Chapter 43
He had everything planned down to the smallest detail—the flowers, the soft music, the wine waiting at just the right temperature. But nothing mattered more than Viola walking through that door and seeing him, knowing that tonight was about her.
Mack's fingers drummed against the glass table as he rehearsed the words he would say. Viola… you're mine. You've always been mine. I know the past hurt you, but I'll never let anyone touch you again.
He glanced at the ring, the diamond glowing like a promise of fire and forever. His hand itched to hold her, to see her eyes widen, to hear her laugh, to feel that mix of surprise, joy, and surrender he knew he had in him.
When the door opened, Mack's world narrowed. Viola stepped in, hair slightly mussed, cheeks flushed from the walk, and in that moment, he saw everything. She was his—fragile, fierce, and achingly beautiful.
"Hey," she said softly, voice carrying a question she didn't yet know she had.
Mack's lips curved into a slow, possessive smile. "Viola," he murmured, stepping closer so that her breath caught. "You look… perfect."
She tilted her head, suspicious and curious. "What's all this?"
He motioned toward the soft glow of candlelight and the gentle music. "Tonight… is about you. About us." His voice dropped, low and dangerous. "There's something I need you to know. Something I've been holding onto… waiting for the right moment to give you everything."
Her heart thudded, a flutter of anticipation, and Mack could feel it—could feel her reacting to him even before he spoke the words. He moved closer, bridging the small space between them, letting his presence envelop her.
"Viola," he said, voice trembling just slightly under the weight of desire, "you are my everything. Every part of you… every laugh, every scar, every stubborn streak. I've been patient, but I can't wait any longer."
Her pulse jumped, and her lips parted. "M-Mack…"
He knelt down, pulling the velvet box from his pocket and letting it catch the light, the diamond sparkling like the promise of all he intended. "I know the past tried to hurt you. I know it made you doubt yourself, and I know I've hurt you too in ways I can't take back—but I swear, Viola, I will never let anyone—ever—break you again. Will you… be mine? Will you marry me?"
Tears brimmed in her eyes, a mixture of shock, relief, and undeniable desire. Her hand flew to her mouth, trembling, and Mack could see her every fleeting expression, each one making him ache to claim her in every way possible—not just with words, but with his heart, his body, his every ounce of love and possession.
"I…" she whispered, barely audible, and Mack's chest tightened, the tension, desire, and love converging in a single perfect heartbeat.
"Yes," she finally breathed, voice stronger now, eyes locked on his, shimmering with emotion. "Yes, Mack. I'm yours."
Mack didn't wait. He rose, pulled her close, and kissed her like a man who had waited lifetimes for this moment—possessive, tender, consuming. She melted into him, letting every fear, every doubt, every hesitation dissolve under the intensity of their connection.
He pulled back just enough to press his forehead against hers. "You have no idea," he murmured, "how long I've waited for you to say that."
Viola laughed softly, half tears, half joy, "And you made me wait…"
"And it was worth every second," he replied, eyes dark with desire, possessive and loving. "Because now… you're mine. Forever."
Her fingers tangled in his hair, lips brushing against his jaw. "Forever," she whispered, letting the word sink into both of them.
The loft smelled of roses and vanilla, candles flickering softly against the glass walls. Outside, the city's hum was a distant lullaby, but inside, the world was theirs alone. Viola perched on the edge of the couch, spinning the diamond ring between her fingers, her eyes wide and sparkling.
Mack leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, that crooked, dangerous smile plastered across his face. "You keep looking at it like it's going to vanish," he teased, voice low and possessive.
"It's… beautiful," she whispered, still mesmerized. "But so much… it's real?"
"Real enough to make you mine officially," he murmured, crossing the room in long, deliberate strides. He knelt behind her, warm breath brushing her ear. "And I intend to remind you every damn day that you're mine. Forever."
Viola shivered as his hands slid over her shoulders, tracing her collarbone lightly, teasing. "You're insufferable," she said, but there was no bite in her tone—just a laugh that made him grin wider.
"Insufferable?" he repeated, his lips brushing her neck, "I prefer… irresistible."
She rolled her eyes, but her pulse betrayed her. He was impossible, magnetic, and she wanted every inch of him. Mack took that as a cue—slowly, deliberately, he lifted her from the couch, turning her so she faced him. "You know," he murmured, eyes darkening, "I've waited months for this. And now… I can finally show you what I feel."
