Epilogue

River

*Four years later*

Daimen's hands rubbed my shoulders gently as he stood behind me.

"See? I'm finished with it. I've just got to come up with a title." I said and he chuckled and kissed my neck.

"It came along really good babe. The publishers love it, but you know they can't take a nameless book." Daimen said with a smile in his voice.

"I know that." I said quickly and he laughed.

"God you're adorable when you're frustrated." He said turning the chair I sat in so I faced him.

He suddenly flashed out his hand and gave me a flower.

"I'm sorry about how it looks, I kinda smushed it earlier." He apologized and I couldn't help giggling at his cuteness.

I looked at the wilting flower and chuckled before gasping in realization.

"I've got it." I said and leaped up and kissed Daimen. He let out a surprised grunt before kissing me back.

"Woah," he said as I pulled away, "calm down baby, I'm lost, what'd you get?" He asked with a corky grin and I smiled before typing out the title.

Withered.

"What do you think?" I asked him and he looked at me and grinned. His eyes flitted to the laptop screen and he looked back at me.

"You're the author babe; I'm just an architect remember?" He smirked and I frowned at his modesty.

"You're the CEO of Princeston Incorporated. Billionaire and most Handsome Man Alive... at least that's what New York Times, Vogue, and a ton of other news and whatnot say. So I'm sure your opinion accounts for something." I said casually and Daimen gave me a smirk.

It was true, Slay had grown into a very successful man. A man of great wealth and talent. And he was devilishly handsome.

"Do you disagree?" He asked tilting his head and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"And you forgot to mention how I've got a beautiful girlfriend who's books are setting records. I mean, without her, who knows where I'd be now? She's my best friend, you can't leave her out." He added looking at me with that goofy grin of his.

"Oh, shut up Slay." I said and his eyes darkened.

"The title's perfect; how about we celebrate with a shower then a long cuddle in bed?" He asked a mischievous glint in his eyes and a chill ran down my spine.

"A cuddle?" I asked and he smirked.

"Yes." He took my hand in his and pulled me to him and I couldn't help smiling up at him.

"That sounds perfect." I sighed and he chuckled and pulled me toward the bathroom.

After we were done Daimen and I sat on our bed, he'd turned on a movie and we watched in peaceful silence. He'd basically threw a fit to do my hair, so he was currently brushing it out and I tried not to close my eyes in bliss at his gentle touch.

"Marry me." Daimen said suddenly and I turned my head to him so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash.

"What?" I breathed and his eyes shown with vulnerability. He set the brush he'd been using aside and let out a sigh.

"Marry me." He repeated and grabbed my hand is his warm calloused grip.

His hand rubbed mine and I watched as he fished a ring from his pocket and slipped it on my finger. Emotions rushed inside my body and I felt my throat tighten a bit and tears threatened to cascade from my eyes. I took a deep, calming breath.

Warmth radiated through me and a smirk came to my lips before I raised an eyebrow. I looked at the beautiful ring on my finger then at the man who'd given it to me. His amber eyes looked almost fearful as he gazed at me, yet at the same time a fierce determination bloomed in their depths.

He was so unconventional. Yet in being so he was everything I loved and craved. He wasn't perfect and the fact that he wasn't made him more of a treasure in my eyes.

"Aren't you supposed to get down on one knee?" I asked and Daimen muttered a few curses sounding horrified and full of self-hatred. He began scrambling to get off the bed.

I chuckled and pulled him back before cupping his cheeks in my hands.

"Babe calm down, I was only teasing." I breathed and stared into his chaotic eyes. I could see the turmoiled emotions in his irises and I sighed.

"I don't know why you're so nervous Slay, I'm not going to say no." I whispered and Daimen gave a sigh of relief.

"So yes?" He said softly and I smiled.

"I'm yours." I breathed and Daimen gave a shaking breath.

"Good." He said before pulling me against him and sealing my lips with his.

I wrapped my arms around him as the kiss ended and Daimen sighed and pulled me into his lap. My head laid against his chest and his fingers outlined swirls on my stomach as he held me.

"I love you so much." Daimen said softly and held me tighter.

"I love you too." I sighed and he kissed my neck passionately. I gasped and closed my eyes as I let myself indulge in the feeling of his lips against my skin.

"Lay down." Daimen whispered and I felt my body instantly become aroused.

"Daimen I thought we were gonna have dinner with my parents." I said and he chuckled.

We'd been planning the dinner for a week. Slay had even taken off of work to prepare, which I thought was weird but now I guess it made sense.

He was slowly growing his corporation and each day more investors wanted a piece of his business. He was an architect and businessman, head of his own growing enterprise. I was proud of him to say it in the shortest way. He'd grown into a very successful and admirable young man, and I was glad to be a part of his life.

