“They dropped the charges since we’ve caught the true killer. Plus, I don’t have to complete my last trial.” He kisses my forehead. “Snow and the board members are speaking to the board members of the Quiet Gods about Emerson. So there won’t be any war between us.”
I smile. “Good. Is Jameson in trouble for bailing you out?”
He nods. “The board members are pissed, but they only deducted his pay.”
I rest my head on his hard chest. My hands shake, and I sigh.
“What is it?” Irvin asks.
“I’m sorry.”
He arches an eyebrow, so I go on.
“I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about not being the killer on campus. I’m sorry for…” My eyes water. “I’m sorry for turning you in to Snow for a crime you didn’t commit. I almost cost y—”
He wipes my tears. “It’s okay, my princess. You were dealing with a lot. I’m just glad you’re safe. Back at home with me.”
I nod. He kisses me deeply, softly.
I wrap my arms around my legs. I need to get something off my chest. I’ve been holding it in since the murder of Emerson.
“I feel… good that he is gone. I felt free when I killed Emerson.” I sob softly. I know it’s wrong to feel these emotions, but I sleep better at night. He’s not haunting me anymore. He’s not a ghost of my past.
Irvin kisses my forehead. “He got what he deserved. He deserved to be killed, especially by the person he hurt the most.” He cups my face. “You didn’t deserve any of the shit he put you through. Your parents didn’t deserve to die.”
He holds me tighter, but I don’t respond to his words. Deep down, I feel the exact same way. He’s right. I didn’t deserve any of it. And here I am—free. Safe. Loved. In the arms of the man who would protect me at all costs.
Lilac
The doorbell rings, and Irvin rushes to open it. Jameson stands in the archway with a bag of fast food.
Irvin invites him in, and I rush up to Jameson, hugging him as hard as I can.
Irvin clears his throat, and that is my cue to let Jameson go.
I smile. “What kind of food did you bring me?”
“Irvin told me your favorite food is baked potatoes and scallops.”
“It is.” I clear my throat. “Thank you for bailing Irvin out and rescuing me.”
I take the bag from him, and Jameson stares at me like I have three heads.
“What?”
He clears his throat, watching Irvin slowly. “Are you okay? I mean… you were out of it when you killed Emerson.”
I nod. “I’m fine.”
“Good. I thought we lost you, mentally.” His voice breaks. “Lilac… I mean, I care a great deal about you. I don’t wantanything to happen to you. You’re a good person, Lilac. Caring.” He eyes Irvin. “If you weren’t with hi—”
“Choose your words carefully,” Irvin warns. “Or I will forget that you’re my friend and cut out your tongue, Jameson.”
My eyes widen. My cheeks heat.
Irvin called him his friend. That’s new.
“I’m just glad you’re okay, beauty.”
