. She rose on her toes and kissed him. The group in Wicked Sanctuary started clapping and yelling.

“Do I get that in my gallery?” Dane yelled.

“Maybe.” Anthony leaned down. “I have another painting that is just for me.”

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