hand over my face and looked him squarely in the eyes. “I asked her to marry me, Lucas. She said yes.”
“Jesus, congrats, buddy. You didn’t waste time, did you?”
I chuckled. “Nope. But I’m not sure it will work out. What if she changes her mind?”
Savage had a puzzled look on his face. He cocked his head. “Why would she? She said yes, didn’t she?”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t know. Just a strange sensation I got afterwards when she was crying. As if she were deliberately pushing me away. She wouldn’t let me touch her in a sexual way either. I’m worried as fuck.”
“You wanted sex after what the woman has been through? You are a crazy fucker.”
I didn’t want to come off as a complete jerk, but I couldn’t lie to my partner. “Well yes, I always want sex with Eva. I can’t help myself. Especially after being away from her for so long.” I swiped the back of my neck and stared at my boots. “She closed herself off to me. It cut me like a knife that she wouldn’t confide in me or really let me touch her. Especially if she is planning to be my wife.”
“She’s going to need therapy, and a lot of understanding from you. For once, you’re gonna have to forget about your dick and focus on her.”
“You say that as if I only care about my own needs. Of course Eva comes first. I’ll do anything she wants just as long as she keeps her promise.”
“Fuck, I nearly feel sorry for you. But I’m glad you found a woman that has brought you back to life. You’ve been M.I.A. for a fucking long time.” Savage scratched his chin. “But I’m still not buying the MC talk. That’s just fucking ludicrous.”
A few days ago, I wouldn’t have believed it either. But sometimes in life, a switch flips and suddenly everything is shown in a different light.
I guess what they say is true: never say never.
Chapter 46 — Eva
While Ryder followed Harrison to the door and locked it behind him, I grabbed the clothes off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom to change. The top and skirt were slightly loose on me, and I realized that I must have lost some weight since it was the size I always wore. I raked my fingers through my hair and glanced at the gaunt features staring back at me from the mirror.
My eyes looked too big for my face and my collarbone was more prominent than usual. I pushed my arms through the sleeves of the cardigan and wrapped it around my body while shooting up a thank you to Sofia. Even though it was hot and balmy outdoors, I was shivering inside right to my bones, and I just couldn’t get warm in the air-conditioned room.
As I emerged from the bathroom, Ryder took a few steps closer to me, and I could see the concern in his eyes.
“Did Summers hurt you?”
I shook my head as a fresh stream of tears coursed down my cheeks and my lips quivered.
I hate being a blubbering mess.
Ryder pulled me into his arms. I let him hold me as I sobbed my heart out, letting go of the fear and anguish I’d held on to while trying to be strong. My brother stroked my hair and kissed my forehead and quietly told me that everything would be okay. I wanted to believe him so badly, but what if he was wrong?
Eventually, my tears subsided and the sobs racking my body stopped. I pulled away from Ryder, casting my eyes down to hide my embarrassment.
“Look at me, Eva.” Cagey, I lifted my head and met his gaze. His thumbs gently brushed over my cheeks and he gave me a smile that reached all the way to his eyes. “It fucking kills me to see you crying. How can I help? I’m happy to cut Summers’ balls off if that’s what you want. Just name it, Sis. I’ll do anything to make you smile again.”
The funny thing was that Ryder was perfectly serious.
“God, I’m so lucky to have you. But no, that’s not what I want.”
“What then? Just name it.”
“Well, there is something.” I paused and took a deep breath. “I want you to be happy for me.”
“Huh?” The confusion on his face was priceless. “I don’t get it.”
“Harrison asked me to marry him. I said yes. Please be happy for us,” I pleaded. I didn’t think I’d