But as the Denver skyline appears on the horizon, guilt gnaws at me again. I'm making decisions for her, just like Elliot probably did. Deciding what she can and can't handle. Keeping information from her "for her own good." The justification sounds hollow even in my own head.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Sadie asks, breaking into my spiral of self-doubt.
I glance at her, taking in her relaxed posture, the soft smile playing at her lips. She looks happier than I've ever seen her, more at ease in her own skin. The contrast between this Sadie and the tightly wound, hypervigilant woman I first met is striking.
"Just wondering what I did to deserve you in my life," I say, the words coming out more raw and honest than I intend.
Her smile falters slightly, a flash of vulnerability crossing her face. "I'm the one who should be wondering that," she says quietly.
I reach across the console and take her hand, threading our fingers together. The envelope crinkles slightly as I shift in my seat, a physical reminder of the secret I'm keeping, the trust I'm betraying even as I convince myself I’m doing the right thing.
Chapter 19
Sadie
Igasp when the hotel doors open to the penthouse suite. It's like walking into a dream, floor-to-ceiling windows revealing Denver's skyline, plush furniture in rich jewel tones, and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket next to a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.
"Axel," I breathe, taking in the enormous king bed with its mountain of pillows, the separate sitting area with a couch that probably costs more than all my furniture combined.
"This is… this must have cost?—"
"Don't," he says firmly, setting our bags down and coming to stand in front of me. His hands cup my face gently.
"Don't worry about the cost. Don't think about money or budgets or practicality. Not tonight."
"But—"
"You deserve this, Sadie." His eyes hold mine, serious and intent. "You deserve one night where you're not counting pennies or worrying about tomorrow. Just let me give you this."
My breath shudders out, shoulders sinking as his words work through me. His hands are still on my face, anchoring me, making it impossible to disappear the way I always do. When did anyone last look at me like it was a privilege? When did Ilet myself want to be spoiled, to be wanted, just because I exist? Never. Not like this, not with him watching me, heat rising under my skin, need buzzing in my veins.
"Okay," I whisper, letting myself accept it, this gift, this moment, this feeling of being treasured.
He smiles, dropping a quick kiss on my lips before moving to open the champagne. The cork pops with a satisfying sound, and he pours two glasses, handing one to me.
"To one night away from everything," he says, clinking his glass against mine.
I take a sip, the bubbles dancing on my tongue. It's good, really good, the kind of champagne I've never bothered to learn about because it's so far outside my budget.
While Axel unpacks a few things, I wander to the windows, drawn by the view. Denver sprawls below us, and beyond the city, the Rocky Mountains rise in the distance, their peaks already dusted with early snow. The sun is setting, painting everything in gold and pink.
I've lived in Colorado for over a year, but I've been so focused on survival, on staying hidden, that I've barely noticed the beauty surrounding me. I press my palm against the cool glass, suddenly overwhelmed by how small I feel, and how free.
For one night, no one knows where I am. No one is counting on me. No one is watching me. I could be anyone.
I sense Axel before I feel him, the subtle shift in the air, the faint scent of his cologne. Then his hands are on my waist, sliding around to my stomach, pulling me back against his chest. His lips find the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder, and I shiver.
"What are you thinking?" he murmurs against my skin.
"That I can't remember the last time I felt this… untethered." I lean back into him, allowing myself to enjoy the solid warmth of his body. "Like I could float away if you weren't holding me."
His arms tighten around me. "I've got you."
I turn in his embrace, setting my champagne glass on a nearby table. My arms loop around his neck as I look up into his face, those warm eyes, that mouth that seems to always hover on the edge of a smile. He's beautiful in the fading light, his features cast in gold and shadow.
"Thank you," I say, meaning it more than he could possibly understand. "For bringing me here. For giving me this."
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering on my cheek.
