Ben studies me and sighs. “You’ve always been stubborn.”
My lips twitch. “Wonder where I get it from.”
“Fair point.”
I take a shaky breath. “So… you really know everything? About Joe? Rachel?”
He nods. “Axel filled me in. Rachel’s dad has blood money in everything from oil to organ trafficking. Joe’s just his hand in the skin operation. Johnny’s not wrong, Joe’s a monster. But this wedding plan? It’s risky.”
I step forward, chin high, resting a hand on his. “I can handle myself. You made sure I knew how.”
He exhales sharply, then cups my cheek with a rough, familiar hand. We stand there in the silence, something fragile holding between us. It’s not nearly enough, but it’s more than I thought I’d ever have again. And I’ve learned to take something over nothing.
“Are you staying through the ceremony?” I ask.
He snorts. “You think I’d leave you here? Hell no.”
I laugh. “Good. I need someone else to be angry, too.”
“Oh, I’m furious.” His eyes glint. “But I’m also proud. You’ve survived things that would’ve broken most people. You’re still standing. Still swinging.”
“Still here,” I whisper.
“Exactly.”
There’s a knock on the door. Axel pokes his head back in.
“We’re getting close,” he says. “Almost showtime.”
Ben squeezes my hand once more. “Do what you gotta doout there. But if anything looks wrong—if anything changes—”
“I know.” I nod. “You’ve got my back.”
He holds my gaze, saying a hundred things with one look—love, regret, fear, pride—then turns and walks out.
I take one last look in the mirror. Not at the hair or the makeup, just the eyes. Our eyes.
I’m still me. Still strong. Still here.
It’s time to finish this.
Chapter 39
Nik
“You ready for today?” Axel asks beside me.
“No,” I answer honestly.
The last three weeks flew by. And now, the wedding’s here. We’ve gathered every ounce of intel, prepped every detail, and I just have to hope it’s enough. Enough to bring down Joe. Enough to rattle Walter. Enough to keep Lina alive.
I hate using her as bait. The thought alone makes me sick, but she’s the only thing guaranteed to lure Joe out. We don’t get a second shot at this.
Axel sighs. “Yeah, me either.”
He starts putting on his dress shirt, the crisp white a stark contrast against his tan skin. I’m tempted to drag him back into bed and take the edge off for both of us, but we can’t afford distractions today. We have to be sharp.
He buttons his cuffs and slips into his jacket. I move closer to help with his bowtie, needing a moment, needing him. His presence calms me like nothing else.
