We collapse together, breathing hard, hearts pounding. He rolls to the side, pulling me with him so I'm draped across his chest.
Finally I lift my head, meeting his gaze. His blue eyes are soft, the usual intensity replaced by tenderness. His lips curve into a small, satisfied smile. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
He pulls me closer, tucking me against his side. “I'm never letting you go. I hope you know that.”
“Good. I need you to hold on tight.” I feel alive, wanted. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
“Kai?”
“Hmm?”
“I'm hungry.”
He laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I can order something.”
“In a minute.” I snuggle closer. “I'm not ready to move yet.”
“Take your time.” He strokes my hair, slow and soothing. “We have all the time in the world.”
Lying here in his arms, I almost believe him.
CHAPTER 43
THE RABBIT HOLE
EMMA
Morning light catchesEmma's hair as she opens the car door, turning the blonde strands to gold. She's wearing the navy dress I love, the one that makes her look like she could run the world before lunch. Professional. Polished.Mine.
“You're staring,” she says, but she's smiling.
“Can't help it.” I lean across the console, and she meets me halfway, her lips soft and warm against mine. The kiss is brief but it settles something in my chest, a reminder that this is real. That she chose me.
“Have a good day, Mr. Rhodes,” she teases.
“You too, darling.”
She starts to pull away, but I catch her hand. “Wait.” I reach into my jacket and slide a black card into the side pocket of her bag.
Emma frowns, pulling it out. “Kai, I don't need?—“
“Indulge me.” I meet her eyes. “Just in case.”
She wants to argue. I can see it in the set of her jaw, the independent streak that drew me to her in the first place. Something in my expression must convince her. She tucks the card back into her bag with a sigh.
“Fine. But I'm not using it.”
“Whatever you say.”
She rolls her eyes, but she's still smiling as she climbs out of the car. I watch her walk toward the GVM building, her heels clicking on the pavement, her head held high. She looks back one last time before entering the building and does a little wave.
I pull away from the curb feeling lighter than I have in weeks. Emma loves me. Me and all the darkness that I bring. Whatever comes next, I can handle it.
Maddox is waitingin the conference room when I arrive, laptop open, screens filled with data. Ethan hovers nearby, expression grim. Logan looks up from his phone, and the look on his face tells me this isn't good news.
“What did you find?” I ask, lowering myself into a chair. My ankle throbs, but I ignore it.
Maddox spins his monitor toward me. “The money trail from the fixer. I finally cracked the last layer.”
