Chapter 14 - THE TABLE WITHOUT A TABLECLOTH
Two years after the night at the restaurant, Dante took Khloe back to the place where they met.
The owner had renovated the dining room.
The velvet curtains were gone.
The VIP alcove had become an ordinary seating area.
There was no floor-length tablecloth.
Khloe looked around.
“This is different.”
Dante smiled.
“So are we.”
They sat at a small wooden table.
No bodyguards stood in the shadows.
No one was hiding underneath.
Dante ordered bourbon.
Khloe ordered tea.
Then he placed a small box on the table.
She stared.
“Dante.”
He looked nervous.
“I've rehearsed this.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
He laughed.
Then opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Two years ago, you crawled beneath my table because you were afraid of a man who thought he owned you.”
Khloe's eyes filled.
“I didn't know who you were.”
“I know.”
“You scared me too.”
“I know that as well.”
Dante took a breath.
“I don't want to be the man who saved you.”
She looked at him.
“I want to be the man you choose.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
He continued.
“I love the life you've built. I love your courage. I love that you tell me when I'm wrong. And I love that you never let gratitude become obligation.”
He paused.
“If you don't want to marry me, nothing between us has to change.”
Khloe smiled through her tears.
“Are you asking?”
“Yes.”
He lowered himself onto one knee.
“Khloe Bennett, will you marry me?”
She laughed.
Then cried harder.
Then whispered:
“Yes.”
May you like
Dante closed his eyes.
For the first time in years, the feared former mafia boss looked completely relieved.
