Page 69 of Brutal King
I shot to my feet. “I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”
Three hours later Kobe opened the door to a marvelous suite at the new Durango casino and hotel. The room was filled with beautiful roses... red, yellow and white.
“Kobe!” I said as I went to the vase of yellow roses. “They’re so beautiful.”
“Red, for the deep love I have for you. Yellow, for the eternal friendship we’ll always have. And white... purity and innocence...” He cocked his brow. “For now, anyways.
I laughed. “You really are so sweet.
“Not a sweet as you are, Kat.”
The valet set our suitcases down on the floor and Kobe gave him a generous tip.
The moment the door was closed, Kobe dropped to his knees and pulled out a small jeweler’s box.
My heart pounded.
“I can’t imagine spending a day without you in my life,” he said. “I want to marry you... today, tomorrow, next month. I don’t care when, so long as you say yes. I know we’ve talked about the future so often, that I dream about it. I want my future with you now, in the present, not when we’re old and wrinkly. I know we’re both so young, but we know what we want. We know what our futures hold, and I can’t wait to get started on it with you,” he said passionately.
He looked so nervous and dropped his shoulders in frustration. “These last few months with you as my girlfriend have been so wonderful, the best months I’ve ever had. I can’t imagine ever not having you in my life again. I just want you to be my wife.”
The ring was so gorgeous, and the light in his eyes so bright. I knew that I couldn’t wait any longer, too. I wanted him. And I didn’t want to repeat my mistake of falling for any man who just wanted a romp in the hay with me. It was just too risky. That experience with Trent taught me a lot, and as a Lee, especially the heir to the Lee empire, I had to be more careful and to be sure I was with a man who would cherish me for me.
I looked into Kobe’s beautiful blue eyes and knew there was no one more perfect for me than him.
“What are you doing later today?” I said with a grin.
His eyes lit up even more. “Is that a yes?”
I nodded.
He fumbled a bit to get the ring out of the box, then, with a slightly trembling hand, he slipped the ring on my finger. “Now, go take a look in that closet.”
Elated, I held my breath and walked to the closet to open the door. Inside was a beautiful white gown... a simple corseted bodice with a streamline silk skirt that trailed ever so slightly at the back. Crystals adorned the top edge of the bodice. I let out my breath. It was the dress I pictured to be married in.
“Do you like it?” Kobe said.
“I love it. I couldn’t have chosen a more suitable gown myself.”
He chuckled. “I’ve been watching you these past months. I’ve studied your style, what you like and what you never ever wear. I noticed the colors that appeal to you and how you avoid fluff and frills.”
“Oh, Kobe.” I turned to kiss him. “It’s perfect. So, perfect.”
“I already have the marriage license,” he said. “And I’ve reserved a lovely little chapel.”
I was beyond happy but stunned by the speed of it all.
“Take a long, warm bath,” he said. “I’ve arranged for a hair stylist to come do your hair in about an hour. Then you’ll slip into that gown, and we’ll be on our way.”
“I’m way too juiced up to take a bath,” I said. “But a shower would be nice.”
Kobe kissed me and said, “Whichever you prefer, my Princess.”
I kissed him back, “And you were so nervous proposing to me. You had this all planned. So sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
Kobe smiled. “I used to be unsure of myself, Kat, until you came into my life once again. I grew up because of you. I stepped up to become a man because of you. The only thing I’m sure of, is that I love you. I love you.” He kissed me. “I love you.”
AFTER LANDING AT THE airport in Las Vegas, a white limousine drove us to the Las Vegas suburbs and pulled up in front of a lovely chapel. White, with a tall steeple and delicate stained glass windows, I couldn’t believe Kobe had found it.