Acceptance

Val stared at me, processing my words. She lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows over her flushed cheeks as she considered the proposal in silence for a long moment.

Finally, she raised her head. Her violet eyes locked onto mine, shining with sudden, beautiful, resolute clarity.

"I will accept your proposal..." Val spoke softly, her voice carrying a sweet, lingering tremble, "...on one condition."

"Name it," I said with a smile.

"You must agree to let me protect you..." Val whispered, her stoic mask completely melting away into an expression of raw tenderness, "...for the rest of my life."

I shrugged casually, a wide, thoroughly happy grin spreading across my face. "Deal. Honestly, that's one of the main reasons I wanted you by my side in the first place. Every guy needs a drop-dead gorgeous, super-badass bodyguard wife to protect him."