I meet her eyes and lift my hand to trace her cheek. “I’m here, princess. Always.”
Tears flood her eyes, and she grips me tight, sobbing into my shirt. It’s the last thing I hear before darkness claims me.
EPILOGUE
BRONCO
A week later,I’m recovering in bed at one of Lone Star’s cabins on The Ranch when a text pings on my phone. I pull it from my back pocket and glance at the unknown number. It’s a link to a news article about Aiden Frost. The sender’s info is just the phone number and a skull and crossbones emoji.
I pull up the article and scan the contents. It details dozens of shady dealings Frost was discovered to have made with business contacts worldwide. Everything from spying to blackmail. Someone downloaded the entire contents of his personal drives and delivered them to the authorities… and the press. Floyd Whitaker was also implicated and is under investigation.
: I owed you
A knot of tension I didn’t know I was carrying loosens in my chest. The next breath I draw comes easier, knowing Camille is truly safe. Her father has no more claim on her.
Bronco: No you didn’t
There’s no debt between brothers. We protect each other any way we can.
: No one should have to spend their lives looking over their shoulder
Bronco: Like you?
: At least I know I’ll see you there
Bronco: Always. Whatever you need, I have your back
I'm making my last move
If I go under the ice this time, don't come looking for me
I tuck the phone back in my pocket and swallow past the hard lump in my throat. Wherever Dallas is, I hope he's not starting a war he can't win. Because if he thinks I'll walk away, he's wrong.
Camille enters the bedroom carrying a tray. She’s been learning to cook and enjoying it.
She smiles when she sees me sitting up. The wound on my shoulder is healing well. Another two inches down and I wouldn’t have been so lucky.
“Breakfast?”
“Are you offering?” I lean in for a brief kiss, then trace the satiny skin of her cheek.
She sets the tray aside and climbs on my lap. One of my flannels clings to her body, sexy as fuck.
“Is this okay?” she asks.
“It will be.” This is the first day I’ve felt up to any… exertion. I plan to make the most of it. I reach for the buttons, sliding them from the holes, then push the shirt off, baring her body to me.
I’m addicted to the taste and feel of her skin. The way she shivers lightly when I rake my teeth over her tender flesh and lick away the sting. I’m full and aching for her. Been dreaming of this moment since the night I made her come.
“Your shoulder?” she asks, voice breathy as I suck kisses on her neck.
“What shoulder?”
A giggle escapes her.
Camille gasps and presses her fingers to her lips.
I freeze.
