"Are you re-" he said stopping mid-sentence as I turned around.

"Do you like it?" I asked feeling very tiny under his gaze.

It had been almost a week since I met Ryder's parents. To say it was amazing would be an understatement, it was definitely one of the best nights I've had. I found his mother and I have a lot in common. While his dad and I oddly enough have more in common. Ryder has since then been giving me lessons on how to fight properly.

Against my wishes might I had, he says it's for protection. While I say I'm lazy and don't want too do it, even though I admit it was growing on me. Another thing he was teaching me was how to shoot a gun now that I liked better than the fighting.

Ryder told me about a ball he hosts for his gang to announce new comers or to simply celebrate an achievement, people who are in the gang also invited there families. Which is where I would be meeting them tonight. The attire was formal so I picked out a red ball dress with spaghetti straps, while it flowed a nice red color. I also curled my hair leaving some up and some down.

"I-I love it." Ryder replied to my question with a stammer making my cheeks match my dress, "I love you." he finished when he stood in front of me.

"I love you too Ryder." I said softly with a smile while I looked him over.

He was wearing a formal all black suit with a single rose in his pocket just like last time. Only this time the rose looked better on him since he matched me now. The grin that takes my breathe away all the time made its appearance on his face before he captured my lips in his. It was only a minute before he sadly pulled away leaving me breathless as always.

"You look absolutely entrancing." he whispered into my ear.

•••

As soon as we arrived and entered I noticed two things; one, Ryder had a lot of people in his gang two, they looked just like a family.

The place was beautiful it was a big house with an open field in the back that no doubt probably had a pool as well. There also had to be about a gazillion rooms in this place. To say the least if I knew Ryder was here when he was with the gang half the time I wouldn't have hesitated to tag along. What I was most focused on was the red carpet rolled out when we entered. I felt like a complete Queen with her King.

Although I didn't get to meet anyone yet only smile and wave politely I could still tell they were amazing. Ryder brought me into one of the rooms upstairs that was most likely bigger than the others hence the double doors.

"So tell me why I can't meet anyone yet?" I asked confused as I looked around the huge room.

"Because I have something to ask you first." he stated, I felt his gaze on me as I walked about the room admiring it.

"What is it?" I asked turning around to look at him.

"Well I've told you about the gang but not the history, my dad used to be the leader and his dad before him and so on." he explained as I nodded in understanding, "It was a sort of tradition to ask your person you feel you'll be with forever if..." he looked to be getting nervous when he met my eyes.

"If they could be by your side while you run the gang as sort of a partner." he finished with his eyes now focused on the ground, "So would you want to-"

I couldn't let him finish before I kissed him, "I would love to be your partner n crime." I said with a smile as I pecked his lips again and his hands landed on my waist bringing me into his chest for a hug.

"Thank god." I heard him breath a sigh of relief into my hair as I giggled.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well...since these parties are usually for new comers....it's for you." he replied pulling out of the hug.

Holy shit! This sneaky asshole.

I quickly hit his arm, "Ryder!" I said growing nervous.

"Calm down love, I just say a few words on stage about you which shouldn't be hard, your amazing." he said tucking some hair behind my ear, "Then I make a toast and that's it."

I sighed and nodded my head, "Okay."

"Okay." he repeated my words softly before offering his hand out to me while I gladly accepted it.

•••

"Ladies and Gentleman I would like to introduce you to someone who means the world to me, she's definitely apart of me I never knew I needed and now that I have that part of me it's safe to say I don't ever want to lose it or more specifically, her." Ryder spoke softly and confidently, with the same authority voice I was so drawn too in the beginning.

There was no way I could stop the smile that came onto my face when he said those words about me. My heart was beating so fast at the nerves I felt but, also at how much Ryder just confessed his love for me to everyone here. It was more than reassuring knowing he felt like this for me. On the other hand I was jittery knowing I would be apart of Ryder's gang but, being with him meant all of him and I wanted all of him.

"Octavia Hill." he introduced to everyone, "And one day, soon to be Salvatore." he said pulling me closer to him as he kissed my head while I blushed.

I heard applause and hollers of congratulations coming his way but, I was too lost in Ryder too recognize it.

"So you really want to do this with me?" he asked referring to the whole, running a gang with him as he whole heartedly smiled down at me.

"I'm all in." I said genuinely with a smile of my own as I tilted my head slightly to look up at his tall figure.

"You know I love you." he said leaning down.

"And you know, I love you." I replied softly before our lips connected in a loving kiss.

I couldn't believe I was in a gang, let alone one of the leaders of one. In some weird way this ceremony reminded me of a wedding only it was like I was marrying the gang. Funny enough even though it wasn't a marriage ceremony I knew in my heart it was still a special ceremony. For Ryder and me and I couldn't be more happier than in this moment.