Before she could protest, his hands gripped her waist, pulling her flush against him. His lips found hers in a kiss that was hungry, teasing, yet tender all at once. Viola's fingers fisted in his shirt, tugging him closer, matching the fire in his kiss.
When he pulled back slightly, just enough for breath, he grinned down at her. "Still think this is just a ring?"
"Maybe not," she whispered, lips curved into a teasing smile. "But you're going to have to show me."
"That's exactly what I plan to do," he said, voice low, hot, possessive. Mack slid his hands over her hips, letting her press against him, feeling her warmth, the fluttering heartbeat beneath his fingers. He dipped his head, nipping at her jaw, her ear, brushing the shell with gentle teeth that made her gasp.
She laughed softly, breathless. "Mack… stop teasing me."
"Stop teasing you?" he echoed, mock offense in his tone. "Viola, I've only just begun."
He guided her back to the couch, gently laying her down, and hovered above her, letting his presence dominate, making it clear he wanted her utterly and completely. Their laughter mixed with whispered confessions, teasing touches, and heated kisses that had both of them trembling.
"You're so… infuriating," she murmured, arching into him.
"And you," he countered, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "are mine. Forever."
Viola closed her eyes, letting the words sink in, the promise and the possession mingling with desire. Mack's hands traced her curves with reverence and a touch of playful dominance, eliciting soft moans and laughter.
Hours slipped by unnoticed as they explored each other, the diamond ring glinting on her hand—a symbol of the love, the fire, and the connection that had grown between them. Mack's possessive teasing blended with tenderness, making Viola feel cherished and desired, safe and untamed all at once.
As they finally lay entwined on the couch, laughter softening into contented sighs, Mack brushed her hair back and whispered, "Engaged. Mine. And I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
Viola smiled against his chest. "Good. Because I don't think I could survive anyone else trying."
He chuckled, pulling her closer. "No one will. Not now. Not ever."
the night crept in real fast, Not only was Vi actually living a life, she has a family, a man that adores her, friends and mostly she feels home. The part of Mac being so possesive is what she loves !
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Do you know what I want to do today?" Mack murmured, his lips brushing her temple.
Viola lifted her head, eyes half-lidded. "Hmm… nap more?" she teased.
He chuckled, low and warm. "Better. A barbecue. Just us, the crew, some good food… laughter. No guns, no chaos. Just—fun."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Your 'crew'?"
"Yeah, my people. My friends. Don't worry—they'll behave… mostly," he said, smirking.
Viola laughed, shaking her head. "You mean they'll try to flirt with me, I'll roll my eyes, and you'll glare enough to make them nervous?"
"Exactly that," he said, pulling her closer. "And you'll love it."
By midday, the backyard was filled with the smell of grilling meat and the sound of laughter. Mack's best friends lounged around, beers in hand, sunglasses on, clearly enjoying themselves—and sneaking glances at Viola, who was in a loose tank top and shorts, laughing with ease.
Mack hovered near her, casual yet impossible to ignore. Every time she smiled, he caught her gaze, giving a subtle possessive tilt of his head, a smirk that said mine. Viola caught herself leaning into him, and she had no intention of hiding it.
"Careful," Mack whispered as she reached for a plate. "Don't burn the steaks."
"Or what? You'll have to carry me to the kitchen?" she teased, grinning.
His hand brushed hers as he adjusted a bottle on the table. "Might just do that," he said, voice low, almost teasingly dangerous.
Viola rolled her eyes, but her heart thumped, and she caught him staring more than once, his eyes dark with amusement and desire.
Sam, already glowing in her pregnancy, was chatting animatedly with another friend, helping Viola set up some side dishes. "Vi," she whispered, nudging her, "look at him. He can't even hide that he thinks you're the only one here."
Viola bit her lip, smiling. "Oh, I've noticed," she whispered back.
The afternoon passed with music, playful teasing, and everyone taking turns at the grill. Mack finally relaxed enough to sit back with a beer, Viola beside him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. Every now and then, he'd squeeze her hand or brush a stray strand of hair from her face, making her laugh and blush.
Later, when the sun dipped low, Mack leaned over and murmured, "This… this right here? I could get used to it. Just you, me, laughter, friends… and no chaos for a while."
Viola smiled up at him, tucking her legs under her. "Me too," she said softly. "It's nice to just… be."
Mack pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And you're mine. Mine even when we're just laughing and drinking in the sun."
She laughed, nudging him playfully. "Okay, Mister Possessive. I get it."