🥀 39 🥀

A/N: this is my longest chapter yet! Just a heads up. Enjoy xo——-

~♡~

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Lyla asks nervously as she slides on her black YSL heels that were another gift from Loki.

Recently it felt like every day deliveries of designer goods were flooding the house. Lyla had begged him to stop but Loki had simply told her he was thrilled he had her properly for the first time and he wanted all his money to be worn on her.

Loki buttons up his shirt, fixing his Prada watch before turning to look at Lyla who's sitting anxiously on the edge of their king size bed.

Their.

Lyla sighs at the thought. It was so crazy how they'd actually moved in together now. It was different from before when she'd come to stay.

They were still figuring out how to blend Lyla's artsy and quirky interiors with Loki's sleek modernistic vibes. Loki's only solution was to renovate the entire house. Lyla had told him he would do nothing of the sort, that they'd meld their styles together, as they always did.

Loki had insisted he get a contractor in to create one room for her though. She had given him that much.

Loki sighs pulling her close to him by her waist, his cool fingers gripping the fabric of her tight Hermés dress welcomingly. She smiles as she looks up at the once dangerous and handsome stranger who she could call her boyfriend now.

"You're my Queen, and you need to be introduced to your kingdom, do you not?" Loki muses as he kisses her softly on the lips.

It's teasing and Lyla frowns, wanting more, but he pulls away, chuckling.

"I suppose. I'm worried they won't accept me as your partner. This is very different to going to work in a library." Lyla rolls her eyes, letting Loki take her hand and press her even closer to him.

"My Queen deserves a throne. And she shall have one, running New York with me. The men already respect you, the ones that matter anyway. You've proven you can get your hands dirty when you need to. And I have a feeling that you've enjoyed certain aspects of this darker lifestyle than you might like to admit." Loki purs as he kisses her neck softly.

Lyla hums in pleasure.

"It's quite the career change that's for certain. But I did all the expenses and accounting for the library too, as well as helping Nat with her business behind the scenes, so I want to learn more. I want to be useful to the family." She breathes as Loki pulls back to study her face, a mischievous grin dancing across his lips now.

"Oh I can think of a few ways you'll be very useful indeed." He whispers and Lyla laughs, hitting his chest.

"I'm kidding, although if you did want to just stay locked in my office all day waiting for me to come and fuck you I'd be perfectly content with that. I'd definitely make it worth your time." He wiggles his eyebrows.

Lyla pushes him further away now, grabbing her purse and her coat and gesturing for him to walk out the room with her.

"You're a fool Laufeyson. I mean it. I know what I'm getting in for with this. I know we're working on the dark side of the law. But I feel safe. I can't go back to normality now. It'd be too dull. Not when you've shown me what life can really be like." She says, biting her lip in a teasing way.

Loki groans, adjusting his slacks as he presses her against the doorframe.

"You're so sexy when you're holding a gun by the way, did I ever tell you that before? I can't stop thinking about you pointing it, holding the trigger, so powerful, so beautiful..." He murmurs, going to kiss her again, but she holds up a hand to stop him.

"Maybe I'll let you fuck me with it tonight. But first, we can't be late. We have that meeting with the Zemo's remember?" Lyla whispers, as Loki presses his forehead to her neck in exasperation.

"Fucking hell you're going to be the death of me woman." Loki groans as Lyla feels his erection press against her stomach.

"We will take care of that later. I promise." She winks as she slips out of Loki's grasp.

He collapses against the doorframe where she was, watching her as she makes her way to the elevator, swaying her hips purposefully to tease him.

——

Lyla's nerves are non-existent by the time they arrive at the office tower. Loki had been showering her with affections and worship the whole car ride, even trying to put the divider up to Peter to initiate some fun which Lyla had stopped, wanting to increase his sexual frustration, secretly hoping for a punishment later. She loved it when Loki went fully feral on her.

Loki rounds the car at the kerb, beating Peter to opening Lyla's door for her as she takes his hand and steps out, her heels clicking against the sidewalk.

"I can't believe I get to show you off as mine, formally." He says as he looks her up and down again.

