Page 33 of Within Shadows

Knox

Leaving the courtroom meant walking face first into a crowd of paparazzi and news stations, each fighting to get the story directly from us.

Al makes a show of bulldozing through the crowd, and police officers surround us as I keep Maeve tucked safely into my side.

When we finally climb into the back seat and Maeve rubs a hand against her forehead, I blow out a long breath.

Our secret identities weren’t so secret after news got out about Oliver and his father.

Our entire trial was public information, which meant Al and I lost all the privacy we fought so hard to protect.

“I have a feeling this won’t be going away anytime soon.” I wrap my arm around Maeve and lean my head against hers.

“This is all my fault, guys. I’m so sorry.” She leans back, frowning at the roof of the car while Al drives us away from the chaos.

“It was his fault, sweetie. Oliver did this, and you have nothing to blame yourself for.” Jess turns around from the front seat and pats Maeve on the knee. They share a smile and I lean forward.

“So how are we celebrating?” I ask. Maeve and Jess groan while Al chuckles.

“Should we be celebrating?” Maeve asks me.

“We won. That asshole is going to rot in jail for the next twenty years at least. If he makes it out alive, that is.” I grin as Maeve raises a brow.

“Do I want to know?” she asks.

“Nope,” Al and I say simultaneously. She rests her head on my chest, and we watch the world outside pass in a blur.

By the time we get to the house, we’re back in our cozy little bubble as the gates creak shut and we all walk inside.

Maeve’s phone buzzes with a call from her father, and she steps out back, dropping into a chair as she shares the good news with him.

I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and crack open the lid while Al watches me closely.

He’s been a complete pain in my ass, pushing me even harder than the physical therapist.

“Want a sip? Gotta warn you, my mouth still tastes like Maeve’s pussy.” I offer the bottle to him, and he groans, smacking my arm away as he drops onto a chair at the counter.

“Good to see you’re not any less of a crude prick,” Al says, rubbing a hand over his face. He looks more exhausted than I am, and that’s saying something lately.

“We lived, Al. We’re safe, and he’s right where he belongs.

You gotta stop dwelling.” I pat him on the shoulder as we sit together, but my eyes are on Maeve.

She laughs as she talks, pacing outside the glass door, but the smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

Therapy has been helping, but there’s no overnight fix for what she’s endured.

“His father was given a slap on the wrist, and he ain’t happy.” Al frowns at Maeve and I sit forward, catching his eye.

“If you put even an ounce of blame on her—” He shoves me playfully, still nearly toppling me out of my seat.

“Shut up, you know I don’t. Just wondering what’s next for all of us,” he says thoughtfully. I grin and set my water on the counter.

“I know what’s next.” I stand to meet Maeve as she walks in just as Jess comes back from their room.

“All ready. You sure you guys are good for the night?” Jess asks, nervously rubbing her hands down the front of her dark purple dress. Maeve hugs her tightly and pulls back, holding her by the shoulders.

“Absolutely. Plus, you look way too hot to stay home. You’ll take good care of her, right?” she addresses Al at the end, and he smirks, giving her a thumbs up. The couple waves goodbye as they leave and I watch Maeve as she walks to the couch, flopping down and blowing out a breath.

“We have the world at our fingertips, muse. What should we do?” I ask, dropping down next to her. She taps a fingertip on pursed lips and snags the TV remote, waving it in the air.

“Order a mountain of fast food and binge murder documentaries?” She smiles hopefully, batting her eyes, and I have to stop myself from tackling her right here.

“I warned you that I’m a creature of habit, and you’ll get tired of living with me.

But no, you didn’t listen So I sold my house, and you’re stuck with me.

” I press a finger to her lips, giving her a heated look and she raises a brow.

“I’ll never get tired of this. Nothing about you is exhausting, except your doubt. Maybe I haven’t done a good job in proving my words to you?” I drop my hand and brush my fingertips over her throat. Her face reddens as she clenches her thighs together, and my limited self-control nearly snaps.

“I wouldn’t mind the reminder. We could get naked, then stuff our faces and watch TV until we fall asleep?” she suggests, reaching up to unbutton her maroon silk shirt. I catch her wrist and place a searing kiss on it as I pull us both to our feet.

“I have a better idea. There’s an outfit lying on our bed, get dressed so I can take you somewhere.

” I gently guide her towards our room and slap my hand to her ass.

She squeals and pretends to glare at me over her shoulder as she rushes towards the bedroom, swaying her hips just to torment me. And I love every moment of it.

When Maeve emerges from our room, I start rethinking my entire plan.

The black dress hugs every curve, with long-sleeves sheer and loose fitting, and a hem that lands around her calves.

She nervously pushes at the fabric on her thighs before tucking her hair into a messy ponytail, and all I can imagine is gripping it as she bends over for me.

Atticus winds between my legs, breaking my trance and I scoop him up, rubbing my face in his chest as I soak up his comforting purring.

My nerves are wound so tight that it barely helps.

