I took a while to choose it, opting for a platinum band and a cluster of diamonds with a sapphire the exact color of her eyes in the middle, rather than the typical big diamond, guessing she wouldn’t want something too showy. It’s already her size. I measured while she slept with a bit of string. It’s hardly the most invasive bit of stalking I’ve gotten away with where she’s concerned.

She stares at it wordlessly.

It occurs to me I didn’t actually ask. “If you don’t say anything, I’ll have to assume you’ve acquiesced and proceed to booking the venue.”

“Keller, this makes no sense,” she says, eyes flying from the ring to my face. “We only met weeks ago.”

I shrug. “When you know, you know.”

“And you do?” she gasps, astonished for some reason.

“Don't you?” I countered.

“Well, yes.” She doesn't hesitate. “But you're…you. You have tons of options. Girls. Models who’d kill to be with you.”

“So do you. You had Noah. Plenty of guys are sniffing around.”

More than I’d like. Hence the ring.

“You know what I mean,” she counters, starting to pace.

“I don't.”

I understand that her response has everything to do with her lack of confidence, and nothing to do with me. She said “well, yes.” She knows she wants me. Which is why this conversation is going to end very soon, with my ring on her finger and my cock in her ass.

“Claire, I have a lot more dating experience than you do. Trust me, I know. I've always made it quite clear I see a future with you.”

“You weren't joking?” Her voice is half a whisper. “About all of that, and the kids?”

“Well, I don’t truly want an actual dozen. Six, however…”

“We said four.”

“To be debated.” And I’ll win. “Don't worry, I'm in no rush. You've just started college; I have my residency in a few years. And I intend to be fully involved when we decide it’s the right time for children. But I want the world to know who you belong to. As soon as possible.”

Today, if it were doable.

“It’s too soon,” I agree. “But Claire, our relationship isn’t balanced. You will never fully trust me until there’s a ring on your finger saying that it’s forever—or that I would owe you enough to take care of you if somehow we grew apart. This is your security blanket. And the reason I do it is to tell every asshole in and out of town that you’re mine.”

She’s stopped pacing, but still too stunned to respond.