Page 209 of Romeo

“Deeply.”

He laughed again, then stood with his beer. “When she’s ready, let me know. You’ve got my vote.”

“Appreciate it.”

He started away, then stopped. “For what it’s worth, giving her a choice is the right call.”

I looked at him.

“Doesn’t make you less of a possessive asshole,” he added. “Just means you’re a possessive asshole with some sense.”

“There it is.”

He grinned and walked away.

I looked back at Fiona’s message.

Good.

One word, but there was nothing uncertain about it.

She liked knowing I was there. She liked knowing I wanted her. A week ago, I might’ve taken those things and started planning how fast I could put an old lady cut on her back.

Now I wanted something different first.

I wanted Fiona to walk into this clubhouse knowing exactly why she was there.

Not because I’d claimed her before she understood the rules. Not because some family curse said she belonged to me. Not because I’d decided a future for both of us and expected her to step into it.

Because she chose it.

My phone buzzed again.

Ma Belle: I should let you go. You’re probably busy.

Me: I don’t want you to go.

Ma Belle: I know. But you need to focus on your brothers.

Me: I need you.

Ma Belle: Soon

Me: Not soon enough.

Ma Belle: Goodnight, Jasper.

Me: Dors bien, Ma Belle. Dream of me.

Ma Belle: Always

I leaned back in the chair and read the last word again.

Always.

Fiona had spent months avoiding anything that sounded permanent. Lately, those words slipped out more often.

Always.