Page 49 of Darkest Before Dawn (His Perfect Darkness #2)

So I did die on the roof. The old Inara is gone, and I am reborn. And I’m no longer afraid.

I can tell Rex all of this. More importantly, I’m going to show him. I’m going to be with him, all in. As all in as he’s been with me.

That’s why I’m not rushing back to work. My long days working on cases were an endless penance, a never-ending punishment for allowing my family to die. I don’t need to do that any longer.

No wonder I feel so free.

I wonder if Rex will ever feel the same freedom. If he will allow himself to heal deeply from the trauma of his childhood. I want that for him. Maybe I can help him.

I look up at his solemn face, his stony mask. He thought losing me was his worst nightmare, but what just happened was actually what he feared most: being out of control. He might need more help than I can give, but that’s okay. He can afford therapy.

I cup the hard planes of his cheeks and brush a kiss on his surly mouth. His expression doesn’t soften, doesn’t change.

“It’s over, Rex. It’s done. You know what that means?”

“What?” He’s watching me carefully. He’s still hiding behind his armor, but I understand that.

I lived most of my life in mine. If it takes longer for him to shed his, that’s okay.

At first, it’ll feel like being a turtle without a shell.

It’s so uncomfortable, but he’ll learn it’s safe to let down his guard around me.

I lean in and whisper. “It means we can be together.”

He blinks, and there it is. His eyes soften as tense muscles relax.

“I love you,” I say, and suddenly I’m holding back tears. “I love you.” I thought it would be scary to say it, but it’s not. It’s a relief. It’s wonderful. “I’m sorry I was afraid to tell you before now?—”

“You mean when you’re not leaping off a roof to your death?”

He’s still trying to forgive me for that.

“Yes. That.” I never expected to have this life. But now that I have it, I’m going to live.

“I love you,” I say again, and I’m crying and laughing at the same time. I mess up his hair and that does it; he grasps my wrists and chuckles at my enthusiasm. “And I’m so happy we get to be together right now.’

“Finally,” he deadpans, and I laugh.

It’s such a pleasure to be with him right now, without any danger hanging over our heads. And maybe we’ll never be a normal couple. We're probably too fucked up for that, but we're fucked up in the ways that make us fit each other.

Alfie’s voice echoes through the cave, breaking the moment. “Message from Kaiser: Mission Wifey complete, over.”

“Message to Kaiser, Affirmative. Over,” Rex dictates.

“Wifey?” I wrinkle my nose at him.

“Your codename.”

“Ugh. Wifey? Really?” I want to be with Rex, not be that cringy couple from the suburbs.

It’s worth it, though, because Rex is now wearing a small smile. “I knew you’d hate it.”

“Just for that, we’re inviting Victor to the wedding.

” I feel a thrill at the word wedding. Another thing I never thought I’d want, and here I am, adding career criminals to the guest list. The assassin deserves a place of honor after he saved me.

“And the twins.” Fraternitas may be the scourge of the city, but the twins made themselves useful.

And I’m curious to meet their partners. Apparently, Kaiser is going through with an arranged marriage, which I find fascinating and unexpected.

“Fine. But not St. James.”

“According to Hamish, he’ll show up anyway.”

“Yes.” Rex glowers. He’s jealous. I kinda love it.

“And I’m making your code name ‘Hubby.’”

“I can live with that.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes. Of course, he loves it. He thinks marriage is a form of ownership, and he loves that he’s getting his way. He’s lucky I’m still not insisting on a divorce. “Shall I tell Nadia to plan for a spring wedding?”

“I don’t know. I still haven’t gotten a proposal.” I go to playfully punch his arm and squeak when his fingers snap around my wrist.

“Careful, little bird.” His voice drops to the lowest register, and my stomach does a slow somersault.

Holding my gaze, he carefully presses a kiss to my wrist. I inhale sharply as my entire core clenches like he hooked his finger behind my belly button and tugged.

“You know I’d get on my knees for you.” He nuzzles my sensitive skin.

“But I believe you prefer it the other way around.”

“Yes.” My voice grows breathy as lust rolls over me. I’m already wet for him, just from his voice and attention. “Take me to bed.”

“Not the dungeon?” He’s using his dom voice, and my body goes heavy as I lean into him.

“You decide?—”

“That’s right.”

“My king,” I add softly and have the pleasure of watching his eyes darken.

“Yes. But first. . .” He lifts me in his arms, rising and turning to place me back on his seat.

What? I don’t understand what he’s doing until he takes one knee. He clasps my hand—the one that already bears his ring.

“Inara Ramos, will you marry me?”

I’m surprised by a sudden rush of tears pricking my eyes. “Yes, I will. Again.”

“Will you wear my collar and be my submissive? Will you kneel for me and let me watch over you. . . and tell me when I go too far?”

It’s more than I’ve ever hoped for. It’s everything I want. “Yes

“Will you let me have you? All of you?”

“Yes.” I start to speak, and he rests a finger over my lips. He’s serious, giving me his vows.

“Will you let me worship you?”

“Yes.”

“Will you let me keep you?”

“Yes.”

“Will you let me love you?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” I’m too excited. I slide off the chair and onto my knees to be with him. “Yes, sir.”

He laughs and lifts me again. We’re off to the bedroom, or the dungeon, or wherever he decides. It doesn’t matter, as long as I’m with him.