Book 2, Chapter 32: Put a ring on it...

**Madison**

Down below us was a massive valley full of wildflowers. Spelled out with pallets of flowers were the words “WILL YOU MARRY ME, ZEMRA IME?” Damien leaned down to speak into my ear, pulling me closer again.

“I know I should ask your fathers for permission, but under the circumstances, that isn’t the sanest option right now. I love you. I have always loved you, Madison. We may not have been together long, and our reunion was definitely memorable, but I have known you your whole life. I don’t need to date you to know that I want to spend every minute of every day with you. I have watched you blossom from a cute, chubby toddler to an intelligent, spunky kid to a sassy, wickedly talented teenager. And now, I get a front row seat to the most gorgeous, selfless, caring woman. I call you Zemra Ime because you are my heart. You are the reason I want to wake up in the morning. I will burn down the world for you. You are my heart, and I beat only for you.” Damien then shifted me around to face him, and he shakily got down on one knee and held my hand. “Will you, Madison O’Donnell, give me the greatest honor and become my wife? Will you marry me, Zemra Ime?” He had tears in his eyes and a massive smile on his face.

“I can’t believe I am going to say this, especially after everything that has happened the last few months, but YES! Yes, Damien Abizi. I will marry you!” I said. He bolted up and hugged me tightly before raining a thousand kisses over my face.

The pilot congratulated us and told us we would land in that field. You could see the crew and guards already getting out of their cars.

The pilot pulled the red line attached to the balloon's top, which opened like a large window blind. Hot air rushed out of the balloon, and we started the descent. It didn’t take too long to clear the trees.

“Brace yourself. Bend your knees and hold on tight. We may bounce a bit,” the pilot warned. The initial landing was not as bumpy as I thought, and the crew was there to help us out of the gondola.

We were escorted closer to the guards as the crew quickly deflated the balloon. When it was safe, the pilot encouraged us to help pack everything. It took twenty minutes with all hands on deck. The pilot broke out a case of expensive champagne, no doubt funded by Damien. Everyone loaded up glasses and made a series of toasts.

While everyone enjoyed the afternoon celebration, Damien pulled out a large black velvet box from his pocket. He didn't want to give it me in the sky for fear it would have fallen overboard. I don't blame him as the inside held the most spectacular ring I have ever seen. And that is saying something because my mother and sisters-in-law have some of the most exquisite jewelry in the world on their fingers. It’s like a rite of passage in the O’Donnell clan to try to one-up each other.

The ring featured a solitary, square-cut, deep yellow diamond, easily twenty karts. The band comprised three intricately braided platinum strips covered in tiny rectangular white diamonds. You would think something so large would look gaudy or too flashy, but it looked elegant.

He slipped it on my finger, and it was a perfect fit. He kissed my hand, holding the promise of our future. I kissed him on his beautiful, soft lips for a few moments. I poured all my love and gratitude into the kiss, letting him go when I believed he got the message. His beaming smile told me he did.

After everyone had a few sips of the bubbly, the pilot cleared his voice.

“It is a common tradition that balloonists give collectors pins for first-time flyers. Now, I know exactly who you are, Mr. Abizi. I am not stupid enough to do anything that would result in me losing a hand or, more likely, my head. So I propose deviating from tradition… I am sure you lovebirds would enjoy pinning each other.

Before you commemorate your experience, please raise your glasses: The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with its warm hands. We have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth!” the pilot concluded, and everyone cheered, clinking their drinks. He handed us the pins and, smiling brightly, took a huge gulp of his champagne.

Damien turns to me and smirks. He makes sure to pull me close with such a smolder in his eyes. He traces the top of my shirt with his index finger before pulling away to take the back off the pin. He then traces my shirt once more before skimming his finger down to my clothed nipple, tracing it lightly and making me shiver. My response to him was instant; my nipple stood erect through the fabric of my silk shirt.

With a gleam of mischief, he puts his hand down my shirt and in my bra. He rubs the pad of his thumb over my erect nipple. I keep my eyes locked on him as I feel the sharp tip of the pin pokes my nipple. He pinned my shirt and my bra, jerk. The slight sting had me gasping. Damien made quick work of securing the back, right in front of my nipple. This was going to be sweet torture. Damien pulled away and showcased my new accessory. The crew and guards all whooped and cheered.

Now, I get to return the favor. Damien isn't the only one who can play dirty.

I pulled him close to me and pulled up on my tippy toes to kiss him until he was breathless. I kissed his neck before locking eyes with him as I sank to my knees. I could hear everyone around us giving ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ah’s.’ Damien’s eyes darkened with lust. I used my nose to trace the button and front flap of his jeans with my nose. His breath hitched, and Little Damien started pushing out. I continued to tease him with my nose, smirking as I found the perfect spot just to the left of the zipper.

I unhooked the back of the pin, put my hand on his waistband, and slipped it inside. I made sure to go inside his boxers, too. The heat of his skin had my core weeping. I touched his king cobra with the back of my hand. He shivered and groaned. I looked up and saw him watching me like I would be his next meal in about three seconds.

I used my other hand to put the pin in my mouth and leaned in close, kissing the side of his pants right on his bulge. Using my tongue to push the pin inside the fabric, I made sure that the sharp edge of the pin barely grazed the side of his enormous manhood before I, too, pinned the back. I removed my hand and stood up, admiring my handy work. Everyone cheered as I smirked. Damien looked down before glaring at me. I knew he was feeling the sharp edges of the back rubbing against the tender flesh.

That look in his eyes made me widen mine. I knew that look all too well and tried to step back. He was too quick, though. He grabbed the back of my neck before I could take another step, shaking his head. “Don’t even think about it, Zemra ime,” he growled.

“I didn’t think, but maybe I hoped?” I whispered.

“You are playing with fire, butterfly,” he whispered in return, grinding his bulge and the pin against my stomach.

“It's a good thing I don’t mind the little pain that comes with the burn,” I teased back, running my hand over his chest.

He growled, and I was upside down over his shoulder before I knew it. “Bye! Thank you for the incredible day!” I yelled to the cheering crew, waving at them. I guess we are celebrating Damien’s way now.

*Author's Note: As a former junior pilot and crew chief, these last two chapters hold a very special place in my heart. If you are interested in Hot Air Ballooning, there are festivals and competitions all over the world throughout the entire year. Many communities also have local clubs that you can get involved with and support*