She licks her lips as she thanks Peter, her and Loki strutting hand in hand into the building with a sense of regality and power.

The first thing Lyla notices is how all the staff and employees greet them, bowing heads and averting gazes or with extreme manners.

Loki had earned respect (and fear she assumed) within the organisation, and it showed. It turned her on to no end, seeing him here, running his dominion. She'd seen the practical side of his work, but seeing him in business mode was attractive as fuck.

They stride past a receptionists desk, the middle aged woman glancing up quickly before doing a double take. She stands up and walks alongside the pair, her feet trying to catch up.

"Good morning Sir. Good morning Miss, I assume, Glass? It's lovely to finally meet you. My, you are beautiful!" She gushes and Lyla smiles at her gratefully.

Loki turns to look at her as they walk across the marbled floor, running late to the meeting.

"Good morning Sarah. I presume everyone is already in there?" Loki asks as he grips Lylas band harder, letting her know it will be ok. But Lyla doesn't need it, with Loki by her side she feels confident.

"They are Sir. I have some messages for you, I'll give them to you after your meeting. There was a phone call of confirmation from the place you told me to tell you about." Sarah says, the last part more intensely than the rest.

Loki gives her a firm nod as he dismisses her.

"She seems nice." Lyla notes as Loki pulls her along. He hums.

"She helps me keep things running smoothly. Anything you need, just ask her."

"I need another coffee already, is it too late to ask her now?" Lyla laughs but Loki reaches the boardroom doors, smiling at Lyla.

"If I know Sarah I can imagine she's gone to do just that my Love. Have no fear." He murmurs as he swings the door open, holding it for her.

Lyla walks into the room first, feeling all eyes on her as does so. She briefly scans the room, seeing some faces she recognises before the men begin to stand up one by one out of respect.

Loki is soon by her side, hand on the small of her back and leading her to the end of the table where he sits at the head, pulling her down onto his lap.

Lyla feels self conscious and worries about the intimate gesture in front of everyone. But she also knows that he is doing it to show everyone that she is his and to also keep her within arms reach. Ever since everything had happened, the two hadn't stopped being physically entwined at any point.

Sarah hurries back in, placing two coffees, cream and sugar before the two of them, taking their coats and hanging them on the rack before she leaves. Lyla already liked this woman.

The men eventually sit down as Loki gestures for them to do so.

Lyla catches Steve's eye from across the table as he gives her a friendly wink, before seeing Clint was also there, and Thor on the other side of Loki.

She recognises Zemo from the party on the opposite end, talking in an unknown language to some others next to him, and a couple of other men she's never seen before. She's suddenly acutely aware of what she's wearing and how she's the only female in here.

Normally that would make her feel intimidated. But not this time. This time she feels powerful. That she has this much control over this many people without even speaking. She wonders what she could get them to do for her if she demanded it. Both due to how she's dressed and who her partner is.

Loki holds Lyla's waist firmly as Thor clears his throat, gesturing for Loki to start.

"Good morning gentlemen. Let's get this over with. This is Lyla, though you will refer to her as Miss Glass unless she instructs otherwise. She will be part of the daily running of the organisation from now on. You are not to question her judgements, decisions, opinions or treat her in any less than way you'd treat me. I feel I need not remind you of the mortal consequences if even one of you so much as looks at her in an unwanted way, am I correct?" Loki growls, his voice sure and steady.

Lyla feels herself clench at his words. So authoritative. She loves it.

All of the men murmur their acceptances as Loki and Thor continue explaining how the girls will be around more, helping to provide strategic and planning insight they may overlook due to their...unstable natures.

Loki also makes it known that the girls are a threat of their own and not to be underestimated.

It was true, ever since Lyla got a taste for blood she was craving it again. Like a nicotine addiction, needing a fix. She wanted to keep up her skills, so she was keen for Loki to take her along to things and use her to his advantage. She trusted he would keep her safe.

They discussed shipment paths and the Barnes' family retirement, buying out Bucky's father and paying for their private family funeral as a gesture of goodwill. Zemo had brought in another family to link to Mexico which the brothers were more than happy of.

