Page 105 of His Property

When we pull back, the pain somehow feels lighter. She looks me in the eyes and cups my face.

“I love you,” she says for the second time today.

This time, I allow myself to feel it.

EPILOGUE

MAE

It’s too cold for May.

I pull my cardigan closed and fold my arms over my chest. People gather around the backyard at my new house, sipping punch and munching on snacks I spent hours making. It was worth it. Not only is this the first night we get to spend in our new home, it’s TJ’s graduation day.

TJ had to have surgery and was bedridden for a while, but he’s basically back to normal. Physically, at least. Luckily, Victor already did the due diligence vetting physical therapists when he was hiring one for Gabi, so that helped a lot. Victor’s been incredible helping TJ get back to normal, and I haven’t been able to thank him enough for it.

TJ decided he wanted to live with me, so we both moved into Victor’s place because he had the space. I liked it there, and I made a point of putting my stamp on everything and making it feel more like a home. I could’ve stayed there and been happy, but a couple of weeks ago, Victor drove me to this place, gave me a key and said he bought it for us. It’s a charming four bedroom in a much better area of Las Vegas, and it’s only a couple miles from my school. It’s perfect. Despite everything that’s happened, mylifeis perfect.

TJ stands with a group of his friends across our yard, and when he laughs at something his classmate said, I smile.

“It’s a nice party.”

I turn my head as Blade comes up beside me, a cup of punch in his hand.

“You did good.”

“Thanks,” I say, letting out a breath.

“Are you ready for him to start working for me full time?”

My smile falls, and I hug my chest. Blade and Emily have become like family, and we have dinner together at least once a week. TJ admires Blade, and he’d never admit it, but he looks at him as a sort of father figure. Blade showed him the fields, and TJ basically begged for a job. Do I like it? Not really. But I like Blade, and I trust him.

“No,” I deadpan.

Blade snickers and takes a drink of punch.

“He’s gonna be fine.”

“Yeah, well, I would’ve preferred college.”

“He can still go.” Blade laughs when I glare at him, and he nudges my arm. “I’ll take care of him. I promise. You’re part of the familia now. You’re going to have to get used to how we do things.”

“Oh, I’d say I’m plenty used to it.” My lips twitch, but I don’t allow myself to smile.

That’s the first time anyone’s said that I’m one of them. I knew the moment I saw Victor walk into that warehouse that I was his. I have no intention of ever going anywhere. I want to be part of his world, and my heart warms knowing I’m being embraced.

“You fit in well… So does TJ.”

I look across the yard at TJ and sigh. He looks so happy, so proud. He’s grown so much these last few months. He looks more like a man now than a boy. “There’s no going back now, is there?”

“For him or for you?”

I glance at Blade but don’t respond.

“Victor is head over heels in love with you. There was never any going back. That guy’s fucking insane.”

I laugh and roll my eyes.

“Now, Iknowyou’re not talking about me.”

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