“Oh you asshole…” Lexie breathed out the words, her voice already choked with happy tears as Patrick pulled a ring box out of his pocket. He ignored the insult. “You’re doing this now?!”

As Patrick lifted up the box toward her, tears were already running down her cheeks and it was like the entire room held a collective breath.

“Lexie Standish. You have made me whole in a way I never thought I could be. I have always loved you, but since I fell in love with you I have never been happier. The collar around your throat and your willing submission to me is more than a man could ever deserve, but I want even more. I want my ring on your finger and you as my wife.”

Lexie was now openly weeping and she wasn’t the only one. In the darkness, Sharon had her hand over her mouth to keep from making any noise as the beautiful scene caught at her emotions.

“I’m so mad at you right now!”

“That’s okay,” he said earnestly. “Take all the time you need to think about it. I’ll wait.”

A chuckle went around the room and even Lexie laughed, shaking her head and her happy tears went flying.

“Of course I’ll marry you!” she cried out, wriggling in her ropes. “But I’m still going to kill you!”

Jumping up, Patrick planted an enthusiastic kiss on her lips, cradling her face in his dark hands. The contrast between his chocolate skin against her pale cheeks and black hair was stunning. The love between them seemed an almost tangible thing, swelling and touching every heart in the room.

As much as he loved his best friend and little sister, Jake wished he could plug his ears as the story of their proposal was told and retold over and over again. There was a reason he hadn’t gone upstairs for the beginning of Marquis’ performances, even though the idea of watching scenes from the anonymity of a dark alcove definitely appealed to him. Especially if he could find some company to watch with him.

However, watching Patrick and Lexie was a definite hell no.

Now that they were done he might go upstairs at some point to check out the staged scenes for the evening.

The opening of Marquis and its party had been split into three parts—the downstairs restaurant area which looked like a regular New Year’s Eve party. Just a very exclusive one, with an open area for dancing. The second floor stage area featured scenes between experienced dominants and submissives who enjoyed being watched were scheduled throughout the evening. Of course, the private rooms were also up there. As far as Jake knew, all the private rooms had already been rented out for the evening—at exorbitant prices.