Page 35 of Legacy of Smoke
His head dipped. “When we get up tomorrow, I’m going to grab the plans I sketched up. You can look at them on the ride and let me know what you think after we visit your father.”
“You’re coming with me?” How would that work? He’d never get through the security point without prior clearance.
“Jackson sent word to Pinner to put me on the list.”
“Really? Why?”
He cleared his throat. “I need to ask his permission.”
“For?”
Austin slipped off the couch and down to one knee. “You.”
Me? As in…? “Really?”
He nodded slowly. “I want you, Poppy. More than want you. I need you. I need your sweetness, I need your vibrance, I need you like oxygen. Like the night sky needs stars. I’m not complete without you… you, the kindest, strongest, fiercest woman I ever met.”
“Fierce? I liked the sound of that.”
“I don’t, but that’s because I don’t ever want you hurt.” He picked up my fingers and kissed each one. “You’re my home. My family. And, I know that being with you means dealing with Lily. I’m ready for that. She’s going to need more than just you to keep her safe. I thought she…” He trailed off.
“Thought she what?”
There was a shrug and a shake of his head before he tried to explain. “Every time Pinner described her, I always pictured this little girl with pigtails. Never some goth chick with a chip on her shoulder. Please don’t hold that against me.” He squinted his eyes, bracing himself for a tirade.
“People aren’t always what you think they are. Look at you and your brother. He’s you, with a desk gut and questionable habits, and you can’t be more different. One look and you might not see the decency and the strong convictions you have, but they are there. And I like that man. The one you are.”
His smile grew slowly, and it was beautiful.
10
FAMILY
AUSTIN
Pinner Albert narrowed his eyes when I walked in beside Poppy. They narrowed further when I pulled the chair out for her and my hand rested on her spine as she sat down.
In fact, he didn’t take his eyes off me.
“Hey Daddy.”
“Poppy.” Those eyes dug my grave. “Smoke. What the fuck are you doing with my girl?”
Poppy glanced at me, worried.
“Fierce,” I whispered. She nodded and addressed her father.
“I’ve decided I want him.” Poppy grabbed my hand and set it on the little platform between us and the double-thick bulletproof glass.
“Him?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Pinner chewed on his cheek. “No.”
“What are you going to do, you’re in there. Do you honestly expect me to wait?”
His eyes slid to the guard who perked up with Poppy’s raised voice. “I got friends.”