After another hour or so, Loki dismissed the meeting and the men filed out one by one, thanking him and telling Lyla how nice it was to meet her. She had never had so many grown men treat her with so much respect or fear before.

She would get used to this just fine.

Steve round the table and pulls Lyla into a hug as she stands from Loki's lap. She notes Loki's scowl as Steve does so but knows that he is Loki's most trusted employee and friend so he lets it slide.

"So good to see you here Miss Glass." Steve says as he emphasises her formal name.

She hits his arm playfully.

"Lyla to you. And you only. Oh, and Clint." She winks as Clint throws a salute before leaving the room, busy to chase down a lead after orders given to him.

"I feel honoured." Steve jokes as Thor joins them too now.

"Brother remember I need to leave earlier today. I have that appointment at two." Thor says as he gives Lyla a friendly side hug.

Thor had quickly become a brother to Lyla and though he was completely opposite of Loki, Lyla loved him for it. She'd never met someone who had treated her sister so well, so she was grateful for that too.

Steve raises his eyebrows as he looks between the two, unaware what's going on. Lyla presses her lips together to hide the smile.

Loki looks at Thor, shrugging as Steve then looks at him. Thor eventually sighs, throwing his hands in the air.

"Nat's pregnant.' He confesses and Loki chuckles at his brothers inability to hold a secret for any amount of time.

Lyla hits Thors shoulder teasingly as Steve's jaw drops.

"What the fuck dude...you're going to be a Dad! What the Hell?" Steve shouts as he jumps and pulls him into a hug.

Thor's face is practically beaming at the reaction and Lyla knows that despite this being not what they'd planned, they'd obviously made their peace with it.

Over the last two weeks she'd learnt that Nat had slowly moved in with Thor also, needing the extra space for when the baby arrived. She had kept her own apartment to use as a home office for event planning, which she'd now mostly be doing for the businesses and functions the brothers ran.

"I know, it's worrying how just anyone can breed these days." Loki taunts as Lyla slips a hand around his waist, pulling him away with an apologetic look towards Thor.

"Let him have his moment. Besides that's my nephew or niece you're speaking about." Lyla whispers as she reaches her arms around his neck, kissing Loki.

He holds her face, returning the enthusiasm as they tune out the conversation the two men were having.

"And mine also, Darling." Loki purrs.

"I can't imagine you as an Uncle. Or even interacting with kids...have you ever held a baby?" Lyla laughs now at the image, finding it highly amusing.

Loki laughs, taking a light swat at her ass, tutting.

"No, but I have once held a hand grenade without the pin in place for thirty five minutes, so it can't be worse than that can it?" He murmurs as he kisses her jaw now.

Lyla feels herself flush.

"Oh, very different." She muses.

They're interrupted by clearing of throats, turning to face the two men who have scrunched up their faces in mock disgust.

"Gonna have to get used to this with the boss lady around now aren't we?" Steve groans jokingly as he picks up a file off the table, moving backwards towards the boardroom doors.

Thor follows him, hitting Loki on the shoulder as he passes.

"Hey! Watch it or you'll be back to Miss Glass, or better yet, Ma'am." Lyla taunts as Loki grabs her ass again, obviously appreciating the sass.

Just before Thor leaves however Lyla shouts over Loki's shoulder.

"I know it's the twelve week scan Thor! I want pictures asap and if I don't get them by three I will physically come and find you!" Lyla shouts as a warning. Thor holds his hands up, laughing and agreeing as he leaves the two of them in the empty room.

"Well I think overall that went relatively well didn't it Pet?" Loki asks as he carries on kissing her down her neck, to her collarbones, beginning to suck and nibble slightly with his teeth.

Lyla laughs, her hands wrapping into his locks of raven hair as he continues to press against her, feeling herself getting incredibly worked up after sitting on his knee all morning.

"Hmm yes I think I will enjoy coming here, into work with you, and making all these men worship me and do my bidding." She says in a sultry tone as Loki digs his teeth in hard in warning now, letting a disgruntled noise leave his lips.

"I think I need to remind you who you answer to, and to who only." Loki growls as he picks her up around the waist and places her on the conference table.

Lyla squeaks as she feels the cool metal hit the back of her legs, before Loki has pressed her back down too, looming over her.

