Chapter 18
MAREN
I’d opened the window for some fresh air, and it turned out to be a good decision because I heard the motorcycles that much sooner.
Their engines growled outside the compound gates, and I didn’t think; I just ran.
Out of Lucas’s room, down the hallway, past a couple of startled prospects.
My legs carried me before my mind caught up.
I hit the bottom step just as the front door swung open.
Lucas stepped inside, blood streaked his jaw, dirt smeared on one shoulder, and his knuckles were raw and red. He looked like he’d walked straight out of a war.
But he was upright. Breathing. And whole.
My knees nearly gave out from the force of relief flooding through me.
His gaze immediately locked on me, and I felt it like a physical pull. My entire body tightened under the weight of his focus.
He didn’t slow as he stalked toward me. When he finally stopped in front of me, his hand came up to cup my jaw, his thumb brushing just under my ear. The warmth of his palm and the steadiness of his touch loosened the tightness inside my chest.
“It’s over. You’re safe.”
I exhaled a shaky breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, leaving me lightheaded. I wanted things to feel normal again. To breathe without waiting for the next shoe to drop.
My lips wobbled into a smile. “Does that mean I can leave now?”
I only meant the lockdown, but the way his eyes darkened told me he thought they were for an entirely different reason.
His jaw flexed, a sharp tic that sent a rush of heat straight through me. “You’re not sleeping anywhere but with me.”
I blinked up at him. I’d only meant the lockdown was over, that I’d be allowed to leave the compound without an escort. It had nothing to do with wanting space from him. “Lucas, that’s not—”
He didn’t let me finish. “You’re not leaving until we find our own place.”
“Our own place?” I gasped, my eyes widening.
“I must not have been clear enough when I told you you’re mine. So now I’m gonna make sure you understand exactly what I mean.”
He grabbed my hand, his fingers closing around mine with a finality that shut down every thought except going along with him.
Not that I needed his grip to be unshakable, my feet were already moving.
I was more than willing to follow Lucas anywhere.
He’d proven I was safe with him and that he’d go to any length necessary to protect me.
My question had put him into full possessive mode, but I wasn’t afraid of him when he got like this. More like I was anticipating what was about to happen in his room because we had the best sex when he let that feral edge loose.
Lucas didn’t slow until we reached his room, and even then, he only paused long enough to fling the door open and then slam it shut behind us. He didn’t look away from me while he clicked the lock in place.
My heart thudded so hard it felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, but instead of coming toward me, he turned away to cross to the dresser. My brows drew together as he opened the bottom drawer, reached inside, and pulled something out.
When he faced me again, my world narrowed to the leather vest he cradled in his big hands.
It was a smaller version of the spare I’d been wearing.
Similar to the ones the other women had that I’d started to covet once I fully understood the meaning behind them…
and admitted to myself that I’d fallen in love with Lucas.
When he flipped it around so I could see the patch on the back, my vision went blurry as tears pricked hot behind my eyes. It boldly proclaimed to the world that I was his, Property of Kevlar.
“Maybe this will get the point across.” He finally moved close enough to put my arms through the holes and settle the leather vest on my back. “There, right where it belongs ’cause you’re my woman. The only one I’ll ever claim.”
This moment was everything I hadn’t let myself hope for. My fingers trembled as I slid them down the front of the vest, accepting the weight of the statement he was making.
My voice was barely there when I whispered, “You want me to be your old lady?”
He shook his head with a chuckle. “Baby, you already are. This just makes it official.”
“Lucas.” His name was all I could get out. I was too full of emotion for anything else.
He cupped my jaw, tilting my face up with a tenderness that undid me, and his lips met mine in a kiss that didn’t take or demand. It was more of a promise.
When he pulled back, I gave him a watery smile, blinking against tears that didn’t fall. “You didn’t really ask a question…but yes. I want this. I want you.”
His thumb dragged lightly across my bottom lip, sending a shiver straight through me. “As long as you’re agreeing to a life-long commitment without me needing to ask…”
My head tilted in confusion when he stepped away. “Lucas?”
He turned back to the dresser and reached inside again. What he pulled out this time made me gasp.
Lucas didn’t say a word as he turned back to me, but my breath stalled when he flicked open a small black box. Then he plucked the ring out and caught my hand before I even thought to lift it.
I stared down at the diamond as the band slid onto my finger, stunned that in the middle of everything that had been going on, he’d gotten me a ring too.
“You’re gonna be my wife. Soon.”
A startled laugh burst out of me, shaky and completely helpless. It was the most Lucas proposal imaginable. No kneeling, no question, just a declaration that left no room for doubt.
And I loved him so much it made my chest ache.
“Well,” I breathed, trying and failing to stop my grin. “I guess it’s a good thing my parents will be back from Florida this weekend.”
His head tilted. “That's a yes?”
“I don’t know.” I bit back another laugh. “I didn’t hear a question.”
His eyes narrowed. “Didn’t stop you from saying yes to the property patch.”
“Touché.” I lifted my hand, admiring the ring he’d claimed me with. “Of course, yes, Lucas. You could’ve tied a string around my finger, and I still would’ve said yes. I love you too much not to.”
“Fucking hell, woman,” he growled, gripping my hips and dragging me flush against him. “I should’ve been the one to say it first.”
I couldn’t help myself. “You snooze, you lose, old man.”
His hands tightened. “Shh, baby. Let me get the words out before you earn yourself some spankings by being sassy while I’m trying to tell you I love you.”
I wasn’t sure if I should be turned on by the threat or swoon over those three little words from my gruff man. The mixture of sweet and heat was almost overwhelming. But I needed to hear them straight out. “Tell me. Please.”
“I love you so fucking much, Maren.” He brushed his lips against mine in the gentlest kiss he’d ever given me. “You’re mine. Now, always. And I’ll spend every damn day proving it.”
“Thank you.” I sniffled, tears starting to stream down my cheeks. “This is all so perfect. I love the property patch and the ring.”
“Good, baby.” He kissed away my tears. “Because you’re gonna wear them forever.”
A watery grin tugged at my lips. “Then I should probably admit something.”
His brows drew together. “Yeah? What’s that?”
“I wasn’t trying to leave you earlier.” I shook my head. “I was just asking about the lockdown in general.”
Heat flared in his eyes. “That right?”
I nodded.
“Then we’re gonna clear up any confusion right now.” His hand slid to the back of my neck, his thumb stroking over my skin. “Lockdown’s over, but you’re not going anywhere tonight ’cause we’re gonna be too damn busy.”
My mouth went dry, but my panties got wet. “Lucas.”
“Shh.” His smile was sinful. “Gotta reward my woman for saying yes.”
His palm swatted lightly against the curve of my butt, and a breathless sound escaped me.
“And remind her what happens when she’s sassy.”