Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL IN THE LITTLE KITCHEN
Vincent proposed on a Sunday morning.
Not in the Cross mansion.
Not at a gala.
Not surrounded by armed guards.
But in Fay's little apartment kitchen.
The smell of coffee filled the room.
Rain tapped against the window.
Fay stood beside the stove making pancakes.
Vincent was supposed to be helping.
Instead, he had burned the first batch.
Fay laughed.
“You're terrible at this.”
Vincent looked offended.
“I run several companies.”
She grinned.
“Apparently, none of them make breakfast.”
He smiled.
Then grew serious.
“Fay.”
She turned.
He took a small box from his pocket.
Her breath caught.
Vincent knelt.
The man who had once made entire rooms fall silent was now visibly nervous.
“Two years ago, I found you crying on my kitchen floor.”
Fay's eyes filled.
“I remember.”
He swallowed.
“I thought I was protecting you when I locked that door.”
She smiled faintly.
“You frightened me.”
“I know.”
He looked up.
“And I've spent every day since trying to become someone you never have to fear.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Vincent opened the box.
Inside was a simple gold ring with a small sapphire.
“Fay Miller, you taught me that love isn't control.”
His voice trembled.
“That strength isn't cruelty.”
He smiled through tears.
“And that the most important thing a man can offer isn't power.”
Fay covered her mouth.
“It's safety. Respect. And the freedom to choose.”
He took a breath.
“Will you marry me?”
Fay stared.
Then laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
Vincent froze.
“Yes?”
She nodded.
“Yes, Vincent.”
He stood.
She threw her arms around him.
He kissed her.
Softly.
Tenderly.
May you like
Without fear.
And in the little kitchen where breakfast had burned, the most dangerous man in the city finally understood what it meant to be loved.
