May want to reread last chapter to fully understand this one and reunite yourself with what happened last.

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Brooklyn's Heart

"Dazzling Yes"

CH 23

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The King of Brooklyn's eyes slowly lowered as gleam found its way out of his dimming eyes. His head began to droop as his grip on her slowly faltered and loosened, finally pulling himself away from her. He moved back till he was sitting of the wet curb, his knees close enough to rest his elbows on them. His forehead drooped till it rested on his forearms, making his face hidden from her view.

It was taking too much time for her to answer. She was going to say no.

It was unusual to see the King of Brooklyn give up so easily, or to even give up at all. A person who was use to being at the center of things, in the middle of outings, to be known state wide, had completely pulled himself from the outside world, drawing his self in. He had completely given up without so much as a fight, a true survivor going down without so much as a word or refusal.

But it was what Spot Conlon, Brooklyn's finest, did.

Kayla stared at the tiny ring, swiping tenderly at her wet eyes. She did not even notice the warm arms pull away from her. She continued with the inner battle, contemplating the usually simple decision every lady hopefully would have in her live, not knowing whether to say yes...

Or no.

She sniffed as she wiped her hands across her face; her muscles tense and her face tired, and looked again at the ring.

Oh god, she wanted to say yes, more than heart could allow. She wanted a life, a safe life, with this boy... this man. For she knew without a doubt she would be safe with him and completely happy at the same time. Though her mind would not allow her heart to come out the victor. Flashes of circumstances blazed across her eyes, situations that could happen if her uncle was still out there, searching.

No, not searching. She also knew deep within her heart that he had discerned her exact location, for she had lingered too long, far too long. But the reason why he had not come forth and shown himself was greatly clouded to her, lost beyond belief. Even if his presence was not seen and notified, and that it seemed as if he had completely backed off, Kayla was not safe still.

And neither was Spot.

If they ran away, he would follow. If they created a family, he would destroy it. No matter what they did his plans would come through, and would succeed. It only mattered to Kayla how long she could delay it and how many lives she could spare. She knew he wanted revenge for this little chase around the world, and anyone she came close to was in danger.

But Kayla would not allow Spot and his newsies to become plunged in the middle of this affair. She would not risk their lives for her happiness.

She would have to say no.

Kayla slowly glanced up, her heart shattering as she knew what she needed to do. Her empty hand went to her chest, holding tight to it as immense sorrow filled her being, making her throat close, emotions stealing her ability to speak, making it unbearable enough to breathe.

Throughout her time with Spot Conlon, the Ruler of Brooklyn, King of newspapers, it was as though a rose had sprouted within her damaged heart. It was a great blooming flower; the petals washed with a deep, vibrant red. It brought sweet fragrance to her life, making every moment almost giddy with the scent, its addicting aroma. And its beauty seemed to spread and blossom within her life; making things unseen materialize suddenly with unimaginable colors and vast meanings. It was if a whole new world was now before her once-blind eyes.

But with roses was there was something dangerous that came with them. Though, oh no, not with this flower. It was perfectly safe and enchanting.

Until now.

Thick, hard vines wrapped around her vulnerable heart, the blossom shriveling to a bud, hiding itself, protecting itself, shunning away before harm and shame spread. The dark green stems mercilessly wound themselves, making her body ache, betraying her trust with once bringing bliss and paradise, now harm and destruction. Sharp, perilous thorns grew rapidly out of the unbreakable ropes. They dripped with jealous, hate, anger; deceiving her true emotions, burying them deep inside their cage and their binding tangles of wickedness, condemning them to always be held within altered and unnoticed.

Kayla felt as though she could not breathe, as if something inside constricted her from doing so, stopping her from saying horrible words. But she had to; he needed to know the truth. She hated, no, despised herself for bringing so much pain and confusion, but she couldn't give herself the life she needed, and in doing so unfortunately stopped him from having that life as well.

With the ring clasped in her fist, she leaned forward on that hand bringing her closer to Spot. Her other hand was still clenched tightly on her chest, trying to stop the pain welding within her body, but it was unsuccessful, for she knew deep within her overthrown heart she would, and will, forever bear this pain. She forced herself to open her mouth and begin with her answer-

But stopped.

