Diabolus: The Lost Phoenix

Chapter Four

KAI WOODS

I order myself some scotch; glass by glass, drinking it with huge gulps and waiting for Beverly. My hands are shaking - I'm so nervous to do this. I'm so nervous, thinking that she'll say no.

Or that she needs to think about it.

I open the little cherry red satin box and look inside it. The rainbow lights in the club makes the ring even brighter, glistening that even my eyes start to hurt. Not because of its beauty. But because this time, I'm really afraid.

I remember the ring that Leonardo gave to her. Probably it was more expensive than this one is, more beautiful; but at this moment, I don't think it's about the ring at all. It's not even about marriage.

It's about me and Beverly, it's about my love for her. After all that time we spent together I can admit it to myself; I'm weak. And I'm proud that I'm weak, because there's nothing tough in love. I'm weak every time I see her. Every time I hear her. Every time I touch her. It's not about being tough in love; it's about how tough it makes you feel. It's about how it pushes you forward, lets you to overcome every obstacle and at the same time, it's the only thing that makes you happy.

I made up my mind. I know she knows that already, but as a man I can't wait any longer. To propose to her means more to me than she can possibly imagine. It's a promise, to her and especially, to myself, that I want and I'm willing to spend the rest of my life with her. I want her to be by my side forever. I want her to have my last name. We never talked about it, but I want her to be the mother of my children.

And I guess it's time for that talk.

As soon as we'll get back to the hotel, a pleasant surprise with rose petals will meet her. And also my speech.

It makes me chuckle when I think it'll be the first time I got her flowers. I never promised her, and she never asked for it. How can you not love a woman that doesn't push you to do something you're not used to?

"Hello there, gorgeous."

I haven't noticed how a short girl popped up next to me. She's a little too drunk, her iris is red and eyes are sleepy, narrowed. She keeps swaying from left to right, trying to look as alluring as possible; not the most beautiful view.

"Hi."

"Can I buy you a drink?"

I lift my glass up and smile at her; I don't need to be rude when a person doesn't deserve it.

"My glass is full. But thank you."

But apparently, a drunk girl doesn't take no for answer. Instead, she takes another step closer to me, trying to seduce me with a weird smile. I take a step back; I don't want to deal with her right now, especially when I'm holding an engagement ring in my hand.

"Come on, honey. What's your name?"

"Look, I-"

Another body suddenly sneaks between me and the drunk girl and she steps back, trips and frowns when her plan to make me her catch for tonight didn't work out.

"Now get the fuck away from my man."

Beverly's voice is cold, harsh; the one she uses when she's not joking around. Her face is as cold as the weather outside, nothing warm or kind is visible in those icy blue eyes. And the drunk girl, as much as surprising it is; walks away with no turning back, scared by Beverly's rigid tone.

"Baby, hi..."

But as soon as her eyes stop on mine the warmth fills my heart, seeing a woman of my dreams being possessive about me. She still has the same warmth, kindness that made me fell in love with her the day I saw her. But also a lot of things have changed her; she fights for everything that's important to her, she doesn't let anyone do things for her; she's strong, and that makes her sexy as hell.