"I answer to no one." Lyla teases, knowing it will rile him up.

Loki studies her face before pushing her dress up around her waist quickly, ripping her lace pants off in one motion. Lyla shrieks again at the suddenness of the gesture.

"You won't be saying that when my dick is so far in you that you can feel it in your stomach, filling you up with me, I'll make sure throughout the whole day you are never empty of me. Whenever you think I am done coming out of you, I will fill you up again. Do you hear me?" Loki orders in a low tone and Lyla can feel her wetness trickle down her thigh.

She squeezes her legs together for some form of release before Loki throws them apart, putting a knee between them to stop her from closing.

"Answer me my filthy Pet." Loki whispers and his eyes blacken.

Lyla swallows hard, nodding.

"Yes Sir. Fill me up with your cum. I want to be fucked by you all day." She coos as she sees the tent in his trousers grow.

"I will never tire of your beautiful pussy Lyla. All for me." He groans as he leans down and licks a stripe against her bare skin.

She bucks forward, keening up into him as she instantly moans at the feeling. She hadn't realised how worked up she'd been. He smirks as he comes back up to her, hovering over her lips before thrusting his tongue in so she could taste herself.

With no warning he pulls away, flipping her onto her stomach and pulling her waist to the edge of the tables so her heels are on the floor, keeping her at a right angle over the metal. She groans.

"Now for that sass you're getting ten spanks. Count each one. Thank me after it. Or there will be even more trouble." He orders.

Lyla presses her fingertips against the table, unable to control the emotion that's bubbling through her. She absolutely loves the painful pleasure that only Loki can give her.

Before she can prepare herself she feels a hard swat come down on her ass cheek. She presses harder against the table, trying to find friction against her clit as she does, crying out a little, before remembering his strict instructions.

"One, thank you Sir." She moans as he gives her no time for reprieve before the next is landing.

Harder than the one before. It's already stinging and she's only two down.

"Two. Thank you Sir." She repeats as she hopes he alternates which side he hits for relief.

Unfortunately she's in no such luck.

A large slapping sound is heard as she feels the stinging sensation burns across her again. She knows Loki is enjoying this from the sounds coming out of his mouth.

"Three, thank you Sir." She mewls as he continues, each getting louder and sharper.

She's sure that someone will hear, that someone could walk in and lose all respect they may have had for her. But she also knows Loki wouldn't let them live to tell the tale.

Eventually she's at the last one, tears slipping down her cheeks, her pussy desperately aching to be touched.

"Ten. Thank you Sir." She cries as she moans in relief.

Loki bends down, licking over the hot skin which she's sure will have bruised. She knows she won't be able to sit down for a few days with the force that he's done it. He leans forward over her, his lips against her ear.

"Good. Fucking. Girl."

Lyla feels her eyes roll into the back of her head at her favourite phrase. Loki pulls back, slipping his hand between her cheeks and down across her slit, feeling how soaked she is. The light pressure of his fingers against her core could be enough to tip her over. And he knows it.

"I love the way you react to me. So responsive." He fawns over her as he slowly curls a finger inside her, making her bite her lip to stifle the moan at how welcome it feels.

He watches every micro expression on her face, and she loves that he pays attention to her body language so much.

He slowly adds another finger, scissoring her wider open to prepare for him. The stretch feels so delicious as he presses against her G spot, his other hand undoing the belt and zip of his slacks to free his dick.

He quickly takes his fingers out of her, moving her back onto her back again so she can face him as he pleasures her and himself.

Lyla's eyes never leave his hand as he begins to stroke his erection, palming himself and moaning at the sight before him and his own pleasure. Lyla feels like there are fireworks waiting to be set alight between her thighs and the view of Loki pleasuring himself to her is insanely hot.

"Does that feel good my Love? Do you like it when I fuck you with my fingers, cover them in your juices?" Loki presses as Lyla can do nothing but nod her head enthusiastically.

She is desperate for her clit to be touched and Loki knows it.

"Please...Sir, please can you....fuckkk!" Lyla can't finish her sentence before Loki pulls his fingers from her and has pushed his cock into her harshly.

