Page 83 of Property of Bones

“You’ll have one that saysProperty of Bones.”

I blink. “Seriously?”

He gives methatlook. The one that dares me to argue.

“Does it have to be black?” I ask carefully, knowing full well I’m about to push my luck.

“Everyone’s is black.”

“Does it have to be a vest?”

“It’s a cut,” he says flatly. “And yes.We all wear them.”

“Yes, but I haveverycute outfits that absolutely will not go with a leather cut.” I sit up a little straighter, warming to my argument. “What if Abby makes me a custom belt that saysProperty of Boneson it, instead? Like… embroidered across a pink faux leather strap. You know I love a good dress belt. Ooh! Or a headband. That would be cute too.Tasteful danger.”

He stares at me.

I grin.

“I do have a few outfits that could work with a cut,” I say, sweet as peach pie. “Just… not a black one. Pink would work. Maybe yellow. Black letters. Gotta have contrast, right? And smooth leather, not the rough-looking ones y’all wear. My delicate skin could never.”

Jack freezes.

“I fucking love you.”

No lead-in. No dramatic monologue. Just three…no, four, simple words dropped like a grenade in the middle of my chest.

Perfect.

I smile, heart skipping, and shake my head. “I’mnotwearing a black leather vest,Bones.But… I really do love you, too.”

His eyes soften for just a breath before he’s all bossy biker again.

“Your cut can be whatever color you want, baby,” he says, already pulling out his phone. “I’ll have Foster order you one now. Pink? Yellow? Whatever. Talk to Abby. Ask her to make you belts, headbands, hats, sunglasses, hell,shoesif you want. I don’t care. As long as every damn one saysProperty of Bones.Tell her to spare no cost.”

“I’ll pay for…”

His eyes snap up.

“Okay,” I say quickly.

“Good girl. And don’t call me Bones. I’m only ever Jack to you.”

I bite my lip to hide the grin threatening to take over my face. But I’m not done.

“What about you?”

“What about me?” he asks, already suspicious.

“Areyougonna wear a patch that saysProperty of Sunny?” I ask sweetly. “I mean, seems fair.”

He gives me a look. The kind that would melt steel. “I’m not wearing aPropertypatch.”

“Why not?” I ask innocently. “You’re mine, right?”

He huffs a short laugh. “Yes, Sunny. I’m yours. But, I’m not wearing a Property patch because, baby, I’m a man. In aman’sworld.”

I lean in, eyes wide and oh-so-blinking-adorable. “Exactly. And in this man’s world… I’m the only one who gets toownyou.”

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