"You won't." I step closer, unable to maintain distance any longer. "The club gave me purpose when I needed it most, and I'll always be grateful for that. But these past few days with you..." I search for the right words. "They've reminded me that there's more to life than following orders and protocols. That sometimes the right thing doesn't fit neatly into rules."
"Knight Davis, breaking rules for me." Her smile is teasing, but her eyes are serious. "Are you sure I'm worth it?"
"Without a doubt."
The front door opens, and Dice calls out, "Hey, lovebirds! Perimeter's secure. We're setting up on the porch."
Beth blushes at his phrasing but doesn't move away from me. "We should join them," she suggests.
"In a minute," I say, reaching for her hand. "First, there's something I've wanted to do since we walked out of that courtroom."
"What's that?"
Instead of answering, I pull her gently toward me, one hand moving to cup her cheek. Her eyes widen slightly, then soften as she realizes my intent. I lean down, and she rises to meet me halfway.
Our lips meet in a kiss that's different from the desperate, passionate ones we shared in the cabin. This is softer, a beginning rather than an ending.
Beth sighs against my mouth, her body melting into mine. My arms encircle her waist, holding her close as the kiss deepens. In this moment, there's no danger, no mission, no club obligations—just us, finding our way to something new.
The porch door slams, and Dice's voice carries through the cabin. "Seriously, Knight! Blade says if you don't get out here for the security briefing in two minutes, he's coming in after you!"
We break apart, both smiling. "Always interrupted," Beth murmurs.
"We'll have time," I promise, pressing my forehead to hers. "All the time we need."
She nods, kissing me once more quickly before stepping back. "Let's not keep them waiting. After everything they've done to help us, they deserve our attention."
"You're right." I offer her my hand. "Ready?"
"With you beside me? I'm ready for anything."
Together, we step out onto the porch where my brothers wait. Blade raises an eyebrow at our joined hands but says nothing. Viper gives a small nod of what might be approval. Dice grins openly, nudging Viper with his elbow.
"Told you," he says smugly. "Pay up."
Viper rolls his eyes but reaches into his cut, pulling out a twenty and slapping it into Dice's outstretched hand.
"You bet on us?" I ask, torn between amusement and annoyance.
"On when you'd finally admit what everyone could see," Dice corrects. "Viper said you'd wait until we got back to Pine Haven. I knew better."
Beth laughs—a genuine, unrestrained sound that makes my heart swell. After everything she's been through, she can still laugh. Still find joy in this moment.
"Alright, enough," Blade interrupts, all business as usual. "Security briefing. We're on four-hour rotations until morning, then convoy formation back to Pine Haven. Reaper's orders."
As Blade outlines the rest of the plan, I keep Beth's hand in mine. Tomorrow we'll return to Pine Haven, to the club, to whatever consequences await my breach of protocol. But tonight, in this moment, with Beth safe and justice served, I can't bring myself to regret a single choice that led us here.
Some rules are worth breaking. Some missions become more than assignments. And sometimes, in the midst of danger, you find exactly what you never knew you were looking for.
Epilogue - Beth
Three Years Later
The bell jingles as the last customer leaves Pine Haven Books, waving goodbye with a stack of mysteries tucked under her arm. I flip the sign to "Closed" and lean against the door, taking a moment to appreciate the quiet hum of my little kingdom.
My bookstore. Still feels strange to think of it that way, even after three years of legitimate ownership. The shelves are more crowded now, the children's section expanded, and the small café corner in the back has become a popular spot for the town's readers. It's nothing like the sparse cover operation it once was.
I check my watch—4:55 PM. Just enough time to finish the evening's closing routine and head upstairs to change before Knight picks me up. Our three-year anniversary dinner awaits, and my husband is nothing if not punctual.