It was not she, or some hidden power deep within herself that made her discontinue and withheld speech, but Spot him self, or moreover his appearance that did.

He looked so... so fragile... so broken sitting there, hidden from view. His body was drenched and cold, his emotions veiled and distraught. So much like a child. It broke her heart even more.

She whispered brokenly as she stared sadly at him, "I-I'm sor- sorry. I ju- just can't..."

Spot's face instantly appeared, taking her by surprise. Spot didn't notice or seemed to ignore it as he question terrified, "Why? Why not? Don't you love me?"

Kayla gulped, her eyes involuntarily closing with the pain his words unintentionally brought. She sniffed again as she sat upright, her back rigid with hurt and sadness. Why was she doing this? His eyes scathed hers as he had stared at her with so much pain. Even now, with her own closed, she could feel them burning into hers; not from anger but misery.

"Yes of course..." she whispered pityingly. "But w-we cant. My uncle... he'll... he'll come for me. We just cant."

With the ring tightly in her fist she sighed, rubbing her eyes.

More tears escaped as she continued, "Spot, sweety, you won't be safe... you're not even safe right now. I'm sorry we just can't..."

She took a large breath as she tried to prepare herself for what was next said. Her eyes closed painfully as her voice broke.

"This has to end, babe. I'm going to..." her voice ended. Her clenched hands went to her chest as she desperately tried again, her whimpers mingling with her words. "I'm going to have to leave... leave you."

"No!" he yelled. "No..." he whispered in desperation.

He was going to find an excuse, any reason to stop her from saying no, to stop her from leaving him! There had to be a way... There had to be.

His eyes searched frantically across the barren street and struggled. "We could-we could change our names! Ru-run away and get ma-married. We cou-"

"I can't Spot."

She looked out to the street, to the sky, her eyes distant and yet so near, and whispered, as though vowing to herself, "No matter what I do he will come. And he will not stop until this is finished and I am dead." She sighed sadly and lowered her head; her gaze following the rushing streams across the road.

Her voice then came slowly, her words deep with meaning and prophecy and... truth.

"My name betrays me. It is my curse, for if I were another there would be no reason to destroy my life. With my heritage and my given name I am hunted just for the treasures it comes with. And I must bear with it... alone."

She then glanced to Spot, her eyes alive and bright, her smile grand furthermore distressing, and stated softly to him in her kindest voice, "You cannot be near me. You cannot marry me. You can't even love me, for your life will be forfeit if you dare."

"But I do dare!"

The loud statement echoed throughout the street, shocking them both into silence. Even through the pulsation of the rain, Kayla and Spot hard breathing was still heard. His chest was heaving as he stared heatedly at her. His eyes gazed intently through her again, like usual, and just like always she was able to read each emotion. Fear; for her may leaving him and her unsafe, anger; for her uncle, love; eternally for her, sadness; or the threat of being alone. Defiance... he was not going to give up.

Spot leaped forward, grasping her face within his gentle hands. His eyes were filled with determination. His body now held confidence and power; his voice stated in such a passion that no one would dare otherwise contradict him. But, along with the passion came the grief, his voice cracking with emotion.

He stared at her eyes, his shifting to each one, his filling with unshed tears that threatened to descend with each much-felt word. "But I do dare," he whispered sadly. He shook his head gloomily as the tears did fall, combining with the tears of the dark skies.

He continued softly, brokenly, "But I do... Oh I do pretty face. My life is forfeit then, for without you there is no life. There is nothing worth existing for without you here with me. I will not let you stop me. I will remain by you side, and I will marry you, and I will even love you."

He glanced down to her shaking lips, moving forward to as though take them with his own but stopped. He looked to her eyes before finally giving into her exoticness and his passion, and kissed her silently. She more than willingly gave in; she gave into their happiness.

As he continued to kiss her hotly, inside she was squirming, as well on the outside. His words, his sweet words, had done it for her. She had already made the decision and his declaration and his kiss, and finally pushed her in the right way.

Kayla slowly pulled away from, still held within his arms but far enough away to be seen. She sniffed, her lips quivering and stared at him for a moment before throwing her arms around his neck.

