Darius had kept his word and spent the night at Melanie's apartment. As always, when he was with her, he had slept better than he had in as long as he could remember. Now, they were eating ice cream as they strolled through the park near her home, holding hands.
Melanie led the way to a bench near the pond, where they sat and watched the ducks paddle and dive. She lay her head on Darius' shoulder as they sat quietly, enjoying each other's company until his phone rang. He pulled his phone out and looked at the screen.
“It's your father,” Darius told Melanie before he answered.
“Tell him you are mine today,” Melanie giggled.
Darius shook his head emphatically as he answered his phone, “Yes, my king.”
Melanie leaned tight against him with her head pressed against his so she could als
