Behind the Mask

Chapter 86

Multiple POVs

Silas's POV

We had just stepped into the hotel suite when Harry's fist connected with North's jaw. "You sonofabitch!" Harry swore. "You just played fucking Russian roulette with Lily's life!"

North grunted as he held his jaw. "Calm down, Harry," I said, "We handled it. She's safe."

"Fuck you, Silas," he growled.

About that time, Lily and Liam came into the room. She looked pale and shaken as she glared at us. "Did it work?"

"Yeah," North replied. "She should arrive in Italy in another day or two. Until this all blows over, you all need to stay out of sight. Victor will put out the word that you didn't survive the attack."

Lily frowned, "I understand why this all had to happen, but I'm not going to lie. Your methods were wrong and way riskier than you led us to believe. We will stay with your friends and help from a distance, but I won't risk my family or myself again over this issue."

"With any fucking luck, by this time next week, the Academy will be burned to the ground worldwide," Gabe said with a grimace. "They've destroyed enough lives to last an eternity."

Marissa's POV

My mind was still reeling when I stepped into the hotel room. Hearing Victor's voice and knowing I couldn't touch him hurt so badly. But when I heard Gabriel I thought it had to be a trick. Judge had lied to me. They made me believe he was dead. Made me believe it was my fault he was dead. Why didn't Dominic tell me? I pressed my hand to my forehead, my head was pounding and I couldn't think straight. I set my things down and began to strip as I headed toward the bathroom. It was like my thoughts were jumbling. I stood in the shower, letting the steaming water pour over my body as I began to feel numb. Was it all even real?

I felt the blankets around my naked body and a warm breeze filled the room. My mind swam with memories of a vacation to Paris. Jackson and I were eating at a small cafe under the Eiffel Tower. He held my hand in his and then with a silly smirk he got down on one knee. I tugged at his hand and gaped - was he really doing this here?

"Marissa, this past year has been the happiest of my life. I want to start a family, to grow old with you. Marissa Ryland, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

My cheeks felt like they were on fire as I giggled. Happy tears streamed down my face as I wildly nodded and cried, "Yes!"

I snuggled deeper into the soft blankets until I felt soft lips on my shoulders, "Rissa, baby, wake up." I blinked a few times as I looked up at Jackson's face.

"Yes, I said yes," I told him.

He stared at me in confusion, "I don't understand what you're talking about, Rissa?"

His hand brushed a stray hair from my face and I leaned into his touch. I grinned, "The Eiffel Tower - I remember. I said yes."

His eyes lit up and he crashed his lips to mine as I giggled more. "Oh my fucking gods, you make me so happy, baby!" He exclaimed. In moments, the blankets were ripped back and he pinned me beneath him. "Say it again, please," he begged.

I cupped his face and kissed him softly, "Yes." He let out a low moan as I kissed him again and continued, "Yes, I Marissa Ryland will marry you, Jackson Porter. I love you."

He froze, his eyes locked on mine. "Do you mean it?"

Arching my eyebrows, I replied, "Of course I mean it. Why wouldn't I?" I help up my ring with a confused look, "You're my husband. You've been by my side for almost two years now. I love you, Jackson."