"Yes." She shouted. "Yes! Yes!" she hugged him tightly as her eyes shut in bliss. She couldn't let him go; she needed him in her life, no matter the consequences or the dangers. They belonged together and they would end this with her Uncle and truly be happy.

Spot's mouth was open as he stared beyond him. His hands had instantly wrapped around her small waist without so much as a thought, but it did not register till after a full minute of her hugging what Kayla had actually said. His sharp features immediately went wide as unbelief slowed his reactions before bursting with happiness, surprising a squeal out of Kayla.

Spot jumped to his feet and swirled Kayla high in the air, his laughter ringing in the soft pounding of the rain, singing with hers as Kayla giggled in delight. Not before gently sliding the ring on her finger of course.

Kayla smiled happily as she tenderly closed her eyes and raised her face to the skies and sailed her arms wide in the air, looking as though in love with life it's self. She continued giggling as she felt the soft droplets of the sky upon her unmarred face and opened her eyes as she hugged herself, glitter and gleam shinning behind her golden orbs. As Spot began to spin her faster, her small arms had to grasp his broad shoulders for support. Her eyes then sought out Spot's and she laughed as she saw his beautiful face.

With his broad grin and dazzling eyes, he looked years beyond 18. Dimples were at the corners of his sexy smile, adding great contrast to his chiseled jaw and cheekbones. Kayla's smile began to fade as she stared transfixed.

He wasn't the boy leader anymore. He was Alex, the eighteen year old, and far too sexy for his own good. She giggled softy as a light blush glowed on her tender cheeks. Oh lord... she was marrying him! Could anyone feel more intimidated? She only reached his chin!

Kayla didn't even note that he had put her down slowly, or witness the confused yet happy look on his face as he stared at her in wonder. She was in her own world. Small gentle hands came up and smoothed across his broad shoulders, following their own trails down his chest and up again. Smooth fingertips traced his firm jaw and across his cheeks. A brave finger followed down his perfect nose and to the valley of his lips. Such strong lips, she pondered. Kayla giggled. Such tasty lips!

Immense happiness filled her entire being, trust filling her every space, and love... love was so strong at that moment for her, it was almost too overpowering. As she gazed into his eyes, she realized she wouldn't want it any other possible way.

Spot leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, bringing her closer within his strong arms. Before whispering in a low voice, he nipped her earlobe, making her shiver.

"You and I are going to be very happy. Especially during the nights, huh babe?"

A sweet laugh echoed down the wet streets.

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Poker chips were launched across the room. A large snarl was heard from the newsie at the head of the table. Everyone watched him warily for a moment before jumping in surprise as the table they were sitting at was overturned suddenly.

The runner who had been the one to give the leader the news gulped and quickly backed away. God, why didn't he just work at the factories...

Though the King didn't touch him, only an unlucky fellow who was also near. Growling, he punched him directly in the jaw, sending him sprawling, and just as he hit the ground, the unlucky kid was awarded with a large kick to the stomach.

The leader whirled away and with his face to the ceiling yelled with all his might and pent-up anger.

"They accepted her?!?"

His head then lowered as he began breathing hard. His shoulders heaved up and down, as he seemed to try calming himself. If he was trying hard or not, it did not work either way, for he suddenly grabbed the newsie runner by his collar and lifted him off his feet.

Whispering menacingly, he stated, "Go to the boss. Tell him we attack in four days time and then he'll get what he wants."

The boy nodded frantically, and as soon as he was dropped, he scuttled away as fast as he could out of the warehouse and into the rain.

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A/N:

I know some of you are quite against this marriage at their age...but I exactly don't care... at all. They are in love and if they want to they'll get married. Its not like they are going to be married next chapter...oh no. Quite on the contrary. Spot is too smart for that. He'll wait...They'll wait.

And this may not be my longest chapter but it's to the point.

Please review. I would like to hear from all of you and what you think of their union in the future...that is if nothing in the stars and the fates stop them.

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...Dragons soar...

...Fairies glitter...

...Goblins trick...

...Knights save...

...Mermaids glide...

...Unicorns fly...

...Princesses dream...

...Wizards hex...

...Elves mystify...

Always Have...
Always Will...

...INSIDE MY DREAMS...

erinsailorditz