She lets out a strangled moan as he moves a hand around her neck, gripping hard and forcing her head up to look at him.

His other hand lands a slap on her clit as she squeezes her thighs around his legs, automatically pushing him in deeper.

"What was my little Pet pleading for before she took my dick?" He asks teasingly as he slaps her clit again.

However this time his fingers stay there and begin pacing in fast circles, making her feel positively sinful.

He lifts her by the neck so she is sitting up now as she grips onto the arm that's holding her up with both hands for leverage.

She looks down and sees his cock ramming into her, hitting her so deep she isn't sure how much more she can take it. He continues thrusting as he pulls on her neck, making her feel light headed in the best way possible.

"I wanted...I want... I need to cum please Loki, please. I can't hold it any longer." Lyla whispers as her vision begins blackening out at the lack of oxygen.

Her dress is still bunched up around her and she's reminded of the first time they fucked at Loki's poker party. Loki continues his brutal pace and assault on her clit.

His face glows with delight at her begging. She sees the sweat forming on his forehead and can see his abs tensing beneath his shirt as she knows he's getting close too. He fucks her with a mixture of so much love and rage Lyla isn't sure which one is winning.

Loki glanced down to where his pelvis meets her, continuing rubbing as he suddenly bends down, sinking his teeth into her shoulder.

In response, Lyla lets go of his arm and claws at his neck under his collar, trying to seek relief from the intensity of what she's feeling. She sees Loki wince slightly at the feeling before he whispers in her ear.

"Cum around my cock, you filthy whore."

With those magic words Lyla feels her vision fade as her whole body begins to spasm.

Her fingers press in even harder to Loki, but they both ignore the painful sensations between them as they finish together, climbing the peak and lurching themselves off it.

Loki roars so loudly Lyla is sure the whole building can hear how harshly he's fucking her, and her too as she literally screams his name before she feels her head hit the back of the table harshly and her eyes shut.

She reopens her eyes to what feels like moments later to a worried looking Loki who is hovering over her.

Relief floods his face as she lazily smiles up at him, feeling warm and dizzy all over. She doesn't think she's ever come so hard before. She can feel wetness seep out between her legs and sees Loki has done his trousers back up.

"Hi." She says hoarsely as Loki kisses her forehead, before his eyes trail down to her neck.

"Fuck, Lyla, I'm so sorry my Love, I think I got too carried away. I was panicked there for a second." He confesses as he kisses lightly around her neck.

She winces at the feeling, trailing a hand up to touch the tender skin.

"Did I pass out? What even happened?" She asks confused as Loki slowly lifts her up so she's sitting upright.

He pours her a cup of water from the jug in the middle as he laughs, uneasily. Lyla feels herself go red at the thought.

"Maybe. I think you just experienced your first proper asphyxiation orgasm. I'm so sorry Ly. I just...something took over." Loki grimaces as he kisses all over her face and hands.

Lyla shakes her head as she puts the water down, grabbing Loki's face.

"Lokes. That was...amazing. I've never cum so hard before. I liked it." She whispers and Loki looks a little relieved.

Lyla frowns as she gasps when she sees the state of his own shoulders and neck.

"Fuck. I think we're even." She says with a hand over her mouth.

She laughs slightly as Loki looks confused, before he reaches a hand up, feeling blood swipe across his fingers from the deep scratches Lyla has left on him.

He smirks as Lyla grabs his hand, putting his finger in her mouth and sucking off the blood. Loki visibly tenses and Lyla realises just how much he's enjoyed what she's done. She cannot believe how dirty she's become.

"We should do this again sometime." She says with a wink as she readjusts herself, gesturing for Loki to give her some tissues from off the desk to clean herself up.

Loki stands there shell shocked at the beautiful dark goddess before him. Suddenly so sure of his decision to have her by his side for the rest of his life.

"You're amazing." He whispers as hobbles off the table to sort herself out.

She turns around, kissing him firmly on the mouth.

"Go return those calls you need to make and then you can keep your promise to me by keeping me filled up." She whispers.

Loki all but runs out the room.

