Page 82 of Property of Bones

“Because I love all of you, Jack. Even the parts you’re scared to show me.”

He swallows hard. Doesn’t speak. Just pulls me into his arms and holds me like I might disappear.

But I’m not going anywhere.

Not now.

Not ever.

“Ouch,” I grunt, wiggling deeper into his arms and immediately regretting the angle.

“Fuck, sorry, baby.” He pulls back fast, concern etched across his face. “Damn, Sunny. I was willing to let you go. Be sure. Be real fucking sure.”

I smile. “I choose door number two.”

“Door?”

I laugh. “I chooseyou,Jack.”

He blinks, then mutters, “Thank fuck,” just before crashing his mouth against mine.

It’s brutal. Raw. Claiming.

And I give it all right back.

I reach up to grip his shoulders, but pain zings through my ribs like a warning siren, and I cringe.

Dang it.

“You’ve aggravated your injuries,” Jack growls, his voice pure steel wrapped in velvet. “And I’m not helping any. Come on, baby. Let’s get you settled in your favorite chair, and I’ll grab your pain meds.”

“Comeon, Jack,” I groan as he eases me down. “I thought we were about to take this to the bedroom. And Ihatethose pills. They make me all loopy. I’m a lightweight, remember?”

“When I fuck you, baby,” he growls, eyes burning into mine, “you’re going to need to be fully healed. I’m not going to be gentle with that pussy.”

I blink, mouth suddenly dry.

“And yeah, I know those pills knock you out. Which is exactly why you’re getting settled in that chairfirst,” he finishes, voice leaving zero room for argument.

“But, Jack…”

“Who do you belong to?” he asks, eyebrow arched like a loaded weapon.

I sigh. “You.”

“And who is in charge of your safety?”

“You,” I mutter, like I’m reciting lines from a very bossy romance novel.

“Then do as I say so I can make sure you stay safe.”

“Fine,” I sigh. “Am I going to have to wear a black vest like Riley’s that saysProperty of Spikeon it?”

“No,” he says, fluffing a pillow on the chair like some grumpy biker nursemaid.

I exhale. “Thank the good Lord for that.”

He helps me ease down into the big comfy chair and I release an involuntary moan of relief. Partly from sitting, partly from not having to wear that black leather vest Riley always has on when she leaves the compound. Even Abby wears one. Hers saysIron Shadows.

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