Her eyes dart to mine. “Your promises mean everything.”
Cupping her jaw, I tilt her face up to see tears shining in her eyes. “I want the chance to make you happy. To keep you safe. I can be the man you need. Give me the chance to show you?”
She swallows a shaky breath. “On one condition.” A hint of smile tugs at her lips. “You let me do the same for you.”
“Not sure I need your protection.” I drop a kiss to the tip of her nose.
“I know it sounds silly. But, everyone needs someone fighting in their corner, Blake. I’ve never had that, and neither have you. You own my heart and everything that comes with it.”
My eyes burn at the power behind her words. I squeeze them shut, forcing back the wave of emotion that’s making it impossible to breathe. I blink against the emotion. I own her heart. And no one has ever possessed mine like she does.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the little drawstring bag that I’ve been carrying around since Valentine’s Day. I fumble with the tie and fish out the delicate chain inside. “Give me your hand.”
Her lips part and tilt with a smile. “Is that—”
“It’s your Valentine’s Day present. I never got the chance to give it to you.” I hook the bracelet with the dangling heart pendant around her tiny wrist. “My heart belongs to you, Mouse. It belonged to you well before I was able to admit it.”
She flips her wrist slowly, admiring the shining silver against her skin, and fingers the heart. “It’s gorgeous, Blake. I love it.” Her eyes move back to mine, and her arms hook around my waist. “I love you.”
I kiss the top of her head. “I love you too, baby.”
“Take me home.”
“Yeah, but um… stay here while I grab your shoes. I know your feet get cold.”
She shakes her head and melts deeper into my chest. “Don’t need them. My feet have never been warmer.”
Epilogue
Three months later…
Layla
Seventeen. My baby is seventeen.
The sun has dropped behind the Vegas mountains, and Ataxia is warming up on the makeshift outdoor stage that’s set up by the pool.
It was Blake’s idea to give her a rock ’n’ roll pool party. Insisting that I sit back and enjoy the party rather than waiting on a crew of hungry teenagers and a handful of professional fighters, he hired caterers. He even went as far as to send out notices to all the condos in the complex and let them know they were more than welcome to come.
Nothing’s too good for my girls.
Axelle and I have become accustomed to the phrase. Since we moved in, he’s spoiled us rotten. And this party is no exception.
“So do you know what it is?” Eve asks, leaning in from her seat across the table.
Blake made a big deal about his birthday gift for Axelle. I told him the party was enough. He disagreed.
“Yeah, he’s going to sing her a song.” I take a sip of my soda, hoping it’ll help calm my nervous stomach.
“Aw, that’s so sweet.” Raven’s eyes glisten, and Jonah pulls her closer to his side with a sympathetic smile.
“He better not think of leaving fighting for music. The guy rips, but he’s got his rematch against Wade coming up and needs to keep his head in the game,” Jonah says, watching the stage.
“He’d never give up fighting. All he talks about is his fight with Wade. Now that all the steroid stuff’s been cleared up, he’s excited to get back to work.”
A chord from an electric guitar blares through the amp and ends our conversation. The small birthday crowd gathers close to the stage. Blake and Rex are standing up front, each one with a guitar slung low on their hips. My stomach tumbles with excitement.
I haven’t seen Blake take a stage since that night at The Blackout. Since then, he’s opened up his music room permanently, and even went as far as to move his piano out into the living room. He plays constantly. Usually with me lounging on the couch listening, or sitting on the piano bench at his side. Axelle’s taken an interest in guitar, and Blake has been working with her, teaching her the different chords. He’s mentioned he has a surprise for her tonight. My guess is it’s her own guitar.
“Hey everyone, thanks for stopping by to celebrate with us tonight.” Blake’s deep voice rumbles through the speakers, and the crowd of girls and guys chant Axelle’s name. “Kiddo, come up front here. There’s something I need to say.”
Rex’s guitar starts playing, and most of the older people around the pool scream their excitement at hearing the familiar song.
“Oh my gosh.” Raven’s voice filters through my stunned stare.
“The guy’s a stud,” Eve says, and whistles loud.
My eyes well up with tears. “It’s perfect.”