Whereas I'd got my writers degree and worked for the local paper for a year before leaving to help Daimen and his business. After two years I began writing novels and last year one had gotten picked up by some publishers. It'd been a hit and had brought in some big bucks.

"They can wait." He said and kissed my stomach as I laid down.

"If not... we could always reschedule it." He grunted as he tugged off his shirt. My heart pounded as his hands slid against my thighs before pulling my clothes off. I let out a gasp as he ripped off the rest of his clothes and pulled my body against his.

His lips molded against mine and I flung my arms around his neck as we made out like horny teenagers....

The dinner went by quickly. My parents were thrilled we were engaged. They'd grown to love Daimen like a son and even though he'd never admit it I knew Daimen was happy they'd accepted him.

We finished our meals and after saying our goodbyes parted ways. Daimen and I walked out to our car but before we got in a voice called out.

"Kitten!" I paused and turned.

Only one person called me that. And sure enough there was Mike striding over, a smile on his face.

"Mikey!" I said in surprise and excitement. I hadn't seen him in some months.

He stopped in front of me and pulled me in for a hug.

"Can't-breathe." I groaned and he let me go with a wary smile.

"Sorry Kitten. How you been?" He asked and I smiled.

"I've been great. Look." I said showing him the ring and his eyes widened.

"Who's the lucky guy?" Mike asked after a pause.

"Right here." A rough voice grumbled and we both looked over to find Daimen leaned against a "NO PARKING ANY TIME" pole, watching with a glare.

"Oh. Hey Daimen." My old friend said.

"Mike." Was all my fiancé said.

Mike slung an arm over my shoulders and started, "So Kitten, I was wondering—"

"If you don't mind, we've got somewhere to be and I'd move away from her before I break your fucking arm." Daimen spat interrupting what Mike was saying.

"Daimen." I gasped and shot him a startled look.

"Dude chill." Mike countered but when Daimen took a step towards us the man removed his arm immediately and backed up.

"Stop it." I hissed at Slay who was looking triumphant as if he'd won some legendary battle.

"What?" Daimen asked feigning innocence and I groaned pressing a hand to my forehead before letting it fall to my side.

I looked to Mike, "I'm sorry Mikey, he's just..." I trailed off.

"Overprotective?... and an asshole." He filled in grumbling the last part so I barely heard it.

"Mike—" I began.

"It's fine... bye River, I'll see ya later." Michael said sounding discouraged and I let out a worrisome sigh.

"I'll call you; maybe we could see a movie or go bowling?" I said trying to cheer him up as he began to walk away. Mike loved bowling, it's something he grew up doing with his family. He paused and sent me a small smile over his shoulder, but I could tell he was still uneasy.

"I'll have to wear my lucky shoes." He said and I giggled as he gave a short chuckle.

"You haven't gotten rid of those old things?" I questioned and he shook his head.

"I'd never in a million years." He boasted and I smiled.

"I bet." I said and a clearing of a throat made me look over to Daimen whom was leaned against the car frowning. "I'll see you later." I told Mike and he nodded and walked away not looking back.

Slay didn't get into the car until I was seated in the passengers seat and had closed my door. His door shut harder than normal and I inwardly scowled at his temper.

"You didn't have to be so mean to him and you have no reason to be mad right now Slay." I said as I buckled up.

Daimen huffed and started the engine.

"He's too fucking friendly." He spat and I frowned.

"You're overreacting." I said with a shake of my head.

"Sure." He huffed. I looked over at his sulky form and shook my head again.

"Slay; I'm yours." I said softly and he let out a long sigh.

"I know Princess. I just—he's always touching you or some shit every time he sees you and it pisses me off." He said and I laid my hand against his arm.

"You're jealous." I said and he only grumbled softly.

"Only because I love you." He huffed and I smiled gently.

I reached over and grazed his cheek with my fingers before grabbing his tie and pulling his face to mine. I pressed my lips against his and soon we were frozen in a deep, passionate kiss. His hands held my face and I moaned into the kiss. His lips smiled against mine and I giggled softly.

"I love you." I breathed as we broke away. Daimen groaned and placed a chaste kiss to my lips.

"I love you more." He smirked.

The ride home was a serene silent and I looked out of the window in content.

"Home at last." Daimen smirked as he parked the car and the both of us got out. He grabbed my hand and pulled me gently to him.

I smiled softly as he led me inside.

We made it up to the bedroom, stopping occasionally because of Slay's playful banter. I yelped as he slapped my butt as I walked into the room ahead of him.

"Now that I've got you...." Daimen said as he shut the door and locked it.

He turned to me and gripped my arms, tugging me to him. I looked up at him as his grip tightened on me. His eyes were dark as they gazed at me with a possessive glint. A chill ran throughout my body.

"I'm never letting you go."

THE END