“Why do you guys keep looking at each other like that?” I ask Maggie and Aspen.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Maggie lies.
“You’re imagining it. Do you need another drink?” Aspen asks.
I look down at my cup and see it’s still full before I look back up at her.
“Cut the shit. What’s going on?” I press.
Before they can answer, Panther’s whistle cuts through the air, getting everyone’s attention.
“Everyone, we have something important to announce,” Panther says, making the guys cheer.
Ridge comes up next to me and takes my drink from my hand and passes it to Aspen before helping me stand.
“What the hell?” I ask quietly.
Ridge ignores my outrage as he grabs my hand, pulling me toward Panther.
“Come on,” he mutters under his breath.
“What’s happening?” I hiss.
Ridge doesn’t answer me, but comes to a stop next to Panther, my hand still in his.
“Ridge, the floor is yours,” Panther says, taking a step back.
I watch as Ridge rolls his shoulders back and stands tall. Dread rolls through me. I don’t know how I know, but I know that something monumental is about to happen.
“Everyone knows that Rain’s and my relationship has been less than conventional. In fact, it’s been downright volatile attimes,” he says, making everyone laugh. “Things have changed, though. We live together. We’re married in the eyes of the law.” He takes a deep breath. “And now, in front of all our brothers, our family, it’s time I officially make her my old lady.”
Shock rushes through me as Aspen steps forward. I watch as he takes a jacket from her, and he turns it to show me the back.
Property of Ridge.
Property of…
My heart races as my vision goes white around the edges.
This can’t be happening.
We are married only on paper. Our marriage isn’t real, and he’s making me his old lady. Something he will never be able to take back. He only gets one claim in his life, and he just chose me.
The girl who has gone out of her way to make his life a living hell. The one who, at one point, would have gnawed her own leg off rather than be stuck in a room with him.
He wants me as his old lady.
My stomach churns as the words sink in.
Fuck.
Our friends cheer around us as he slips the jacket around me. The guys come forward and slap him on the back as the women come over to me and start congratulating me on my promotion.
“Congratulations!” Maggie says as she throws her arms around me.
“Damn. ‘Property of’ almost looks as good on you as it does me,” Aspen teases.
“I never thought this day would come. Your dad would be so proud,” Kim, Prairie’s wife, adds.
