Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

“Headstrong? You’ve been reading your Regency romance
novels again.”
He pulls me upright and gathers me into his arms, smiling
down at my flushed, happy face. I wrap my arms around his
waist and lean into him.
He teases, “I have. It’s where I got the idea of putting your
ring into the pocket of my sweats. Those romance novel
heroes always have such creative ideas.”
“I wouldn’t know. I only read non-fiction.”
“Ah. Well, maybe I should tell you to look into my pocket
again.”
“Um, honey, I don’t think it would be the greatest idea to
get busy right now, with all the guys outside and whatnot.”
He shakes his head, chuckling, then kisses me. “I don’t
want you to grab my dick, love.”
“Since when?”
“Just put your hand into my pocket.”
I look at his beautifully fitted suit and frown.
He says softly, “Coat. Left side.”
My heart starting to flutter, I slide my hand into his coat
pocket, searching until my fingers close around something
small, round, and metal.
Unlike the last round metal object I retrieved from a
pocket of his, this one has a substantial square chunk of
something smooth and cool on one side.
His voice rough, Kage says, “If ten carats aren’t enough,
I’ll return it for a bigger one.”
I close my eyes and drop my head to his chest, curling my
hand around the ring.
My heart in my throat and my soul flying, I whisper, “Ten
carats? So tiny. God, you’re a cheapskate, gangster.”
He hugs me, hard, kissing the top of my head, my earlobe,
my neck. Into my ear he says softly, “Marry me.”