Page 90 of Property of Fox

The sincerity in his voice makes my breath catch. I lean back against the pillows, trying to slow my racing heart. Fox's presence beside me is both comforting and unsettling, a contradiction I'm too exhausted to unpack right now.

"Try to sleep," Fox murmurs, his voice a low rumble in the quiet room. "I'll be right here."

I nod, letting my eyes drift closed. The events of the past few days swirl in my mind, a chaotic kaleidoscope of fear, violence, and loss. But beneath it all, there's a thread of something else. Something that feels dangerously close to hope.

As I hover on the edge of consciousness, I feel Fox's hand move to stroke my hair, his touch impossibly gentle. The soothing rhythm lulls me deeper towards sleep, and I find myself instinctively curling closer to his warmth.

"I've got you, firefly," he whispers, barely audible. "You're safe now."

Those words follow me into my dreams, a talisman against the nightmares that threaten. For the first time in days, I sleep without terror, anchored by Fox's presence and Bruce curled against my side.

FOX

“Firefly, you ready to go?”I call out through our bedroom to where she’s been holed up in the bathroom getting ready.

“Just a few more minutes.” I stifle a laugh. The famous last words of every woman who has a man waiting on her.

I plop down on the edge of our bed, running my hand over the soft comforter. It's still strange to think of this as ‘our’ room, ‘our’ bed when just a few weeks ago, I was living the bachelor life.

The events of the past month flash through my mind like a highlight reel. Meeting Brea in Texas at that book signing, the war between us and the Hoosier Hellions to keep her safe, her mother’s private funeral service thanks to a few favors owed to the club, and the emotional fallout that came after. Brea had survived it all. Far better than anyone else could have managed. I run my hands through my hair, still marveling at how quickly everything changed.

With the immediate threat of the Hoosier Hellions mostly behind us, our club could finally know a bit of peace. The remaining members we’d captured no longer a threat to us or Brea with their permanent accommodations courtesy of Huxton Construction. The consequences for everything they’d done, not only to us, but to those innocents they killed like Kennedy. Her death now avenged. Though, the satisfaction of victory mingles with a twinge of unease. It's not regret exactly. Those bastards got what was coming to them. But the violence, the intensity of it all, sometimes I wonder if this life will ever truly feel normal. Then again, normal was never really my thing.

I hear Brea humming softly in the bathroom, some pop song I vaguely recognize, and I can't help but smile. She's the unexpected variable in all of this, the wild card that turned my world upside down in the best possible way. Who would have thought a chance encounter at a book signing would lead to all this?

My eyes drift to the new bookshelf in the corner, now filled with Brea's extensive collection that we’d retrieved from her mom’s house prior to getting it listed for sale. Her prized signed copies are displayed prominently, a reminder of the day that changed everything. I chuckle, remembering how out of place I felt at that signing surrounded by excited readers. Now, I find myself picking up one of her books when she's not looking, curious about the stories that captivate her so completely.

The bathroom door finally opens, and Brea emerges in a cloud of floral-scented steam. My breath catches in my throat as I take her in. She's wearing a deep green dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her curls tamed into loose waves that cascade down her back. Her emerald eyes sparkle as she catches me staring.

"See something you like?" she smiles.

I stand, crossing the room in two long strides. My hands find her waist, pulling her close. "You know I do, firefly," I murmur, nuzzling her neck. "You look absolutely stunning."

She laughs, pushing me away playfully. "Careful now, we don't want to be late for Az and Hallie's belated engagement party."

I groan, reluctantly releasing her. "You sure we can't just stay in tonight?" I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively. “Your dress would look even better crumpled up on our bedroom floor.”

Brea rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Nice try, but no. The whole club is required to be there. Azrael’s orders.”

She's right, of course. Az has been giving me hell ever since Brea moved in, teasing me about finally being domesticated like him. But the truth is, I've never been happier.

As we head out to my bike, I can't help but marvel at how natural it feels to have Brea by my side. She swings her leg over the seat behind me with practiced ease, her arms wrapping securely around my waist. The rumble of the engine beneath us is a familiar comfort as we pull out onto the road.

The cool night air whips past us as we ride, carrying the scent of leather and gasoline. I feel Brea press her cheek against my back, seeking warmth. Her presence grounds me, a reminder of everything I have to be grateful for.

As we approach the clubhouse, I can already hear the music and laughter spilling out into the parking lot. Colorful streamersand balloons decorate the entrance, a stark contrast to the usual gritty exterior. Leave it to Hallie to bring a touch of whimsy to our world.

I help Brea off the bike, unable to resist stealing a quick kiss before we head inside. She tastes like cherry lip gloss and promise. A promise that I will be cashing in as soon as our Azrael-mandated appearance is noted, and I can sneak her out of here.

The party is in full swing when we enter. The main room is packed with familiar faces. Club members and a few trusted friends. Az and Hallie are at the center of it all, beaming as they accept congratulations from well-wishers.

Asher catches my eye from across the room, raising his beer in greeting. There's a hint of sadness behind his smile, and I know he's thinking of Kennedy. The engagement party is a bittersweet reminder of what he's lost. I make a mental note to check in with him later. Things had been icy between us. For now, though, I focus on guiding Brea through the crowd.

"There you two are!" Hallie's voice rings out over the noise. She weaves her way towards us, her face flushed with excitement and maybe a little too much champagne. "I was starting to think you'd ditched us."

Brea laughs, pulling Hallie into a tight hug. "And miss the chance to see Az in a tie? Never."

I glance over at my club president, who does indeed look slightly uncomfortable in his formal attire. He catches my eye and shrugs, a silent 'the things we do for love' passing between us.

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