Page 47 of Devil’s Candy

“It’s settled then,” Angel says, patting Sver’s shoulder. “Sver will be joining our operation once he’s back on his feet.”

“Good,” Sver grunts as he looks between Killian and Angel. “Now get the fuck out so that I can talk to my woman.”

My mouth drops open as I stare at Sver. Did he really just call me his woman?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Sver

Candy stares at me, her eyes wide.

There was a moment in the car when I thought I was going to die. I was bleeding a lot and a shot to the gut is never good.

I got lucky. I heard the doctor say it missed my major organs right before he knocked me out.

But as I was about to go under, I made a promise to myself and to Candy too.

If I lived…

Candy is my forever.

The only detail I hadn’t checked? After everything she’s learned about me, would she feel the same?

The longer I know Candy, the sweeter that woman becomes.

But not me.

I heard Killian tell her about Rebecca. I’m glad Candy understands me. But I had a moment where I wondered…

I told her I wasn’t a good man. There’s hearing and then there’s believing. And learning about Rebecca, that’s believing.

“Sweet treat,” I say, my voice rough. “Any chance you could get me some water?”

“Of course,” she says, her voice breathless as she gets up and shuffles over to the table in the corner, pouring me a glass. “Why didn’t you ask sooner?”

“I was negotiating,” I grunt. “Can’t be weak.”

She clicks her tongue, even as she brings the glass back over. “You were shot a few hours ago.”

“Still. This is a position that requires strength.” I’ve had to do way worse with a bullet wound than speak with Angel and Killian.

She brings the glass to my lips. Cool water slides past my lips and down my parched throat. I sigh with relief when she tips the glass back.

Over the rim of the glass, I catch the worried look in her eyes. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” she whispers, shaking her head. “Did you mean it when you called me your woman?”

Of all the questions she could ask… “You know that I did.”

She leans closer, her fingertips skating over my cheek. “Like this month or…”

I chuckle, which is a huge mistake. My hand comes to my stomach, pain radiating through me.

“Sver,” she gasps, holding my face.

“I’m all right. Just no laughing.” I sigh as I settle back on the bed. “And yes. This month.”

She nods, hiding a wince.