“We’re just here to check on you,” Markey said as if the spokesperson for Maddox.
“I’m fine, better than fine now that I’m with Art. Thank you, though.” Eve took my hand and laced our fingers together. “I’m gonna stay here if you boys want to run out for something to eat.”
“Stay here as in a couple of hours?” Maddox asked.
“No, as in all night and until we are both discharged,” she replied. “I refuse to leave Art’s side.”
Maddox dropped his gaze as if uncomfortable.
“Sounds good, Mom.” Markey went to Eve and kissed her. “Art, I’m glad you’re okay.”
I nodded, unsure what else to say. Now didn’t seem like the time to discuss my intentions, marrying Eve and knocking her up as fast as possible.
Maddox kissed Eve next. “Art, I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how I acted earlier.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I appreciated his apology. It was a baby step in the right direction.
“Looks like you got all you need, sweet girl.” Jim appeared anxious to leave.
“I do, Dad. Is there somewhere you need to be?” Eve had noticed his weird behavior too.
“Yes, actually. But I don’t want to leave you if you want me to stay.”
“You want to get to the station, don’t you?” Eve spoke my thoughts.
“That bastard is out there.” Jim pointed at the door. “I won’t rest until he’s arrested or Storm and the club gets him. Whichever comes first, I don’t care. I just want him to pay for what he did to you… to both of you.”
“We appreciate it, Dad. Go. I’m good here.”
Jim kissed her and patted my leg. “I’ll be back to see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good,” Eve replied.
We settled into my bed after Eve’s boys and her dad left. We were both exhausted and needed to rest. But first…
“I love you, sweetness. I don’t want to waste any more time. Once we’re both well enough, I’m claiming you and putting my mark on you.”
She peered up at me. “What kind of mark are you gonna put on me?”
“That I haven’t decided.” I didn’t want to sound like a jealous pussy when I’d finally gotten what I wanted, but Matt had put his mark on the spot I would’ve picked.
“Can I make a suggestion?”
“Sure, baby.”
“Could you put something pretty at the base of my neck, like a necklace that says ‘Property of Art’?”
I was shocked she’d want something so visible. “I absolutely can.”
“What about putting ‘property of Eve’ on your dick?” The amusement in her voice told me she was teasing.
“Now that’s fucking sinful sugar.”
She pressed her lips to mine. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
26
Sugar