Chapter 9 - Forever Under His Protection
That evening, Gabriel took Sadie to the high cliff overlook near the lake—the very spot where he had proposed to her a year ago under the stars.
The sun was setting across the water, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of deep purple, gold, and crimson. A gentle spring breeze stirred the trees around them.
Gabriel stood behind Sadie, his broad chest pressed against her back, his heavy arms wrapped securely around her waist. She leaned back against him, feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
Sadie turned her head slightly, smiling. “Another gift? Gabriel, you bought me a studio last month.”
Gabriel opened the box. Inside was a custom-designed platinum bracelet, inset with dark emeralds that matched her gala gown, and an inscription carved on the inner band.
He fastened the bracelet onto her wrist gently, then turned her in his arms so she was facing him.
He lifted her wrist, reading the inscription aloud in his deep, rumbling voice:
“My sanctuary. My wife. My forever.”
Sadie felt tears of pure happiness gather in her eyes. She reached up, framing his strong jaw with her hands, looking into the dark eyes that had given her a reason to trust the world again.
“Do you remember what you said to Trevor at the mall?” Sadie whispered, her voice full of tender emotion.
Gabriel smiled softly, his thumb gently wiping away a tear from her cheek. “Which part?”
“When you told him... ‘You just touched my wife.’”
Gabriel’s eyes softened completely, filled with a deep, fierce devotion that would never fade.
“You are my wife, Sadie,” Gabriel murmured, leaning down until his lips were inches from hers. “There is nothing in this world—no man, no danger, no ghost from your past—that will ever touch you again. I will spend every day of my life making sure you know how safe, loved, and treasured you are.”
“I already know,” Sadie whispered.
She pressed her lips to his, giving herself fully to the kiss under the twilight sky.
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The pain of her past was gone, burned away by the fire of a love that was absolute, unyielding, and fierce. She was no longer the girl sleeping in a car, hiding from the world.
She was Sadie Vance. Strong, loved, and protected forever in the arms of the man who ruled her heart.
