Page 100 of Sacrifice
"It's beautiful."
"That a yes?"
"Getting there." I meet his eyes. "What else?"
"What do you mean?"
"You said we need to talk about the future. This is just part of it. What's the rest?"
He smiles, caught. "Can't slip anything past you." His hands settle on my hips. "I want you and Elfe to move in with me."
"What?"
"The loft. Three bedrooms, plenty of space. State-of-the-art security." His thumbs stroke circles on my skin. "Big backyard too. Thought maybe we could get some dogs. Big, scary-looking ones that'll protect you when I can't."
"You remembered what I said about the dogs."
"Yeah, I never forget a word that comes out of your mouth. Fuck, I’ve been thinking about it since the hospital parking lot. You need somewhere safe. Both of you do. And I need you where I can protect you properly."
"Elfe might not want?—"
"Elfe deserves to feel safe after what happened. Her own room, her own space, but with security that'll make sure no one touches her again." His voice hardens. "Plus dogs. Who doesn't want dogs? And, I mean, if she doesn’t move in with us, Ivar and Starla will twist her arm to move back with them."
I laugh despite myself. "She would love dogs, always wanted one too."
"See? Perfect solution. We could get two, maybe three. They could patrol the yard, sleep inside. Between them and my security system, nothing's getting close without us knowing."
"You've really thought this through."
"I've had time. Lying in bed, fevered and useless, gives a man time to plan." He pulls me closer. "Say yes, Saga. To all of it. The cut, the house, the future. Be mine in every way that matters."
I look at him—this dangerous man who kills for me, who gets soft talking about dogs, who includes my best friend in our future plans without hesitation.
Who's offering not just his protection but a real life together.
"Yes."
His whole face changes, tension I didn't realize he was carrying melting away. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. To all of it. I'll wear your name, live in your fortress, help pick out terrifying dogs, but we’re going to the shelter." I kiss him deep and sure. "And, I'm already yours anyway. Might as well make it official."
He crushes me against him, injured arm be damned.
When we break apart, we're both breathing hard.
"Put it on me," I say.
He helps me into the cut with something approaching reverence.
It fits perfectly, leather soft and supple.
The weight of it feels right, like armor and claim combined.
I turn, showing him the back, his name marking me as taken.
"Fuck," he breathes. "You look... fuck."
"Eloquent."
