Page 43 of Within Shadows
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 mylove 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.