Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sver
Candy stares at me, her eyes wide.
There was a moment in the car when I thought I was going to die. I was bleeding a lot and a shot to the gut is never good.
I got lucky. I heard the doctor say it missed my major organs right before he knocked me out.
But as I was about to go under, I made a promise to myself and to Candy too.
If I lived…
Candy is my forever.
The only detail I hadn’t checked? After everything she’s learned about me, would she feel the same?
The longer I know Candy, the sweeter that woman becomes.
But not me.
I heard Killian tell her about Rebecca. I’m glad Candy understands me. But I had a moment where I wondered…
I told her I wasn’t a good man. There’s hearing and then there’s believing. And learning about Rebecca, that’s believing.
“Sweet treat,” I say, my voice rough. “Any chance you could get me some water?”
“Of course,” she says, her voice breathless as she gets up and shuffles over to the table in the corner, pouring me a glass. “Why didn’t you ask sooner?”
“I was negotiating,” I grunt. “Can’t be weak.”
She clicks her tongue, even as she brings the glass back over. “You were shot a few hours ago.”
“Still. This is a position that requires strength.” I’ve had to do way worse with a bullet wound than speak with Angel and Killian.
She brings the glass to my lips. Cool water slides past my lips and down my parched throat. I sigh with relief when she tips the glass back.
Over the rim of the glass, I catch the worried look in her eyes. “What is it?”
“Nothing,” she whispers, shaking her head. “Did you mean it when you called me your woman?”
Of all the questions she could ask… “You know that I did.”
She leans closer, her fingertips skating over my cheek. “Like this month or…”
I chuckle, which is a huge mistake. My hand comes to my stomach, pain radiating through me.
“Sver,” she gasps, holding my face.
“I’m all right. Just no laughing.” I sigh as I settle back on the bed. “And yes. This month.”
She nods, hiding a wince.
Lifting my hand, I hold her chin between my thumb and forefinger. “Next month too. And the month after that.”
“Oh,” she whispers, a ghost of a smile touching her lips.
“And the rest of the year, and the year after that.”
“Really?” she says and then she pushes up, brushing her lips against mine. “You mean it?”
I look into her eyes, giving a single jerk of my chin. “You want to get married, baby girl?”
She nods. “Yes.” Then she sits back up, looking away. “I’ve never had a real family. No one’s ever stuck.”
I get it. “You know that’s not because of you, right?”
She shrugs. “Maybe.”
I reach for her shoulder. “Candy, you are one of the most lovable people I have ever met. I wasn’t supposed to want you, I couldn’t help myself.”
That makes her smile for real, a big grin that spreads across her lips. “Thank you for that.” But then her smile slips, her look growing pensive again.
“What is it?” I ask, knowing something is still standing between us.
“What if you change your mind?”
I almost laugh again, but catch myself. “Candy. Do I seem like the kind of man who makes promises he doesn’t keep? Who is prone to changing his mind?”
She smiles again. “No.”
“Do you have any idea the depths I would go to make you happy?”
Her giggle fills the room. “I wouldn’t mind finding out.”
“Give me another kiss,” I command. I’ve got to get better so that I can get my woman back in my bed.