Page 19 of Duped

Portland was suddenly too nervous to laugh. He wanted this too badly to let that stop him. “I gave the guy fifty bucks to stop the ride when we got to the top.”

“Nice. How long do we get to stay up here?”

Portland held up the velvet box he hid. “Long enough for this. Will you marry me?”

Tarek’s eyes immediately filled with tears. He covered his mouth and blinked several times. A minute passed before Tarek dropped his hands and sniffed. “Are you serious? You’re really asking me to marry you right now? Is this a fever dream?”

A nervous laugh escaped Portland. He didn’t know if this was a good reaction or a bad one. “I’m really asking.” He realized he hadn’t opened the box.

Before he could, Tarek grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him across the seat. His mouth covered Portland’s with a desperation Portland had never seen from Tarek. By the time he pulled away, Portland realized he should have paid the guy a hundred to make sure they didn’t come down until Portland could get off this ride without embarrassing himself.

“Yes.”

Portland blinked. Tarek had fucked with his mind so hard with that kiss, it took him a second to realize Tarek accepted. “Seriously?” Even he heard the disbelief in his voice. Until Tarek said yes, he hadn’t realized how crazy anyone would be to marry him… especially a particularly sweet man who knew nothing about the real him.

As Tarek laughed and opened the ring box, Portland made a vow. Tarek would never know. Whatever it took, he would never let Tarek see the dark side of his life. Everything would always be beautiful for him. This one thing would stay pure.

Tarek practically levitated with happiness. He wanted to dance. Tarek wanted to tell everyone they passed. He wanted to start planning a wedding. Of course, he didn’t even know if Portland wanted a wedding. His mind bounced all over the place as they drove home. He was afraid to open his mouth and have a squeal pop out.

Tarek counted to ten and took a breath. “So, did you have a plan?”

Portland cast a quick glance his way. “What do you mean?”

A nervous chuckle escaped. “Um. Like, do you want a long engagement or a short one? Did you want a big wedding or to elope? Am I moving you too fast?”

Portland chuckled. It was one of his sexy deep ones that made butterflies stir in Tarek’s stomach. “I asked you. You’re not moving me too fast. I’m happy to let you decide on the wedding details, though. If you want a big one, that’s what we’ll do. If you just want to elope or do a small destination wedding with just us, that’s what we’ll do. I just want to marry you. My only request is that we have a short engagement. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rolled my eyes when people tell me they’re engaged, and it’s been like eight years. Boy, you’re not engaged. They’re pacifying you while they wait for someone better.”

Even though Portland spoke with a hint of humor, that opinion sounded personal. He wondered if Portland felt strung along by someone at some point. Thankfully, Tarek had found his perfect match. He didn’t want to wait. “Honestly? Please don’t think I’m crazy. I’d love to have as short of an engagement as possible without missing out on some sort of wedding. The destination thing sounds nice. Of course, I’m sure you’ll want some sort of prenup and I don’t know how long those take.”

Portland shot him an annoyed look. “I don’t want a prenup. I’ve made it this long without getting married for a reason. This is something I’m only doing once, and it’s ‘til death do we part, one way or the other.”

Tarek laughed. “Okay. Sounds fair. I’d be okay with one, though. It’s always been important to me that you know I’m not in this for the money, but yeah. Prenups always have made me wonder why they bothered getting married when they started out expecting divorce. But I won’t be offended if you feel like you need to protect yourself.”

Portland took his hand and brought it to his lips. He placed a light kiss on Tarek’s knuckles. “I’ve never been surer of anything or anyone in my life. You’re the one for me.”

Tarek’s heart soared.

“Plus, when your books take off, you’ll probably wish you’d protected yourself from me.”

He was so sweet. They both knew Tarek’s books wouldn’t go anywhere. “Never. This is forever, one way or the other.”

Portland shot him a laughing look.

They pulled into the garage and climbed from the car. Tarek swore he felt the heat build between them as they headed inside. He knew he was right when neither of them attempted to stop anywhere else as they made their way to the bedroom. Tarek emptied his pockets onto the bedside table. He caught sight of the engagement ring on his finger and smiled. It fit perfectly. Tarek wasn’t sure how Portland pulled that off, but he wasn’t surprised. Portland was always calculated in every step he made. He never moved without purpose. The ring was fucking gorgeous. He didn’t doubt for a second it cost at least five figures. The man spent too much money on him.

Portland’s hands found his hips. He dragged Tarek back against his chest. His lips explored Tarek’s neck. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

“I love you.” He tugged Tarek’s shirt upward and stole it. After tossing it aside, his hands slid up Tarek’s torso while his mouth enjoyed Tarek’s ear. “Oh.” Portland took a step back. “Strip. I have another surprise for you. Maybe it’s a bit of a gift for me,” he said with a wicked-sounding chuckle.

“You spoil me too much.” Despite his halfhearted argument, Tarek scrambled from his clothes. He sat on the bed.

Portland made a gesture for him to turn around. “There’s no such thing as spoiling you too much.”

Tarek moved to the center of the bed and turned his back on Portland. He heard a lot of shuffling around, including Portland’s belt being removed and his zipper being unzipped. Tarek nearly shivered with anticipation. He had no clue what Portland’s surprise could be.

The bed dipped behind him. “While I waited for the jeweler to make some adjustments, I saw something else.” A pearl necklace appeared in front of him as Portland reached around to put the necklace on him.

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