Page 112 of Savage Keepsakes

“There’re bookshelves. I built them for you. The bedroom is in here, and there’s indoor plumbing.This is what I can offer. Are you telling me it’s not enough?”

I hold open the door and steal a quick glance at her over my shoulder. I know I can’t give her everything, but I can at least provide her with a lifetime of cherished memories.

She could find countless men who could offer her the world, but to me, she is my entire universe, now and always.

“I love you, Billy. This is a lot. I always hoped you’d come back. My life’s been literal hell. What if I move into my new place and work a couple days a week, and then the rest of my time is yours?”

I grit my teeth together. This is not what I want.

“But, what if…”

“If nothing. The place is next to JoJo’s. We’re gonna be neighbours, and that’s important for me. My office will be all set up, but I’m able to spend more time here. That’s all I can offer for now.”

Her heart is closed off to me, and I understand. I’ll have to prove to her this is what we both need and she’ll come around.

“Okay,” I whisper.

“Your hair’s grown out. The dark brown suits you, but I miss the bright colours,” she says.

I cross the room and drop beside her, feeling the softness of her lap as I lay my head down.

“I couldn’t be bothered. I can dye it whatever colour you want.”

“Billy, we’re the perfect blend, and I think this is ideal. I’ll bring you stuff, and you can work while I do.”

“That’d be helpful. It’s been ass trying to slip into town or drive to different cities to get things.” Hiding when you’re heavily tatted is almost impossible.

“You stopped sending to the families?” She looks down into my eyes. It’s like she clears the darkness and pumps pure love into my soul.

“Yeah, it seemed like the best idea. The Keepsake Killer can die. I couldn’t put us in any more jeopardy. I still sell things, though. Under a different name. It calms my mind to know the filth of humans still using stuff I make.”

“JoJo said people have been asking about the products,” she whispers. “Don’t you need fear and psychological torture from the keepsakes?”

“Yeah, but I have you now. You seem to get pretty turned on by the terror I inflict. I think this’ll all work out.” I lean up and kiss her cheek before jumping up and grabbing my shirt.

“Billy, why do you have a bandage across your side?”

I turn and lower my gaze to hers.

“Reasons,” I tell her. Fear isn’t an emotion I experience, so whatever is coursing through my veins is unfamiliar. Perhaps anxiety.

“I made you something,” I say.

In a hurry, I duck into the bedroom and retrieve the velvet bag, which cradles my creation. My thoughts become a tangled web as I kneel before her, making it difficult to string together the right words.

“Lou, I love you. I know things aren’t conventional. Hell, let’s be fair, I’m toxic as shit and you’re the light that brightens people’s days, but your soul blends with mine and I can’t ever give you up. I’d keep you forever against your will rather than live another day without your love.”

She reaches out and strokes my face. Resting my chin on her palm, I nuzzle against her. Taking her same hand, I open the satchel and bring out my newest design.

“Will you be my last first kiss? Forever?”

“And always. Of course.”

She grins and I slip the ring on her finger before kissing her hard, wrapping her in my arms as she stares at the creation.

“Do I want to know?” She turns and looks at me.

“It’s made of me. The leather took a bit to produce because I had to figure out how to get it hard, but the diamond is made of my hair and pieces of my skin.”

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