“Oof,” I grunt. “Missed me that much, huh?”
Cora pulls back, her blue eyes wide. “Oh God, I’m sorry! Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“Takes more than a tackle-hug to take me down.”
Our lips meet, and it’s like coming home. I pour everythingI have into this kiss—all my love, my fears, my desire. It’s a declaration, a promise, a plea.
Cora responds with equal fervor, her body melting against mine. She moans, the sound vibrating against my lips, and it echoes through my entire being. Her mouth opens for me, an invitation I eagerly accept.
My tongue explores the familiar warmth of her mouth, relearning every curve and contour. She tastes of coffee and mint and Cora—a flavor I’ve craved during every moment of our separation. Our tongues dance, a sensual tango that speaks of passion.
I savor her sweetness, drinking her in like a man dying of thirst. My hands slide into her hair, holding her close as if she might disappear if I let go. Cora’s fingers grip my shirt, her nails scraping against my chest through the fabric.
The kiss deepens, grows more urgent. It’s a testament to survival, to the fierce love that kept me fighting in that hospital bed. It’s a promise of all the tomorrows we’ll face together. When we part, breathless and dizzy, I rest my forehead against hers, our breaths mingling in the small space between us.
“I missed you, my little trouble,” I whisper, my voice husky. “Though I might need to sit soon before my legs decide to go on strike.”
She tucks herself under my arm, supporting my weight. “Let’s get you inside, you big idiot. What were you thinking, checking yourself out of the hospital?”
“I was thinking I needed to see my girl,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Even if she’s trying to put me back in the hospital with her enthusiastic greetings.”
Cora snorts, but her grip tightens. “Don’t joke about that. I thought I’d lost you.”
The humor fades from my voice. “Hey,” I say, stopping ourslow progress toward the house. “I’m here, Cora. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “Promise?”
“Cross my heart,” I say. “And hope to—well, maybe we’ll skip that part.”
She lets out a watery laugh, smacking my chest. “Jerk. Don’t you dare scare me like that again.”
I pull her close, breathing in her familiar scent. It grounds me, chasing away the lingering fog of medication and hospital antiseptic. “I’ll always come back to you, Little Trouble. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away. Though wild nurses almost did. I left claw marks on the hospital doors escaping.”
Cora shakes her head, but a smile tugs at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“Impossibly charming? Devastatingly handsome? Irresistibly?—”
She cuts me off with another kiss, soft and sweet and full of everything we can’t put into words. When she pulls back, her eyes are shining. “Impossibly mine,” she whispers.
My heart swells, and for a moment, I forget about the pain, the lingering weakness, the mysteries still unsolved. At this moment, there’s just Cora and me.
“Damn straight,” I murmur, resting my forehead against hers. “Now, as much as I’d love to stand here gazing into your eyes all day, can we move this reunion somewhere with comfortable seating?”
Cora laughs. “Let’s get you inside before you fall over on the front lawn.”
The Valeur estate is a testament to wealth and power, with manicured lawns stretching as far as the eye can see and a mansion that looks like it belongs in a period drama. It’s a world away from the modest cabin I call home.
“Is your father home?” I ask.
“Yes,” Cora replies, her grip on me tightening.
I nod, steeling myself. “Good. I want to talk to him.”
We enter the mansion, and Cora leads me to an enormous room filled with expensive furniture and artwork. I try not to gawk at the obvious display of wealth. There’s more money on these walls than I’ve earned in my entire life.
“Before we meet with him, tell me what happened,” Cora says as she helps me settle onto one of the plush sofas. Her touch is gentle, mindful of my still-healing body. “How were you poisoned?”
I lean back. “It was at the gym,” I begin, my voice low. “The lab found the substance on my towel. Someone must have followed me there.”
