Charity Case - The Complete Series - Piper Rayne Page 0,287

he lifts the lid and I see a ring. There’s no big center diamond, but it’s still a ring—a thick band with more diamonds than my last wedding ring.

“Stop.” He holds his hand out in front of him. “I should’ve prepared you better. This is not an engagement ring.”

I finally take a full breath.

Thank God.

“Okay then, what is it?” I ask.

“Are you disappointed? It can be an engagement ring if you want it to be, but I thought we, you…”

Just like that night at the Gala, I place my finger over his lips. “I’m not disappointed.”

The tension wrapped around his body evaporates. “This isn’t a symbol to tell the world I own you either.”

“It’s not?”

He smirks and takes the ring out of the box. “Well, if it was, you couldn’t blame me, Firecracker. I don’t want anyone and everyone hitting on you.”

“So is that what this is? Like pepper spray for any creeps that come sniffing around?”

He chuckles, reaching for my hand. “Not at all. I know marriage isn’t in the cards for us. That a piece of paper isn’t what either of us wants or needs to prove our love to each other. But I still want you to look down at your hand and think of me. Think of our home at the end of a long day and the man who loves you completely and faithfully and will be waiting for you when you return to it.”

My hand shakes as I bring it to my mouth and drag in a ragged breath.

“I’d get on bended knee, but I know you don’t want that. The only thing I want is to seal my promise to you with this ring. That you are mine and I am yours. That’s it. Will you accept it?”

“Does this mean I can get you a ring?” I quirk one eyebrow up.

He chuckles. “We’ll stop on the way to the charity event if you want. I’d love nothing more than to wear a ring that represents what we mean to each other.”

I stare down at the ring again and everything Roarke is saying are things we’ve discussed but usually after post-climax bliss. He’s right that I don’t feel a need to be married again. What I need is a man who always chooses me and no piece of paper can ever guarantee that.

“I’m asking one more time. Will you wear my ring?”

“That sounds so high schoolish.” I giggle and his face grows slightly annoyed. “Yes! I’d be honored to wear your ring.”

He slips the silver on my finger and I stare at it with awe and excitement, not with dread and resentment as I eventually did with Todd’s ring.

“Platinum?” I ask.

A wicked smile overtakes his face. “Only the best.”

I step into him once more and his arm winds around my waist, pulling me flush against him. “I love you.”

He kisses me until I’m breathless and then pulls away. “I love you more.”

“Have I mentioned that I’m not really into this bachelor auction thing?” Roarke reminds me yet again as we climb out of the Uber to walk into the hotel ballroom.

“It’ll be fun. It’s a fundraiser for the First Responders Fallen Heroes. Besides, what was I supposed to say when my parents insisted we take their table after I sent them on that getaway for my mom’s birthday? Head over to the silent auction table and bid an absurd amount on a weekend trip and I’ll make sure you get a blow job each and every day we’re there.”

“Done.” He kisses my cheek and disappears to the tables of baskets.

“Where’s Roarke going?” Victoria and Reed walk up to me.

“I don’t know, but I’m following. Nice to see you, Hannah.” Reed kisses my cheek. “If I hear one more ohh out of my girlfriend’s mouth I might lose my cool.” He heads after Roarke to the table and we watch the two men in our lives shake hands and then peruse the baskets together.

“What’s up, ladies?” Chelsea approaches, her small belly swelling out of her dress.

“Pregnancy looks good on you,” I remark.

Dean swarms her in a hug from behind, his hands rubbing her stomach. “I completely agree.” He kisses her neck. “I better not find you with a paddle in your hand.” He raises one eyebrow.

“I thought you were into kinky stuff?” Victoria jokes.

“I’m not into sharing.” His brooding eyes stay on Chelsea’s as he starts to walk off in Reed and Roarke’s direction.

“You know you’re the only man who can satisfy me!” Chelsea calls