I reach over and take her hand."You were amazing and brave."
"I meant every word.But part of me still hurts.Even when he admits his failure, it doesn't undo the damage."
"No.But it's a start.And you made it happen."
She squeezes my fingers."Thank you.For standing up for me."
"Always."
By the time we get inside, she's on me.Her fingers tangle in my shirt, her mouth claiming mine, urgent and raw.
"Bind me," she whispers against my lips."I need to feel it.I need to shut off my brain and just be here with you."
And I do.I bind her wrists gently with the soft cuffs I keep in the nightstand.I lay her down and make love to her slowly, thoroughly, showing her with every touch that no one, not her father, not the world, gets to define her.Only she does.
Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets, she’s unbound but relaxed, her skin warm and flushed from our lovemaking.I cradle her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"You okay?"I ask quietly.
She nods against my chest, murmuring something unintelligible.
"You were everything tonight," I whisper."Strong.Beautiful.Unapologetic."
She hums, nuzzling closer."That's because of you."
"No, baby.That's all you."
I stroke her hair as she drifts off, her body soft and boneless in my arms.Her breathing slows, deepens, and I feel her relax completely.I could stay like this forever, holding her, memorizing every curve, every breath.
But there is one thing I need to do, so I reach for the small velvet box I tucked into the drawer weeks ago.
Sliding it out quietly, I open the lid and pull out the ring.It's my mother's, and it was her mother's before that.The only thing of hers I kept after all these years.A simple vintage diamond nestled in a delicate band.Timeless, just like my mom and Skye.
I slide it onto Skye's finger carefully.She stirs but doesn't wake.The ring fits perfectly.After staring at it longer than I mean to, I slip out of bed and grab my phone to order food.
Pulling on a pair of sweats, I place an order for her favorite Thai food and wait, pacing softly.When the food arrives, I tip the driver and bring the bags upstairs.
She looks so peaceful sleeping that I almost don't want to wake her.But she barely touched her food at her dad's house, and after our lovemaking earlier, I know she will be hungry.I gently rub her shoulder until she stirs.
"Mmm, food?"
"You need it," I say.
She sits up, blanket wrapped around her chest, and then her eyes drop to her hand.
She freezes.
"Gage?"
Setting the food down on the nightstand, I slowly sink to one knee beside it.I take her hand, the one now wearing the ring, and kiss her knuckles.
"I didn't want to wait another second," I say, voice thick with emotion."Skye, I've loved you in every way a man can love a woman.Fiercely.Completely.Desperately.I want to build a life with you.A messy, passionate, imperfect life.But it will be ours.Will you marry me?"
She presses her hands to her mouth, tears pooling in her eyes.
"Oh, my god.Yes.Absolutely, yes."
I slide my arms around her, lifting her off the bed and spinning her once before settling us back into the pillows.