The Billionaire’s Promise (His Submissive #8)(15)
Author: Ava Claire

Rachel dropped the act. “Where’s Jacob?”

“You’re the stalker–you tell me.”

Rachel let out a throaty chuckle. “Funny…I’ll tell you who wasn’t laughing–Jacob’s mother when I told her that her son’s new girlfriend signed a contract surrendering herself for his pleasure.” Her eyes hardened. “Guess who didn’t have to become a submissive to get his love?”

I could have made a scene. There were all sorts of furniture perfect for chunking at her and a perfectly good railing I could toss her over, but she was showing her hand. She was boiling, teetering on the edge of the cliff and she’d fall without me lifting a finger.

“You’re right, Rachel. When Jacob and I started out, our relationship was a sexual one. Guilty as charged.” I took a sip of my wine, the fruity bite reminding me that every second I wasted talking to Rachel was a second I’d never get back. “I’m gonna go mingle. You keep on pouting.”

“Just where do you think you’re–”

A hush rippled over the crowd and Rachel and I both turned our attention to the stage. Jacob was standing in front of the band, undeniably handsome as he leaned in to say something to one of the musicians.

When I heard the first notes of Etta James’ “At Last”, my heart stopped.

This isn’t…Jacob is NOT…

He held out his hand toward me, his lips curved into a delicious grin. My mind went blank and I knew he was asking me to come up, but walking was suddenly this new-fangled thing I’d never done. I had to remember to breathe, struggling to put one foot before the other.

Somehow I made my way to him, my head spinning as he took my hands in his. I knew what was coming but I still couldn’t wrap my mind around it. All I knew for sure was that I wasn’t breathing. Jacob was about to do something monumental and I was gonna pass out right there.

And then he dropped to one knee.

Gasps and ‘Oh my God!’s echoed around us, but all I heard was his question.

“Leila Montgomery–will you marry me?”

I promise you, I’ll never love anyone else. Can you handle that, Leila? Can you give me forever?

I felt the tears stream down my face as the notes swelled. “Yes!”