Page 139 of Hunt Me

“Just curious.”

“Are you up to something?” I lifted my eyebrows, pursing my lips on purpose.

“Who, me? Of course not. I hope you accepted the job.”

“With certain conditions.”

“I wouldn’t expect otherwise.” He captured my lips briefly as if trying to shut me up.

Everyone in the massive ballroom began to clap. When the applause finally died down, I took Mikhail by the hand, leading him closer to the stage.

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I’m so glad you are here for this fabulous event. Through your charitable donations, our local children’s hospital has plans on creating a new and vibrant cancer wing that will also provide housing for families caring for their sick children. So please, be generous.” He grinned, hyping up the audience. “I don’t mean to be taking the spotlight away from my lovely wife, Christine, but there are a couple announcements I wanted to take the opportunity to provide. If she won’t kill me.” He looked at my mom who made a face and everyone laughed.

They were good together, still very much in love. That’s what I hoped for in my relationship.

I almost pinched myself that I was finally allowed to enjoy spending time with a man. Whatever the future had in mind, I’d enjoy every minute we were together.

“First of all, I’d like to provide my gratitude for being able to serve such an amazing city. Together we have improved the economy while bringing in several new businesses.”

I knew of my father’s plan to retire and I was proud of him for what he’d accomplished both with his work as mayor and with bringing justice to Mikhail and his family. He’d asked me to trust him and he’d come through.

Had I wished he’d had faith in me and my judgment? Yes, but I couldn’t fault him for his protective nature.

“That’s why it’s bittersweet to let you know I plan on retiring.”

I was surprised at the gasps in the ballroom. Maybe his tough exterior was exactly what the city needed.

He held up his hands, calming the guests. “It’s time for younger minds to continue governing this incredible city. I also want to take a moment and hope you’ll raise your glass in a toast to my beautiful and very talented daughter, Bristol. Please congratulate both her and Mikhail Dmitriyev on their recent engagement. Welcome to the family.”

The crowd went wild, everyone immediately turning in our direction. I shifted to face the love of my life, giving him a stern look. Heat shifted across my face, my pussy throbbing. Tears formed in my eyes and for once, I didn’t hate them. “You know it’s usually customary to ask the woman if she’s interested in marrying you before an announcement is made.”

“That would make it boring,” he teased.

“So are you asking me?”

As he dropped to one knee, the crowd gasped once again. He pulled out a ring, holding my hand as he did. “Bristol Rork. Will you do the honor of becoming my wife, the only woman who could tolerate my foibles and fractures? The only woman who can keep me on my toes.”

“You do need to be tamed.”

“Is that a yes?”

I made him wait a few seconds longer. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

Everyone in the room cheered and as I slowly rose to my feet, he pulled me close, shaking his head ever so slowly. His dazzling eyes were even more intense, oozing power. Yet I could see something else in them as well.

Love.

“I love you, Bristol. For better, for worse.”

“And I love you.”

With the announcements over, the musicians began to play, the music lively, yet we were dancing close. Yet I couldn’t get enough of him. The man I’d wanted to hate. The man who drove me crazy.

“You’re more than incorrigible. Do you have anything else up that long sleeve of yours?”

“Maybe.”

He nodded toward the door as the police chief and several police officers entered the room. I immediately noticed my father’s face fell, but was resigned. A sudden strangling moment of fear crushed everything else. I tried to pull away from Mikhail, but his hold was firm.