Part 55 (2/2)

”What?”

”After I get through this next fight, you have to marry me.”

Eyes wide, she stared at him, her parted lips trembling.

Cannon whispered to her, ”Say yes.”

”Yes. Yes, yes, yes.” Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him with hunger, with love. ”We don't have to wait, you know. I don't need a big wedding.”

More laughter came from the gym, followed by the roar of male camaraderie. Grinning, Cannon said, ”You might not, but they'll insist.”

She sank against him. ”Armie will make an incredible best man.”

G.o.d, he could hardly wait to see Armie's face when told he'd have to wear a tux.

Yvette touched his chest, played her fingers over his collarbone. ”You love me, too?”

He groaned. ”How can you not know that?”

”I don't know. I've loved you for so long, in so many ways.”

”Same here, though I didn't always realize it.” Not giving her a chance to deny that, he kissed her forehead, her nose, then her soft parted lips. ”I got hooked on that teenage tease, and even when I tried not to notice you, I couldn't help myself. Then, when I saw you threatened, wanting to keep you safe consumed me.”

”I didn't know.” She put her cheek against his chest. ”Or I wouldn't have left.”

”You were still so young.” He moved his hands over her back. ”And I got involved with the SBC.”

”The timing was off,” she agreed. On a long sigh, she said, ”My grandfather was so wise, forcing me back here.”

”I'm glad he did, because I have to say, this takecharge att.i.tude of yours is right up a fighter's wheelhouse.” He tipped her face up. ”When need be, I can fight dirty, though usually I just fight for sport. But when it comes to you, I fight to win.”

She smiled. ”I think I won this time.”

Grinning, he hugged her off her feet. ”And I remain undefeated.”

end.

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