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“No, you’re not,” I agreed.
“When I walked into that building with you, I was wearing a four-hundred-dollar cashmere sweater. I haven’t been comfortable being called Royce in far too long. But hearing you introduce me as Royce… For the first time in a long time, I wanted to be Royce first and Bones second.” He fell silent for a moment. “I’m not good enough for you, Duchess. I know that. No matter how your mother spins it. No matter if I go into private security or not. I’m still a biker with rough hands.”
“A little late to be having this conversation, don’t you think?” I asked softly. “Besides, we’ve already talked about this. You’re both Royce and Bones. I love both sides of you.”
“They’ll drag you through the mud in the papers,” he said.
“No doubt,” I agreed.
“They’ll say you’re not fit to run Spencer Pharmaceuticals.”
“Then let them say it—I’ve already thought that for far too long. And if they think that because of who I married, then fuck them.”
He arched a brow and a slow smirk spread across his lips. “Didn’t know you had it in you, Duchess.”
“What? To be foul-mouthed?” I snorted. “I guess I better learn if I want to hang with you and your boys, hmm?”
“I like you just the way you are,” he said, his eyes shining with pride. “Don’t change on my account.”
I smiled. “Same goes for you.”
“You finished with your meal?”
“Yes.”
“Then let me pay and let’s get out of here.”
I lifted my napkin and dabbed my lips. “I just need to use the restroom.”
“Make it quick, Duchess. I want dessert.”
“You didn’t just say that,” I said, feeling my cheeks heat.
“Yeah, I did.”
“I’ll be quick,” I assured him.
I grabbed my black clutch and then turned and strode toward the bathroom. I didn’t need to look over my shoulder to know he was watching me.
Holliday’s’ decor was designed to look like an old railway car. Leather booths, tablecloths with white napkins over heavy tables, and Edison bulbs in European sconces that added a bit of mystery and luxury. The women’s restroom had a leather love seat and three stalls.
As I was washing my hands, a quick stab of pain shot through my temple. I closed my eyes and held on to the marble counter. My stomach rolled with nausea, and I swayed like I was on a yacht deck.
“No,” I murmured.
Opening my eyes, the room kaleidoscoped as I tried to step toward the door and call for help. Another stabbing pain shot through my temple and I pitched forward, smacking my head against the counter on the way down.
I barely registered the pain as I fell to the floor.
“Bones,” I whispered just as the vortex swallowed me and everything went black.
Chapter 49
“If you don’t let me see my wife, you’re gonna have a fucking problem!”
The bellow pulled me from the thickness of unconsciousness. The back of my hand stung as I tried to roll over onto my side. I blinked in realization that I was in a hospital bed and I was hooked up to an IV.
My hand went to my forehead and gingerly encountered a bandage.