He quickly grows agitated and demands I lay him back on the couch where he can chitter at the birds that taunt him.

Maeve smiles lovingly at the cat’s flicking tail until I interrupt.

“How?” I whisper, slowly closing the space between us until I can cup her jaw and press my body flush to hers.

“Hmm?” she asks, biting her lip nervously. I use my thumb to pop her lip free and kiss her slowly, putting every ounce of my love into it. She clings to my arms, her nails digging in until my cock strains against my dress slacks and I force myself to release the kiss.

“How did the gods see me fit to be in your presence, to earn your heart, mind, and body?” I ask, dropping my forehead to hers. Maeve giggles and taps the tip of my nose with her finger.

“I don’t think you gave them a choice, if I remember correctly.” She’s right. The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that I would do anything to make her mine. I take her hand in mine and lead her outside, trying to hide my nervous excitement.

Maeve has a death grip on my arm and I can’t help but grin at the way she trusts me to lead her through the darkness. Well, dark to her with the blindfold she is wearing.

“Big stick,” I warn, sliding my arm under hers to lift her over it, and she sucks in a steadying breath. “We’re almost there, little muse.” She nods and continues following me through the woods.

“You’re sure this isn’t a sex thing? Because me being lost in the woods and chased down by a masked man who just wants to fuck me senseless sounds like a really good time.

” She giggles nervously when her boot catches on a stick and I easily catch her, not missing a step.

I groan and put my face next to her ear.

“You keep bringing it up, and I already promised you that I’ll absolutely be acting out that fantasy with you.

But I have something more important planned for right now, and I’d prefer not to be walking around with a massive hard on.

” I nip her neck for good measure and she whimpers, pouting the last few feet until I bring us both to a stop.

“We’re here, go ahead and take off the blindfold,” I say, pulling free of her hold as I step in front of her.

Maeve slowly pulls the blindfold off of her head and takes in our surroundings.

She covers her mouth with her hand, wide eyes shining from the fairy lights strung around us.

Al raises a brow and I give him a nod, impressed with how quickly he and Jess decorated the secluded cliffside.

There are black and white calla lily bouquets everywhere, with red rose petals that surround where Maeve is standing with tears in her eyes.

Jess already has tears trailing down her cheeks, and Maeve looks around us in wonder.

Her parents stand to her right, and Maeve’s mother has a tissue clutched to her chest as she gives a tiny wave to her daughter.

Maeve’s father gives me a look that is one full of warning that I better not screw this up.

“Calla lilies mean different things, but most of all they stand for beauty and rebirth. I felt they were fitting for today, for you, and for our future,” I say to Maeve.

“What is going on?” she asks me, and I slowly sink to one knee. Her eyes nearly bulge from her head as her jaw drops.

“You have brought more light to my world than a thousand suns ever could. My life was hollow until you appeared, and a love I never dared to hope for bloomed inside of me. Every breath I take is for you. When I lie in bed, with you in my arms, I’m terrified I’ll wake and realize you were just a dream.

But every morning, I thank the gods that you’re still here.

I’m asking you to spend our lives together, Thalia.

Be my muse for all of eternity.” I pop the ring box open and Maeve doesn’t even glance at the ring and launches herself into my arms, shoulders shaking as she cries into my neck.

I chuckle and hold her tight, breathing her in as I rub soft circles on her back.

“Give us an answer, girl!” Jess calls out, and Al snorts.

“Obviously it’s a yes,” Maeve manages to stutter out between sniffles, and I help her stand, sliding the ring onto her finger.

“Oh, Knox, it’s perfect,” she whispers, admiring the black diamond that stands out on her finger.

The custom ring took weeks to make, and keeping it a secret was no easy task with Jess in on it.

I wrap my arms around her, slamming my lips to hers as I twirl her in circles.

I was about to be a married man, and I would be counting down the days without an ounce of patience to call her my wife.

Maeve’s mother and Jess rush towards her, sweeping her into excited hugs as they all marvel at the ring. Al claps a hand on my shoulder and pulls me into a rough hug.

“You really set the damn bar with those cheesy words,” he teases.

“I’m good at using my mouth to make her—” I’m cut off by a throat being cleared behind me and I turn, facing Maeve’s dad, who looks like he wants to hug and choke me. Thankfully, he holds his hand out and I shake it, getting pulled into an awkward shoulder pat of a hug.

“You’ve already shown you’d do anything to keep her safe. I expect you’ll put the same confidence in keeping her happy?” he asks. I nod, putting a hand over my heart.

“I meant every word I said, sir.” I hold his gaze, and whatever he finds in my eyes must appease him because he nods and steps aside as Maeve walks to me.

“My beautiful muse,” I whisper, brushing away the tears that still drip down her face.

“I love you, Knox.” She leans into my touch and I brush my lips over hers.

“I love you, with every ounce of who I am.” I rest my forehead to hers, basking in the warmth that pounds from each beat of my heart.

The End.