Mom leans toward me and gives me a kiss on the cheek. Then she holds a hand against the side of my face. “Talk to Declan. Whatever’s wrong between you two, don’t let it fester. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That man would burn down the world for you. He’s already proven it.”
My heart clenches. “He’s been distant since the warehouse mess.”
“Then find out why.” She hesitates then pulls me into an awkward hug. Stiff. Neither of us knows quite where to put our arms. But I…I like it. I needed it.
“Fight for what you want, Marlowe. Don’t make my mistakes.”
I find Declan in his room later that night.
He’s standing by the window, looking out at the city. He doesn’t turn when I come in.
“We need to talk,” I say.
“I know.”
I inch forward until I’m beside him. My pulse pounds. Something’s coming. I can feel it.
“Whatever’s going on with you, whatever you’re thinking, I need you to tell me. Because the silence is killing me.”
He’s quiet. Too quiet.
Then he turns to face me, and his eyes are blue-green ice.
“Your father’s been found. He’s safe. Thedebt’s being handled. Cinco won’t come after him anymore.” His spine stiffens. “So that’s it. The threats are gone. No more fake marriage. No more bodyguard.”
My gut twists, ice flooding my veins.
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’re free, Marlowe.”
Free.
The word hits like a slap.
“There’s no reason for you to stay. There’s no more danger. You can go back to your life. Figure out what you actually want to do now that your mam’s backing off.”
I stare at him. This isn’t—I came here ready to fight for us. Ready to tell him I love him. That I’m not going anywhere.
And he’s pushing me away?
“I don’t want to go back to my old life.” My voice shakes. “I want you.”
Pain flickers across his face.
Then it’s gone.
“You almost died because of me. Because of what I am. What my family is.” His voice is rough. Hard. “Leon took you to get to me. You had a knife at your throat because you’re my wife. That’s not a life, Marlowe. That’s just another cage.”
“Don’t I get to decide that?”
“You’re letting adrenaline and trauma make your decisions. Give it time. You’ll see I’m right.”
Fury. Hot and bright in my chest.
“So that’s it? You rescue me and then throw me away?”
“I’m not throwing you away. I’m setting you free.”
