Part 46 (2/2)

I hated the look that filled his once light eyes, I hated that I caused that depth of pain. And he was still trying to rea.s.sure me and hide it. It scared me to think of what that might turn into one day, how much of him would die because of it.

”Maybe we dont”

He moved slow, his eyes narrowing. ”What?”

”Maybe we dont have to go.” I know it was crazy to back out when so much had been planned, but as I spoke it, my heart slowed and breathing evened, and I felt calm. It felt right.

”We dont have time for this. We have to go. You wanted this.”

”This is the only time. Theres no other chance to turn back. I cant make you cut off your family.”

”Youre my family.” I couldnt read what emotion was flooding his gaze; it was a mix of everything.

”And youre mine.” I stroked his cheek with my hand, barely touching the bruises still present. ”They are too, and I dont want to leave them.” I glanced at the photo and back to him. ”I thought we had to, but everyone we were running from are dead. The people we were setting up with our fake death are dead.” After the FBI fell through, Gage had changed our plan so our death looked like a murder and clues with our connection to the Rusnaks would be left. ”Our enemies are gone.”

While my breathing was steadying with the idea, his was increasing, erratic.

He sucked in a breath, looking into open s.p.a.ce and then back at me. ”There will be more if we stay.”

”Well probably make new ones if we go.”

”Youre sure about this?” He stepped towards me and I saw that light flicker in his eyes, he wanted this too.

”But we still stay out of everything. We say no to anyone who tries to pull us back. We dont let any of them take control.”

He shook his head. ”No, no one can tell us what to do. We f.u.c.king proved that. We fought to get here. And Ill continue to fight for us. For you.”

”Then we stay.” I slid my arms around him, hugging him tight, pressing my ear to his chest where his heart beat its strong, steady rhythm.

He dropped down to the sofa, pulling me with him, kissing my hair.

”What now then?”

I shook my head, letting the ideas expand beyond the limits we had when we were considering a life of hiding.

”You have a t.i.tle to defend.” I pressed my lips to his. ”We should start training for that.”

His chest rumbled under me, his laughter nearly making me cry. But the smile that filled his face called to me, making me kiss him. Needing to feel that beautiful smile. The energy flowing between us was light, weightless, and stress slipped away as the world opened up, looking brighter from this new view.

He hovered over me, lips still grazing mine. ”You should start training. You can go for a t.i.tle now.” His smile spread against my smile, teasing me, making me melt. ”If you want.”

I nodded, gripping his s.h.i.+rt with both of my hands.

He smoothed his hand over my face, pus.h.i.+ng back my hair, eyes clouding. ”Thank you,” he spoke low, with an honest intensity that enveloped me.

Then he looked around the living room and fell back against the couch, bringing me with him. ”Were going to have to tear up this carpet.” His sigh was somehow heavy and light.

And I laughed, looking at the bloodstains, feeling like I escaped another bad decision. Or maybe this was the bad decision, but I didnt dwell on it because I had Gage wrapped around me. My decisions may be crazy, I certainly felt crazy, but he was there with me, on the highs and lows. The one constant through the madness was that he loved me, and I loved him, with a powerful love that was a madness all of its own.

THE END.

Thank You.

Thank you for reading. Please consider sharing your thoughts and reactions in a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon.

A Note From The Author.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you for reading this story. I hope you have enjoyed the twisted journey.

I know the ending leaves a lot open, but this is NOT so there can be another book in the series. I dont think there will be (although I never say never since inspiration is strange and at times unpredictable). Its just that I don't really see these two being happy with a happily ever after in the traditional sense. They will like a temporary calm, but inevitably one, or both, will do something to rile things up because they thrive on that. That doesn't mean that deserves another book though. It's just how I see their life always going. But as long as they have each other, they are happy. And I truly believe they are at that point now.

If you would like more of these two, be sure to sign up for my mailing list so you can receive bonus chapters for this book in Gages perspective. Signing up will also allow you to find out when I release new books. Sign up here: eepurl.com/6Hsfz.

About The Author.

Ashley Claudy is a mother, wife, teacher, proud UMD Terp, and perpetual Learner with a wild imagination fueled by coffee. Shes also an occasional runner, a late night book junkie, and a daytime dreamer.

She loves to interact with her readers and can be contacted/ found here:.

Website: ashleyclaudy.blogspot.com/.

end.

<script>