~♤~

Loki turns the velvet box over and over in his palm. He had picked up the ring last week, and the reservations had been made for a beautiful rooftop bar restaurant that overlooked all of New York in a private suite.

It was Lyla's birthday today, and he would be taking her out for a lavish meal, spoiling her rotten all day with gifts and sex before he brought her back to theirs to reveal what he'd had the construction workers building for the last week. They'd been paid triple to finish as soon as possible.

All he wanted was for her to be happy and safe, by his side forever, powerful and confident like he'd seen her be recently. Yet she still retained that warmth towards others, the life, the empathy that he envied.

He knew his mother would tell him this was the best decision he'd ever made. He hopes somewhere she's watching him now, proud of him.

He had shown Natasha and his brother the ring when they had gone round last week to theirs to look at sonogram pictures and let the girls catch up. Most of the mob knew by now that Thor's girl was pregnant and that Natasha and Lyla were a permanent fixture in the company. They'd been met with little resistance after everything. It seemed everyone was as besotted with them as the brothers.

Loki felt content. And it was a weird fucking feeling. It sat in his chest like a lodged piece of food. Unfamiliar and uncomfortable despite it being a good thing. There was so much the brothers had to lose now. But so much to fight for also.

He puts the ring away in his trouser pockets, going back to whisking the pancakes that Lyla had insisted he make for her instead of their chef. He had pretended to mind, but being able to make and provide something for her that was his doing was what he secretly loved.

Lyla just then dances into the room, Fleetwood Mac playing on the antique record player in the dining room accompanying the kitchen as she twirls around to him. He laughs looking at her, so happy and healthy.

She was his whole world. And he would burn this Earth to cinders if she asked him to.

She runs to him and wraps her arms around his waist, excitedly asking about the day they had planned which Loki gave nothing away of. She pouts as he tells her she will have to simply wait.

After opening all of her presents which included a Burberry bag, YSL make up, more Agent Provocateur underwear to replace the endless amount Loki ripped from her body, Chanel perfume, more vinyls for her record player (original editions) and tickets to see Hamilton in a VIP box, they found themselves tangled in the sheets with Lyla expressing her gratitude.

The day had whizzed by and Loki was feeling nervous as they sat holding hands in the restaurant, watching the sparkling lights of the city below them and soaking in each others uninterrupted company. It was heavenly.

Lyla leans happily against Loki in the back of the car as he strokes her arm, breathing in her scent. This is what heaven was like.

"Have you had a good day my love?" Loki asks.

Lyla turns to face him, her bright eyes beaming up at him as she wears the dress he bought for the occasion, a stunning deep green colour that he loved so much. She looked breath-taking.

"Loki. I've never had such a magical birthday in my whole life. I don't know what I've done to deserve it." She says happily as she strokes the side of his face.

He kisses her temple softly.

"I told you at the beginning of us Lyla, you are never to underestimate yourself and what I feel for you. You are my absolute everything." He responds and Lyla closes her eyes as she nestled into him.

As the car pulls into the grounds and Peter bids them goodnight, he gives Loki a knowing smile as they walk hand in hand back into the house.

Lyla slips off her heels, rubbing her aching feet as she yawns tiredly. Loki feels his heart steady to hammer against his ribs in anxiety.

He suddenly worries she will reject him. That she will come to her senses and run far away. Despite how far they have come. He cannot be in a world where she isn't his. He wants to be bound to her in every way possible and therefore Loki knows he must follow his heart. Something he shut off for so long before she came along.

"I have one final surprise for you." Loki says suddenly as Lyla turns to face him, her eyes suspiciously narrowing him.

"I knew you were up to something Baby." She says as she reaches for his open hand, as he guides her towards the part of the house that had been under construction for the last week. Lyla looks confused as he hovers outside the door.

"This is for you Lyla. This room is yours. I hope you like it." He says softly as nerves take over his voice. Lyla frowns at him before she hesitates and pushes the handle open to the huge room.

Loki watches her closely as her eyes adjust, taking everything in, in absolute wonder and delight. She spins around, looking at the room from every angle before tears form in her eyes and a huge beam breaks out across her features. She tries to speak but no words come out. She simply turns back to look at Loki as she begins to cry.

