Page 213 of Soul Mates: Hercules Valentine and I

“I’m glad you are aware,” my father says. There’s something biting in his tone. Xander is not happy, at all”

My mom eyebrows are pinched as she focuses on Hercules hasn’t stopped rubbing my back until now. I guess the fact that he and I are close in an intimate way has just been made real to her. And like my father, she’s not happy either. And that’s why, I’m eager for him to play his ace of spades because my parents probably won’t remain seated for another full minute.

“Xander, Leo,” Hercules says nodding at my father and uncle respectively. “I know about your bank’s issues with fees. But last night, I discovered Rule 65.33…”

Arms crossed on his chest, Achilles roars with laughter. “That one. Not going to happen. I know what you’re trying do, Hercules. They’ll never go for it.”

I’m sort of surprised because Hercules has gone off script.

“What is he trying to do?” my dad asks, sounding genuinely curious.

Actually, I’m curious too. Hercules never mentioned any rule. This is the part where we were supposed to ask our families to be willing to partner so that we can release our personal trainer software.

“Mr. Xander Grove, your bank could benefit from grandfathered, old money interest rates when I marry your daughter…”

My mouth falls open as I swallow my gasp. I didn’t know he was going to say that. Hercules strokes my back again. I feel that he’s trying to keep me calm. My heart pumps blood like crazy and I blink to stave off dizziness. Hercules and I, husband and wife? What a dream come true.

“Yes, but you need more than one marriage,” Achilles says.

I catch Leo and Xander passing each other a look. They’re two sharks smelling blood in the water.

When I turn my wide expression on Hercules, he winks. My head is still light from sensory overload.

“Mr. Leo Grove, you have a daughter. And I just got word that her relationship with the actor is over.”

I jerk my head back.It’s over? I haven’t heard that.

“I have two brothers,” Hercules continues.

Orion shakes his head adamantly. “Treasure will never go for it.”

Xander and Leo exchange another look.

Leo raises a finger to stop Orion from saying anything else. “Let’s hear him out.”

“No. Wait,” my mom says, thrusting her chest forward so she can see us clearly from behind my mother. “Is that why you want to marry my daughter? To save your company?”

“No mam,” Hercules replies. “As a matter of fact there’s no advantage for you if Paisley marries me.”

“Why not?” Heartly asks and sets he chin. I don’t think she believes him.

“Because she has more money that I do. That disqualifies her from being a maiden in waiting,” Hercules says, drawing air quotes. “But with the wealth of the Groves being three times more than our faction of the Valentine trust beneficiaries

He goes on to explain how much money their family needs in the bank before the trust will allow marital privileges.

“I don’t like it,” Max says. “There’s no real benefit…”

Leo shoots a hand up, silencing my brother. “How long do we have to decide?”

“Seven days, tops,” Hercules replies.

Leo nods thoughtfully. “Xan.”

My dad winks at him.

“Okay. We’ll get back to you. Is that all?”

Hercules sighs, it’s as if he’s freed from all apprehension. “No,” he says. Then in one quick and very agile move, he drops to one knee and takes a ring box out of his jacket pocket. And for one surreal moment, I’m staring at the biggest, brightest, and most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.

“Paisley Grove, I knew we’d be here just like this one day, the moment I laid eyes on you in the twelfth grade. Baby, would you be my wife?”

Everybody’s jaws hit the floor, except mine. I’m floating on the wave of total bliss. Smiling like there’s no tomorrow, I say, “Yes, baby. Yes.”