Captive

chapter 61

The evening was perfect, almost surreal. The dining room glowed with the soft flicker of candlelight, casting gentle shadows across the walls. Bible had spent hours preparing the setting—an intimate dinner for two, with a table adorned with fresh flowers and their favorite dishes. The faint hum of soft jazz played in the background, blending seamlessly with the sound of the city beyond their windows.

Jeff stepped into the room, his damp hair still glistening from his shower. He wore a simple white shirt and comfortable jeans, his natural beauty stealing Bible’s breath away. He paused in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room. “Bible?” he asked, tilting his head. “What’s all this?”

Bible was already watching him, leaning against the dining table with an affectionate smile. “Just a little something for us. Sit down,” he said, pulling out a chair for Jeff.

Jeff chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he walked over. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time,” he said, sitting down as Bible poured them both glasses of wine.

They ate slowly, savoring the food and each other’s company. Laughter punctuated their conversation, the easy comfort between them making the moment feel timeless. Jeff noticed that Bible seemed a little distracted, his fingers tapping lightly against his glass and his eyes flickering to Jeff as if he were holding something back.

“Bible,” Jeff said softly, leaning forward. “What’s going on? You seem… nervous.”

Bible exhaled a small laugh, shaking his head. “You always see right through me.” He reached across the table, taking Jeff’s hand in his own. “But I promise, it’s nothing bad. Just… wait a little longer.”

After dinner, Bible stood and offered his hand. “Come with me,” he said, his voice low and steady.

Jeff raised an eyebrow but took Bible’s hand, letting him lead the way. They stepped out onto the balcony, where the night stretched out before them. The city lights sparkled like stars, and the cool breeze carried the faint scent of roses from the arrangements Bible had placed earlier.

“Bible, this is—” Jeff started, but his words caught in his throat as Bible turned to him, his expression unusually serious yet filled with tenderness.

Bible took both of Jeff’s hands in his, his thumbs gently stroking the backs of Jeff’s knuckles. “Jeff,” he began, his voice soft but firm. “From the moment I met you, my life changed. You became my reason to smile, my reason to dream, my reason to believe in something as beautiful as love. Every day with you has been a gift, and I want to keep unwrapping that gift for the rest of my life.”

Jeff’s eyes widened as Bible dropped to one knee, reaching into his pocket to reveal a small velvet box. When he opened it, the ring inside sparkled like the stars above them—a simple yet elegant design that spoke volumes about the depth of Bible’s feelings.

“Jeff,” Bible continued, his voice trembling slightly as emotion overtook him. “You are my world, my everything. I want to spend forever with you, building a life full of love, laughter, and memories. Will you marry me?”

Tears welled in Jeff’s eyes as he stared at Bible, his heart racing. His hands flew to his mouth, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. But then, with a tearful smile, he nodded fervently. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Yes, Bible, I’ll marry you.”

Bible slid the ring onto Jeff’s finger before standing and pulling him into a tight embrace. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, sealing the promise they had just made to one another. Jeff held onto Bible as though he were his anchor, the weight of the moment sinking in as joy overwhelmed him.