Whipped (Hitched, #2)

I want to run to him and kiss and hug him and congratulate him, but he takes the stage once more and surprises us all with a last piece. "This one is for a special woman who has changed my life. Vi, I love you."

My heart explodes in my chest as a spotlight lands on me while Lachlan removes his jacket and takes the stage with the boys. And then he dances and the crowd goes wild and my heart is knocking against my ribs like a wild animal and I can't even contain the amazement I feel.

At the end, they all grab signs from the back and, in one fluid movement, turn to reveal what they are holding. After a beat, all eyes are on me.

The signs read, "Vi, will you marry me?"

Lachlan walks over to me and holds out a small black box with a sparkling diamond ring in it. "I don't want to spend another day of my life without you," he says.

Tears stream down my face, tears I didn’t even know were flowing, and I run into his arms and the crowd cheers and whistles. "Yes! Yes, I will marry you. Forever, yes!"





CHAPTER 28





LACH


Everything is changing.

And I couldn't be happier.

Tonight is my last night as the lead dancer in the Aussie Posse. I've been with these guys for so many years I've lost count. It's crazy to think it's ending after this show.

Vi is in the audience with Kacie, Sebastian, Zoe—even Tate. He and I have hung out a few times and become friends. Slow and steady. We can't turn on the BFF spout quite like the women in our lives.

Still, I was surprised when Vi said he would be here. I thought the first time had traumatized him enough.

I put on the show of my life. I think of Vi the whole time and dance as if she is the only one in the room. Of course she's the woman I pick for my on-stage lap dance. I'm not an idiot, and I'm sure as fuck not going to thrust my groin into another woman's face with my fiancé in the audience.

The guys rib me about it, but fuck them. I get to spend the rest of my life with this woman.

The lights are hot. The dancing is hotter. The crowd is on fucking fire. I close with a flourish of flips and hip-thrust to a standing ovation.

Staring into the glare of white lights, I silently bid goodbye to this chapter of my life. I won't miss it, but I'll always remember it fondly.

The guys slap me on the back as I head to my dressing room. I'm ready to get out and get with Vi. But when I come out, she’s already waiting for me with an impish grin on her beautiful face. "Come with me, lover boy."

I grasp her hand and follow. "What's going on?"

"You'll see. By the way, you were amazing tonight. You'll have to fuck me later just to scratch the itch you put inside me with that performance."

I grin and give a half bow as we walk. "Your wish is my command."

When we get to the main dressing room, there's a big cake in the middle of a table, a whole lot of booze, and all the guys plus Vi's friends waiting for me.

Darrel walks over and hugs me. "I'm gonna miss you, Lach, but I'm proud of you. I know we've had some ups and downs over the years, but working with you was always more than just work. You're like a son to me and I'm proud of you."

His words choke me up. "Thanks. That means a lot to me. You know, the fundraiser we had for the center was a hit. We got the funding we needed to open the center and staff it. If you ever feel like a career change, we could use some more dance teachers. You taught me everything you know."

He smiles. "If I ever do, I'll call you." He grows serious. "But, Lach. I may have taught you everything I know, but I didn't teach you everything you know. You are a prime example of the student surpassing the teacher. Go pass that on to some punk-ass kids like yourself. The world of dance—hell, the world in general—will be better for it."

He walks away, not one for long goodbyes, and Duke comes over and fist bumps me. "Good show, dude. Hard shoes to fill."

"You'll kill it," I tell him.

"And hey. I'm sorry what I said about your woman. It was a dick move and I shouldn't have."

"We're cool, man," I say. "Stay sharp out there. The guys need you."

Vi brings me a glass of champagne and I sip it and smile at her. "Did you know about this?"

"Did you know about my surprise birthday party?" she counters.

"Touché." I kiss her nose. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

We spend a few minutes on our own, talking and kissing, then mingle with the rest. Zoe is being flirted with by one of the guys in the group. Vi cocks her head. "Is he an ass?"

"Larry? Nah, he's a good guy if she's not looking to get serious."

Vi nods. "Okay, good. She's not looking."

Tate is off in a corner making out with one of our groupies. A blond chick I may or may not have banged myself. I nudge Vi. "I thought he was on a fast?"

She laughs. "He got hungry, it would appear."

Kacie and Sebastian come over and shake my hand. "We have to go," Kacie says. "The twins are sick and the babysitter is freaking out."

"Of course," I say. "Thank you for coming. I'm sure we'll see you soon."

Vi hugs her friend and Sebastian and I do the man shake/hug thing, and they leave.

"Your friends are pretty cool," I tell her.