Now I was standing there, speechless. Staring past Kaden as he watched out the front door.
Does he want to go after her?
“I am so sorry.” He rushed over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his embrace. “Are you okay? I don’t even know what’s gotten into her, but if she ever comes near you again I’ll-”
I cut him off and looked away. “It’s fine.”
The stern look he gave me was burning through my skin as he placed his finger beneath my chin and pulled it up so I was looking in his eyes. “You don’t deserve to be treated like anything less than a goddess.” He smiled. “You’re immaculate, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’re intelligent. You’re everything a man could ever want and more and I feel sorry for anyone who treats you as less.” And then he kissed me.
“The crawling on your hands and knees for me is just a benefit of it all.” He winked.
Now Iknewmy face was as red as my dress. “Thank you.”
His gaze locked on mine as he pulled a small black box out of his pocket and presented me with a gorgeous chain with a dainty red gemstone in it.
“This is a day collar. I thought you might prefer something a little more discreet compared to the other one I’ve given you. I apologize this is how I am giving it to you but I know how important this aspect of our relationship is.”
“And whatisour relationship?” The words just slipped out.
Kaden smiled. “I knew she’d get to you.” He cleared his throat. “First and foremost you are my person. My partner in crime. The one whom I think about nonstop. Some may even call you my… girlfriend.”
My eyes lit up. “And then?”
“And then there are the other benefits, too.” He flashed a charming smile.
He knew all the right things to say and I couldn’t help but to feel like it was possible Icouldlove him. In fact, I thought I might already.
Thirty
Kaden
Stepping into the banquet was like stepping into a fairytale. They had gone above and beyond and somehow still managed to outdo themselves compared to previous years.
Val’s jaw dropped. “Whoa. This is gorgeous.”
“Not as gorgeous as you.” I took her hand and spun her around, wrapping my arms around her waist.
She smirked. “I suppose now’s when I’m going to find out you can dance too?”
I stepped back and did a couple of cha-cha moves I had picked up while watching those dancing shows with Isabella.
Her eyes were set on me intently, and I stared at her while she bit her lip. I often wondered where her mind went. Of course, if I was to ask her she would just giggle and tell meoh nothingin a playful voice which would be pitched slightly higher compared to her regular voice. Just like usual. Val was an open creature, while also remaining engulfed in secrets. I wasn’t sure how that worked, but for her, it did.
“What about you?” I cut into her thoughts. “Do you dance?”
She shook her head no. “I like the idea, but unfortunately, I was born with two left feet.”
I glanced down. “Not literally.” She smacked my arm playfully. “You know what I mean.”
The music grew louder, giving me the perfect opportunity to pull her in closer. “Think of dancing like fighting, only without the punching and kicking.” I whispered in her ear.
Val pulled back to stare into my eyes. “Did you just come up with that? Because it’s quite a stretch.” We both laughed.
That was another thing I really enjoyed about Val: I could be myself without fear of her telling me I wasn’t acting manly enough for her. The more I thought about things, the more I realized Isabella and I never had a healthy relationship. Neither one of us treated the other with the respect we deserved. With Val, it was easy.
A few moments later, the president of the United Fighting League was clearing his throat into the mic. “Excuse me.” He cleared his throat again. “Thank you all so much for being here tonight. It is my pleasure to be honoring some of the most esteemed fighters and their trainers in the industry. Your meals should be served momentarily. Until then, enjoy the wine and hors d'oeuvres which are being passed around. After dinner, I will begin the awards ceremony. Enjoy!” He raised his beer and proceeded to exit the stage while everyone in the hall clapped.
It didn’t take long and the waitstaff began to serve all of the guests. They slipped a plate in front of me and it looked amazing. The prime rib was the most tender cut I had ever tasted, a baked potato done up with all the bells and whistles, and the asparagus had been sauteed in a butter garlic sauce.