Page 33 of Stone

Reaching up, I cupped his cheek, forcing him to look deep into my eyes. I needed to show him I meant every word I was about to say. “I don’t care. I’d live in a cardboard box as long as you lived in it with me.”

John’s eyebrows drew together, his soulful golden gaze boring into mine. He conveyed everything in one look: love and respect for me, but above all else, determination.

Instantly, I knew what his decision would be.

“Steve,” he called out, his eyes never leaving mine. “Offer two thousand below the new asking price, all cash, with a quickclose, no negotiation. If he accepts, the full amount will be in his account by the end of the month.”

“On it,” Steve told him, turning and making his way toward the door. “I’ll go back to the office and see how the land lies. Will you two be okay here for thirty minutes? You can look around the rest of the place while I’m gone.”

“Make the call,” John told him. “Come back with a yes.”

Stevie nodded and disappeared through the door.

My eyes flicked over John’s stony expression, and my forehead creased questioningly. “Are you okay? Did I say something wrong—”

John’s fingers went to my lips. “Shut up, Leesy.”

My eyes narrowed. “Don’t you speak to me like that, John Stone—” I squeaked as he tagged my waist, jerking me against him. His hand went into the back of my hair, and with a growl, he crushed his mouth to mine.

John had kissed me many times, but never like he was starved for me. Usually, his contact was soft and gentle, as if I was fragile porcelain he didn’t want to break. So, when his tongue clashed with mine, and he moaned desperately into my mouth, I was a little taken aback.

He tugged me into him, and I felt his cock thicken. A rush of heat spread through my core, my nipples hardening to points as he held my ass and ground his denim-covered cock against me.

His fingertips danced over my jaw, making my knees almost buckle. He must’ve known what his kiss was doing to my senses because the hand holding my ass steadied me.

My hand slid over his hip, partly to keep myself upright but mostly because I just needed to touch him. I sighed as he pulled back and sucked gently on my bottom lip before lifting his head.

“Never loved you more than when you just said that shit to me,” he rasped, our eyes locking. “Made me realize what I’ve got in you, Leesy. Made me see how blessed I am to have you by myside. You’re everythin’ I ever wanted, my dream ol’ lady. I’ve hit the fuckin’ jackpot with you.” He pulled back, his fingers going to touch his heart. “What you just said hit me right here. Can’t love you more than I do at this moment. You’re part of me, baby. Always will be.”

John’s words washed over me, taking my breath away.

I’d never been anyone’s dream before, and the knowledge of him thinking those things gave me such a sense of pride that I found myself tilting my chin up. I’d earned my place in his heart, but it hadn’t been contrived or something I’d planned. It was just us, me and him, two people made for each other. I was as natural as it was simple.

“I love you, John,” I whispered, still trying to steady my breathing. “We’re perfect for each other.”

“We are,” he agreed, his eyes burning with adoration. “But it’s crazy ‘cause I wasn’t looking for perfect. I only ever wanted a woman who could deal with my lifestyle and love me the way I knew I’d love her. Can’t believe I got all that, and perfect, too.” He nuzzled my cheek. “Baby, I gotta talk about the hard stuff. We’ve only got today and tomorrow before I leave. Are you prepared?”

Blinking back the tears springing to my eyes, I cleared my heated throat. I didn’t want John to see me cry. He needed to leave with the knowledge I was okay. Constance was right when she told me he had enough to worry about with boot camp and everything else on his plate.

“As much as I can be,” I assured him. “I think the first few weeks will be the worst, but I’m gonna work at the store to keep busy. Once I start college and get into a new routine, things will be better.” I reached up to cup his jaw, stroking his stubbled skin with my thumb. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got my family and our friends. Your mom and Iris, too. I’ll be fine.”

Relief flashed behind his eyes. It was fleeting, but it showed me that John had needed the reassurance. Maybe he’d been as worried about leaving me as I’d been about him going. Did it make me feel better about what was to come? Not necessarily. But for the first time, I understood it was hard for him, too. Suddenly, it felt like we were in it together.

I looked around the vast room, mentally planning all the things we could do to improve it. “This place is special, John. We have to stay focused. Okay, so we’ll be separated for a while, but it has to happen if we’re going to achieve everything we want. Buying this building is a step forward. It’ll be the making of you and the club. I feel it in my blood.”

A broad smile spread across his face, his eyes following mine as he stared at the room, which would one day be the Demon’s bar. “It’s a step in the right direction, but you’re wrong about one thing.”

My gaze locked with his.

“It’s not the place that’s special, Duchess,” John pointed out. “It’s knowing you believe in what I’m doin’ that gives me the determination to succeed. It’s not tied to a building, baby. It’s all tied up in you.”

My heart bloomed as his words sunk in.

“Don’t make plans tonight or tomorrow,” he continued. “The only time I won’t be by your side is when you’re asleep, and believe me, if I thought I’d get away with it, I’d be sneaking through your bedroom window tonight.”

I couldn’t help giggling. “Believe me, Stone. If I thought I’d get away with it, I’d be throwing down a rope ladder.”

John’s lips twitched. “Later, we’re going to my house for lunch. Tonight, we’re goin’ out for a fancy dinner with Steve and Kelly. Tomorrow, we’re spending the day at Rock Springs. Two days left, Leesy, and we’re gonna make the most of every second.”

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