Chapter 9 - THE PENTHOUSE SUNRISE
Damen’s private residential penthouse occupied the entire forty-third floor of the tower—a breathtaking duplex space featuring soaring glass walls, private rooftop gardens, and an infinity pool overlooking the Hudson River.
Amelia walked into the master living suite. The room was softly lit by recessed architectural lighting.
Damen stood out on the private glass terrace, wearing a dark silk robe, looking out at the city lights under the clear spring sky.
Amelia stepped out onto the terrace, the cool night breeze rustling her hair. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his broad, warm back.
Damen immediately placed his hands over hers, pulling her closer against him. “Viktor called you?”
“He did,” Amelia said softly. “Victor Hail is in maximum security.”
Damen turned in her arms, taking her into his embrace, looking down at her face in the moonlight. “Does it bring you peace?”
“It brings me closure,” Amelia corrected gently. “Peace is what I feel right here. With you.”
Damen looked at her for a long, breathtaking moment. He reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a small, velvet-lined mahogany box.
Amelia’s breath hitched in her throat.
Damen did not drop to one knee with dramatic flare. Instead, he held the box between them, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a solemn, reverent intensity that brought tears instantly to her eyes.
He flipped the box open.
Inside sat a breathtaking ring—a flawless, emerald-cut dark blue sapphire flanked by two brilliant trapezoid diamonds, set in a band of polished platinum. It was elegant, powerful, unique, and utterly timeless.
“Amelia,” Damen said, his deep voice thick with emotion. “From the moment I stepped out of the shadows in that garage, my world ceased to belong to me alone. You filled every dark corner of my life with your light, your intelligence, and your unshakeable spirit.”
He took the ring from the box, holding her left hand with gentle reverence.
“I do not offer you a quiet life, Amelia,” Damen said softly. “My world is vast, complex, and filled with heavy responsibilities. But I promise you that as long as I draw breath, you will never walk alone. You will be my equal, my partner, my sovereign queen, and my wife.”
Amelia looked from the stunning sapphire up into the eyes of the man who had protected her, honored her, and loved her beyond measure.
“Yes,” Amelia whispered, a tear of joy tracing down her cheek. “Yes, Damen. Absolutely yes.”
May you like
Damen slipped the sapphire ring onto her finger. It fit flawlessly.
He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off her feet as he kissed her with an overwhelming, breathless passion under the vast canopy of the New York sky.
