𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟒

ELENA

The morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I stir awake, feeling the warmth of Zade's body next to mine. As I turn to face him, a slight wince escapes my lips—I realize my thighs are sore from the night before. The memory of our intense passion sends a blush to my cheeks, but before I can dwell on it, Zade's hand is already on me.

Without a word, he begins to gently massage my thighs, his touch firm yet soothing. I close my eyes, letting out a contented sigh as his hands work their magic, easing the soreness away. His fingers are skilled, knowing exactly where to press, where to knead, and I can feel the tension melting under his care.

Minutes pass, maybe more than I can count, as he continues to take care of me, his love evident in every motion. Eventually, I find my voice and softly say, "Thank you."

Zade smiles down at me, his eyes filled with a deep affection that makes my heart flutter. "I don't know what I'd do without you," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper.

"About that..." he begins, his tone suddenly more serious. "I don't want you to ever find out."

Before I can process his words, Zade shifts, sliding out of bed and onto one knee beside me. My breath catches in my throat as I watch him, the realization of what's happening dawning on me.

"Elena Sanchez," he starts, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "I know we're already engaged, but I wasn't really asking you to marry me before. I'm going to do that now. Marry me, Elena. I want you to tell our kids that," he reaches out and takes my hand in his, bringing it to his lips to kiss my knuckles, "their daddy went on one knee for their mommy."

A tear slips down my cheek, the weight of his words sinking into my heart. Zade's eyes never leave mine as he continues, his voice filled with a raw, honest vulnerability I've rarely seen in him.

"I am the most deepest, darkest cave—no one comes around me. I am dark and dull. But you, my love, you are that tiny little firefly that came into my life and lit it up with hopes, with dreams for the future, with love... and amazing sex," he adds with a chuckle, his lips curving into that familiar, playful grin.

I laugh softly through my tears, the joy of the moment overwhelming me.

"Butterfly," he says, his voice dropping to a tender whisper, "you are the reason why my heart pumps another beat, why my lungs take in oxygen. Hell, Elena, you are my fucking oxygen. I want to protect you, my sweetheart, from the dangers of this world. Let me love you the way I want to—be mine, please?"

His words hang in the air, filled with sincerity and love, and I can't hold back the flood of emotions that wash over me. I nod, my voice thick with tears as I manage to whisper, "Yes, Zade. Yes, I'll marry you."

He rises from his knee, pulling me into a tight embrace, and I feel his heart beating against mine, steady and strong. In that moment, everything else fades away, and all that's left is the love we share, the bond that's only grown stronger with each passing day.

Zade pulls back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes, and he smiles—a smile that's filled with all the promises of the life we'll build together. "I love you, Elena," he says softly, his voice full of conviction.

"I love you too, Zade," I reply, my heart full to bursting.

And as we hold each other in that quiet, intimate moment, I know that this is where I'm meant to be—by his side, forever.

Zade pulls back slightly from our embrace, his eyes glimmering with excitement. He reaches into the pocket of his pants, draped over a nearby chair, and pulls out a small velvet box. My heart races as he opens it, revealing the most breathtaking ring I've ever seen.