"Loki...what..." she begins as Loki moves next to her, holding her palm tightly as he laughs at her expression. She looks equally bewildered and amazed in one.

"I built you your own library." Loki says softly as Lyla brings her free hand up to her face to wipe away the tears.

The room is massive and features bookshelves on every available part of the wall. It is different from the rest of his house. It is perfectly Lyla. He has moved her beloved posters and artwork from her flat into here with her colourful sofa and throws, a luscious armchair sits next to it with a huge fireplace in the centre. Above the fireplace, Loki had commissioned a portrait of the picture Melina had sent him of Lyla and her mother blown up in size. Lanterns and fairy lights adorn the walls and ladders sit against the high bookcases for access. Lyla had never seen so many books in her whole life. She can't even begin to take it in.

And on a separate bookshelf is all of her special editions that she was too scared to touch, kept in a temperature regulated cabinet for her to access whenever she wanted.

"I can't...believe it Loki. This is so so beautiful. I don't have the words. Just thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart." She sighs as she pulls him into the tightest hug she's ever given him. He can tell she means it and this is truly special. Loki suddenly realises his whole life had led to this moment.

"There's one last thing. Please, go and open that book on the desk by the armchair." He says quietly as Lyla on wobbly legs moves over to where has ordered her.

Loki watches as she tenderly flips open the Great Gatsby hardback, pulling out a loose piece of paper inside that he had written earlier, tears flooding her vision.

She reads it aloud with a shaking voice.

"Dearest Lyla. I cannot put into words how much you mean to me as your beloved authors can so effortlessly. But please know that every day for the rest of my life I will try. You make me the happiest man on this planet. And although we have known each other for just under a year, it has been the best time of my life. You bring warmth to my cold, you bring light to my dark, you are my partner, my best friend and hopefully my future bride...."

Lyla gasps as she drops the paper and spins around where Loki is kneeling behind her, with the ring on display for her to see. His own eyes prickling with tears. He feels like he is out of his own body, watching the scene unfold and it's surreal.

"Lyla. Would you do me the absolute unequivocal honour of marrying me? I'd like to try and prove my love to you every day, in every way. I want you to belong to me, and me to you in as many ways as we can. I want to be with you until my dying breath and live to make you happy and show you the love you should've always received." Loki says with a shaking voice.

Lyla still has her hands covering her mouth as she cries harder, smiling widely as she begins to jump up and down on the spot.

"Loki, oh my god I can't believe this is happening. Of course I will marry you yes!" Lyla shouts as Loki stands upright now, taking the bright emerald ring out of the box and sliding it onto her finger. He feels the happiest he's ever felt in his whole life, as if he could combust. Relief floods him as he realises this is real, it's happening.

Lyla marvels at the ring, tears continuing to flow.

"Loki it's beautiful!" She gushes as she studies it through her tears, kissing Loki strongly between staring at it. Loki laughs as she looks up, wiping away his tears now too as they both beam at each other.

"I can't believe it." She mutters as she holds it up to the light, letting the diamonds sparkle.

"Do you like it?" Loki asks as he holds her face in his hands, feeling so overwhelmed and lucky. As if he shouldn't be so worthy of her love.

"It's perfect. It's so you. And so me. I love it." She sighs as she traces a finger over it before looking back up at him.

"We're really doing this? I get to be Mrs Laufeyson?" She asks excitedly as Loki sniffs and kisses her forehead.

"If you'll do me the pleasure." He says as he loves the sound of his name in her mouth. He pulls her tight, not wanting to let her go.

"I would be honoured. What girls can say they got their own library and fiancé in the same night?!" Lyla shrieks as she jumps up, wrapping her legs around his waist as he catches her, kissing her deeply.

"Oh I do like that word coming out of your mouth. I can't believe you belong to me." He groans as he gets so turned on and so emotional at the same time.

"I have a fiancé! Oh my gosh i have to tell everyone!" Lyla shouts as he spins her around, both of them giddy and drunk on love.

"Of course my darling, but first we need to christen this room, I want to fuck you with my engagement ring on your finger." Loki says as he throws her down onto the couch with a devious look in his eye.

He's never been so happy.