Page 67 of Property of Azrael

“The guys and I took a vote last night…” Pausing, he shifts uncomfortably on his feet, now looking uncertain. “You know what I’m asking you, don’t you, baby girl?”

I shake my head, unable to form the words.

“I want you to understand that by wearing this, there will be risks.”

“I know about the risks, Azrael. I love you, and I’m willing to accept the consequences of that decision.”

Taking the cut from my hands, he spins me around and drapes the soft leather over my shoulders.

“Wearing this cut is a symbol of your status within the club,” he says. “Though it may say property on it, it’s meaning is to keep you safe. A warning to others that should a single hair on your head be harmed, the entire wrath of my club will come raining down on them.” He pauses for effect, then finishes his observation. “It’s a symbol of my devotion to you. So long as you wear this property patch, you’re mine to love, and mine to protect.”

My eyes well with tears at his words, and run unchecked down my cheeks as I reach up to kiss him.

“Be my ol’ lady, baby.”

I giggle. “I thought I already was?”

“This makes it official.” He squeezes me tightly and gives me a chaste kiss. “I’m going to take that as a yes, then?” he muses against my lips.

“Yes. From this day on until our last, I’m yours. I love you, Azrael.”

“I love you more than you could ever know, baby.” He nudges my nose with his. “This is just the beginning for us, Hallie. I want to give you everything, starting with my last name.”

“That so? I don’t think we’ve talked about marriage.”

“Trust me, you’ll carry my last name soon enough. One step at a time.”

“You mean ten in our case.”

“Maybe.” He smirks. “Unless I find someone else stranded on the side of the road between now and then. I heard that I have a type.” I smack him on the arm. “What?”

“You’re being an asshole again.”

“I’m your asshole, baby girl.”

Helping me into the car, Az closes the door, rounds the hood, and slides into the passenger’s seat. After settling in and fastening our seat belts, he rests his hand on my knee.

“Is this really my new car?”

“Yes,” he nods. “Van’s guy in Arkansas tried to bring Wanda back from the dead, but with the price of parts, it would have cost more than she was really worth.”

“I wish you would have told me. You didn’t need to buy me a new car. I could have managed.”

“I know, baby, but this SUV is much safer for you and for me.”

I turn to look at him, cocking an eyebrow. “Safer for you, huh?”

Az flashes that damn smile of his. “Couldn’t have you breaking down again and finding a new man now, could I?”

I chuckle at the thought. “This isn’t one of my books, Az. That’s how we met is mind-blowing as it is. It will not happen again.”

“You never know,” he shrugs. “You never fucking know, baby girl.”

I laugh at the ridiculous idea. “Never going to happen. So, what do we do now?”

Azrael beams over at me. “I have some ideas…”

“The last time you had an idea, I almost lost you,” I grumble. “I’m not sure we’re ready to try those again.”

“Just hear me out,” he argues. “I was reading your newest book, and I think we should try out the scene in the back of the car, with one exception.”

I roll my eyes at him. “And what would that be?”

“Strawberry flavored edible panties.”

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