Page 73 of Property of Tacoma

She traces the tattoo on my chest, her touch gentle. “I like that you showed me that side of you. I want to know all of you, Tacoma.”

Something in my chest tightens at her words.

This woman—this amazing, beautiful, badass woman—wants to know all of me.

“I want to know all of you, too, Angel,” I tell her, meaning every word.

She cuddles closer, her leg thrown over mine, her head on my chest. “I should probably call my brother back tomorrow,” she sighs. “He was pretty upset.”

I tense slightly, remembering our last interaction with Chief. “Yeah, probably a good idea. But so that you know, I meant what I said earlier.”

She lifts her head to look at me. “About what?”

“About you being my girlfriend,” I clarify, suddenly feeling like a fucking teenager. “I know it’s fast, but... fuck, Cali. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and for a terrifying moment, I think I’ve said too much.

Then a smile breaks across her face, like the sun coming out from behind the clouds.

“I feel the same way,” she admits, her voice soft. “It’s crazy, right? We barely know each other.”

I shake my head. “Doesn’t feel that way to me. Feels like I’ve known you forever.”

She leans up and kisses me, soft and sweet. “Yeah, it does.”

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, her breathing gradually slowing as she drifts toward sleep.

“Tacoma?” she mumbles, her voice thick with drowsiness.

“Yeah, Angel?”

“I think I’m falling in love with you.”

My heart fucking stops, then restarts at double speed.

I tighten my arms around her, feeling like I could fucking float off this bed.

“IknowI’m falling in love with you,” I whisper back, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

She makes a contented sound, snuggling closer, and within minutes, her breathing evens out as she falls asleep.

I lie awake a little longer, just holding her, marveling at how quickly this woman has become essential to my existence.

A week ago, I didn’t even know she existed, and now I can’t imagine my life without her.

Chief can threaten all he wants.

The Saints can pull their business if they’re stupid enough.

None of it matters.

Because Cali is mine now, and I’m never letting her go.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“It needs more salt.” I lean over the bubbling pot to taste the sauce one more time.

Tacoma’s warm body presses against my back, his strong arms snaking around my waist as he props his chin on my shoulder. His chest rumbles with laughter against me.