Some of the Demons clan walk by to pay their respects to the man in the casket and both of us nod. I glance around at the green grounds and over to the parking lot where Benny was. The sky darkens as a cloud covers the sun. Benny’s got some balls on him. Either that or he’s an arrogant ass. Maybe both. I should have had Axel put a bullet in his head, but then again, he knew I wouldn’t. See, I’m beginning to think that much like his sister, there’s way more to Benny than I once thought. Never underestimate a man who’s willing to sacrifice his own blood to survive. I look down at my gypsy. Yeah, he’s not stupid. He knows what my weakness is.
Eve turns and stares straight at me. The clouds part and the sun kisses her face making her truly look like an angel.
“I’m a bad guy, but even I can’t kill your brother today.”
“Jason… my father wants me to be open-minded, so that’s why I didn’t say anything,” she whispers, her eyes darting around, her cheeks growing pink.
“I don’t care.” I stare at her, almost wanting to shake her because she needs to understand this. “I love you no matter what. Do you honestly think I don’t get you?”
Her breaths are coming short and fast as her eyes go to her stomach. “You don’t… I well… I’m not what you—”
“You are exactly what I think.” That makes her jerk her eyes to mine again. She’s so beautiful and I want her. Fuck, I want her forever.
“None of it matters, Angel. You’re my queen and I love every single thing about you. I want you to know you can tell me everything, but if it makes you feel good to think you have secrets, then that’s okay too.” She’s startled, almost as if she didn’t hear me. I glance around. My mom lifts her eyebrow at me reminding me that we are standing next to her father’s casket and it’s hardly the time and place to have this conversation. But then again, maybe it’s perfect. She can’t run and hide. I nod at everyone as they pass by murmuring their condolences.
“What are you even saying, Jason?” she hisses. My little badass wants to run. I can feel it like I can feel all her thoughts.
I take her elbow and bring her a few feet away, then force her to look at me. “Everything. I know everything, and if you think I don’t, you’re kidding yourself.”
I grin at the wide-eyed, stunned look on her face and reach down to stroke her cheek. “I. Don’t. Care.”
She sighs and shakes her head, her hands coming to rest on my chest. “You know how you always say you’re a bad guy? Well, I’m a bad girl.” She licks her lips as she looks at me. “I am. I steal and I lie to get what I need.” She goes to turn, but I grab her wrist and hold her still.
“Are you hearing me? I’m not what you think.” She huffs, her eyes darting around.
I grab her chin. “Eve. I know all of it, and I love all of you, especially those parts.”
She frowns as her eyes slowly change and the truth of my words finally sinks in.
“Why?” She looks confused.
“Why do you love me? Why do you accept me? Because you truly love me. It doesn’t matter.” I lean into her lips stealing her breath.
She looks back at the people who are starting to thin out. The rumble of bikes starting up makes her cock her head. “How did you know?” Her voice is low.
“Which one? The one that you lied about not being able to get pregnant?” She blinks those long, sooty lashes spiked with tears. “I’m not stupid, Angel.”
She looks up at the sky, her eyes closed in pain; her tresses slide like golden honey down her back. “So, you’re saying that you like everything about me, even that I’m a bad girl?”
I have to bite back my laugh. After all, we’re in the middle of her father’s funeral. But it’s almost like he’s giving me his approval because the weight I’ve been holding is draining into the very ground I’m standing on.
I pull her close, not giving a shit what anyone thinks. “I’m saying I love that you’re my bad girl.”
When I take in her stunning face, her eyes are sad but hopeful. This time, I can’t help but laugh as I whisper in her ear, “You want the ring, don’t you, Eve? You honestly believe that people like us can have a happily ever after?”
She pulls back and holds my face tightly. “I know we can have the happily ever after.”
I lift her up so that she’s eye level. “You’re my life. If I make you my queen legally, will that make you happy?”