"Sometimes I don't know what I would do without you. You know? If I was still the same mouse of a girl back in Chester, stocking books and making dinner for my parents."
"I can't imagine the path my life would have taken without you. I'm almost positive the course I was on would have gotten me killed."
She rested her cheek on my chest. "I can't even think about something happening to you."
"You gave me everything, Kinsley. I'm grateful to you." Gently, I brushed stray hairs back from her temple and clung to her. "Things will go back to normal soon, or as close as we can ever come to normal."
Squeezing me one last time, she then let go and sat on the couch. I followed, sitting beside her.
She said, "I want to make an alliance with the Carmichaels, and then I don't want any more war. I'm sick of these Families saying one thing and doing something completely different. If Jonah and Jayden are serious, we'll merge our Families and create peace in Boston."
"There will always be outside Families trying to infiltrate our city, those who think they can steal territory without consequence. Once the Navarros are gone, Jonah and I will have a lot of area to protect."
"We can do it."
"Yes, I believe we can."
Long-term peace was all I'd ever wanted, but looking back, it was obvious we never had a chance with the Peraltas and the Navarros running amok. Even the Whites had changed their usual stance when I refused to uphold the crappy half-promise Carson made them.
My cell phone rang, startling us both. I rose quickly, picking it up from the table and answering. "Logan?"
"Anna called me. She wants to meet tonight; asked me to bring cash."
I grinned wolfishly. "Perfect. Do you have access to enough money to fool her, or will you need my assistance?"
"No, I've got it covered. I bet she thinks she's playing me," Logan mused.
"Perhaps. How will I receive confirmation of her termination?"
There was a pause. "I was positive you'd want to be there in person."
"Do you think it's wise for me to leave the safe house? I'd have to hide in the rafters of the warehouse."
"Anna can't see you, it's true. It would mess it up. It's up to you, of course. I'll wear a camera if you'd like, or you can come early and set up in the warehouse."
I contemplated my options. Leaving the safe house was a bit of a risk, but I must see Anna die for myself. "We'll be there."
"We?"
"You don't think I'm leaving Kinsley alone, do you?"
"No, of course not, I just assumed she wouldn't want to watch it."
I glanced at my wife. "She's eager to see this come to an end, same as the rest of us."
"All right. We're meeting at eleven, so come anytime before then."
"Perfect." I hung up. "You do want to come, don't you?"
Kinsley nodded. "I might have to close my eyes at the end, but I want to be there."
"Fair enough. I'll call Caden."
When my cousin answered groggily, I realized I'd woken him up because of the time difference. "Sorry to disturb your honeymoon."
"It's fine. What have we got?"
"Anna agreed to meet with Logan if he brings cash."
