Page 90 of Silent Stalker

My heart pounds against my ribs. The words I've never said to anyone scratch at my throat, desperate to escape. Clara deserves to hear them because she's the only one who's ever seen past my carefully constructed walls, who understands and embraces the darkness.

"One year," I murmur, stroking her cheek. "One year since you chose to run away with me."

She opens those captivating green eyes, studying my face. "The best decision I ever made."

My chest tightens. The unfamiliar emotion threatens to overwhelm me. I've never felt this vulnerable, this exposed. But Clara deserves my truth.

“I—” The words stick. I swallow hard, frustrated by my own hesitation. Clara waits patiently, her body still perfectly motionless on my lap.

I take a deep breath. "I love you." The words come out rough, almost angry in their intensity. "I love you, Clara."

Her eyes fill with tears, but her smile is radiant. She starts to move, but I grip her hips. "Stay still," I remind her, my voice gentler now. "Let me feed you more."

I lift another spoonful to her lips, marveling at how those three simple words have changed everything and nothing at all. I'm still me, the monster who hunts monsters. But now I'm a monster who knows how to love.

Clara accepts the bite, a tear sliding down her cheek. I catch it with my thumb, then bring it to my lips. "I love you," I say again, finding it easier now. "I love everything about you. Your darkness. Your light. All of it."

I lift another spoonful of the chocolate soufflé, my heart racing as I spot the glint of platinum nestled in the chocolate dessert. The ring I'd carefully hidden catches the firelight, and I bring it to Clara's lips.

"Wait." I pull the spoon back slightly. "There's something in this bite you should see."

Clara's eyes lock on the ring, and her breath catches. I pluck it from the soufflé and wipe it clean with a napkin.

"I had this made for you months ago. Been carrying it, waiting for the right moment." The words come out dark and hungry. "And sitting here, with you still on my cock, telling you I love you... This feels right."

A tear slides down her cheek. I brush it away with my thumb.

"Clara Hart. You see all of me. You see the darkness, the violence, everything I am. And you not only accept it, you match it." I hold up the ring. "Marry me. Be my partner in every way."

Her lips tremble. "Silas..."

"Say yes." I press my forehead to hers. "Be mine completely."

"Yes," she whispers, more tears falling. "God, yes."

My hands shake slightly as I slide the ring onto her finger. The black diamonds glitter against her skin, perfectly embodying our shared darkness.

"It's beautiful," she breathes, examining the ring through tear-filled eyes.

"Like you." I cup her face. "My beautiful, deadly goddess."

She lets out a watery laugh. "I can't believe you proposed while I'm sitting on your cock."

"Would you expect anything else from me?"

I watch Clara's eyes sparkle as she laughs, the sound making my chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.

"No, it's absolutely perfect. You're perfect." She tilts her head, studying the ring. "Only you would propose like this."

I lift another spoonful of soufflé to her lips, savoring how she remains perfectly still on my cock while she eats. The chocolate leaves a small smear on her bottom lip, and I wipe it away with my thumb.

"Your turn to feed me?" I ask, spotting the second soufflé on the table.

"Mmhmm." Clara reaches for the dessert, careful not to slip off my dick. "Open up."

I part my lips, accepting the bite she offers. The rich chocolate melts on my tongue, but I'm more focused on how her eyes follow my mouth and how her breath catches when I lick my lips.

"You know," she says, scooping up another spoonful, "most people get engaged over candlelit dinners or sunset walks on the beach."