Maximo said simply.
“Like, legally-legit married?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t even ask me,” I pointed out.
“I told you things would be done my way and that I’d seldom ask, even for major things. Is that a problem?”
That was true, he had told me. I just hadn’t realized it would apply to lifelong, legal commitments.
Concern filled his gaze as his brow furrowed. “I asked you a question, Juliet, and I expect an answer.”
Was it a problem that Maximo Black wanted to marry me?
Hell no.
It was the opposite of a problem.
Shaking my head emphatically, I smiled so wide, my cheeks felt as though they’d split. “I’m just in shock. It’s very sudden.”
“Not for me. I’ve wanted to marry you for months, but I knew you weren’t ready. I’ve been patient. I’ve waited. And I’m done. I want you tied to me in every way you can be, wrapped up like I am.”
“I already am.”
“And now it’ll be official. You’ll be completely mine.”
I knew what people would think if they heard the way he talked. They’d think he was deranged. Dysfunctional.
Obsessed.
And maybe he was.
But so was I.
Because his possessive, controlling words didn’t scare me. They thrilled me. They wrapped around me like a security blanket, warm and comforting. They flowed through my veins, breathing life into me and filling my heart until I thought it would burst with happiness.
We rode the rest of the way in heavy silence, lost in our own thoughts. My impatience and excitement grew in equal measure with each passing mile.
After a while, I recognized one of the buildings in the distance.
“Are we getting married at Nebula?” I asked.
“Yes. We’re staying there tonight and catching a flight tomorrow afternoon.”
I’d never flown before. In all our times moving, we’d just loaded our limited belongings into our car and a small rented trailer we’d towed behind us.
As terrified of heights as I was, the thought of flying was actually exciting.
Another in a long line of new experiences thanks to Maximo.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“You’ll see.”
My curiosity couldn’t leave it at that. “Is it on the west coast or east coast?”
“It’s not in this country.”
“Is this why you had me get my passport?” I asked. He’d had Marco take me before a trip to the fabric store, claiming it was so I could travel for business with him.
“Yes.”
“That was months ago.”
“I told you I’ve waited months.”
Before I could respond, Maximo unlatched my seatbelt and nudged me toward the door I belatedly noticed the valet was holding open. Another took Ash’s spot in the driver’s seat.
Once I was out, Maximo wrapped an arm around my shoulders and guided me through the packed building. We got into the elevator, and I got my first glimpse of us in the reflection of the gleaming steel. It was no wonder people had stared.
He looked powerful and commanding in his suit.
I looked lovely in my dress.
We looked beautiful.
Like we belonged together.
The elevator opened, and we stepped out into an open room with twisting light features hanging from the ceiling and a long bar to one side. Ash kept going toward a set of frosted double doors, but Maximo stopped and turned me to face him.
“I wanted to marry you at one of my properties.” He glanced around. “Someplace I’ll see often.”
“It’s perfect.”
I’d have married him at any Elvis chapel, gimmicky destination, or street corner.
His eyes seared into mine as he finally asked, “Do you want to marry me, little dove?”
My answer was immediate and honest. “More than anything.”
“I’ll control you, every aspect of your life,” Maximo warned, similar to when we’d first become us. “I’ll always be your Daddy. I’ll tell you what to do and punish you. I’ll love you and work every damn day to make sure you never regret giving me you. This will be your life from now on. Is that what you want?”
“‘Til the day I die,” I said, giving him the words he often gave me.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out an engagement ring before sliding it onto my finger.
It’s important to commemorate our two-hour engagement.
“Ready?” he asked, though he was already walking.
“Wait.” I didn’t move, and Maximo stopped, worry evident on his tense face. Undoing his tie, I slid it free and tossed it onto a potted plant. “You don’t wear ties if you can help it.” I popped his top button free. “Perfect.”
It was a small gesture, but Maximo kissed me like it was huge. When he pulled away, he looked even more impatient as he guided me to the frosted