“Really.No bullshit here,” Sophia replied.
“Hell yes!”Ivy cheered.
“What offer?What'd I miss?”Axel inquired.
“Ivy wants to make me a partner in her graphics design company, Butterfly Wings Designs.I took the last week to think about it and… this is what I want.”
“That's awesome, babygirl.I'm so proud of you,” Axel said and kissed her temple.The entire time, he kept the jacket hidden behind him.“There's something I need to ask you, babygirl.”
Sophia turned fully to face him.“Okay?What's up?”
“Sophia, I know we've only been dating for a few weeks, but we both know this connection has existed for years.Sophia Marissa Redding, with your father's blessing, I want to ask you.Will you wear my patch?”
He withdrew the jacket from behind him and then waited for her to reply.
“You want… oh.Wow.Hell yes I'll wear your patch!”she squealed, making everyone watching laugh.
“Damn, woman.Don't scare me like that,” he growled before he helped her with it.“That is a beautiful sight,” he added before he gently took her face in his hands and kissed her.
“And another one bites the dust,” Havoc joked.
“Hardy har har.You're time's coming, brother.You just watch,” Axel told him.
There were words of congratulations from those gathered there, and he felt ten feet tall every time he caught a glimpse of his girl wearing his patch.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sophia
Six months later
Three months ago, she'd graduated with a degree in graphics design, and immediately she'd joined Butterfly Wings Designs as a junior partner.
Her relationship with Axel was still going strong, and she knew in her heart that she was in love with him.She thought he felt the same way, but as of yet, neither of them had said the words.She was afraid that she was wrong, and if she told him how she felt, it would make him run.
“Hey, beautiful.Ready for dinner?”
She'd been hard at work on Ronnie's latest cover—both sheandDagger had hired her to be their cover designer—and hadn't even realized how late it was.
“I'll take that as a no,” Axel said, pointing at the computer.
“Sorry!I completely lost track of time.Let me just save this and I'll be ready,” she assured him.
“No problem, babygirl.I know you're dedicated to your clients.”
“Yeah.Wait.How did you get in here?”she questioned.
“Hallie let me in.”
“Ah.That makes sense.OH!I thought of another tattoo I want.”
In the six months they'd been together, she'd gotten four other tattoos besides the one that had begun things between them.
“I'm beginning to think you're addicted,” he teased.
She stuck her tongue out at him.“Fine.I'll just get Ripper to do it.”
“The fuck you will,” he growled.“The only person allowed to ink that skin is me.Tell me what you want.”
