"Nothing. Ever. I pro—"
"Ry." She stops me with a finger to my lips. "You know what those words mean to me."
Cupping the back of her neck, I pull her in for a slow, deep kiss that sends my cock to attention and leaves her panting. "I do, sweetheart. And I promise. No secrets. Ever again."
* * *
Room service deliversburgers and fries, along with two icy cold bottles of beer. We eat in bed, wrapped in the hotel’s plush robes, with Pixel racing between the two of us, begging shamelessly. Wren tears off a piece of fry every few minutes and indulges the dog. I want to ask her about Seattle. About coming home with me. But I’m afraid if I do, this warm, comfortable bubble we’re in will burst.
And then she turns and smiles at me. I inhale sharply and tangle my fingers in her hair. “What changed?”
Her brows furrow. “I don’t understand.”
“Your eyes. I seeyou,Wren. It’s like you’re…back with me. After we left the safe house, you disappeared. Even earlier, in the shower…”
Her cheeks flush pink, and she stares down at my wrist where Zion’s bracelet still rests. “I didn’t realize I was hungry until the food showed up.”
“It wasn’t the food.” Her eyes were so vacant after we left the mansion. And now, the copper flecks burn bright.
With a nod, she covers my hand with hers. “It kind of was.” Her voice drops, and she pushes the tray aside, then snuggles against my chest. I can’t see her eyes anymore, and she wears her shame like a mask. “When…Blondie found me in the security office, I was so scared. I didn’t know where you were. Or if you were even still alive. He told me he was taking me back to Kolya, and I thought…for a minute…it’ll be easier. I won’t care about anything. I won’t be scared. I won’t hurt. I won’t have to fight anymore.”
“Wren—”
“Let me finish. Please?”
Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, I wait.
“And then…you were so scared. I’ve never seen you…scared.” She waves her hand. “I know we’ve only known one another for two weeks, but come on.” She peers up at me, the corners of her lips curving into a smile. “Pretty much our entire relationship has been one terrifying event after another.”
“Not every event.” Her nipple rises under the plush fabric when I skate my thumb over her breast.
Wren bats my hand away and links our fingers. “Hush. You know what I mean.” After a sigh, she scoots up a little higher so we’re eye-to-eye. “Nothing after the lights went out felt real. I remember everything. West cutting the zip tie. Kolya…gasping for air. How Semyon and Elena held onto each other the whole flight. Ford showing up with Pixel.”
The dog yips, and I toss her another fry.
“As stupid as it sounds…this,” she gestures to the remnants of our meal and then to the two of us tangled together, “is the firstrealmoment I’ve had since we left the safe house. And…I want more of them. All of them.” Running her fingers over Zion’s bracelet, she meets my gaze. “With you. I love you.We’rereal.”
Long seconds pass, and she touches my cheek, amusement dancing in her eyes. “You can talk now. I’m done.”
My laugh still surprises me. The raspy tone. The way my entire body feels…warmer. Lighter. How I can’t help smiling. “Just following orders, sweetheart.” Several slow, tender kisses later, I draw back. “Come to Seattle with me. At least for a little while. We’ll go to West’s wedding. The rest…”
“I can work from anywhere.” Her words tumble out in a rush. “I’ll need to fly back here once in a while…either for a job or just to see everyone. But…Boston stopped being home when Zion died. I want a fresh start, Ry. With you.”
Epilogue
Wren
Two days later, Ryker eases the keys from my hand and unlocks my apartment door. So much has changed since I took Pixel out for what should have been an uneventful walk. He’s tense, and I know he’s hired someone to pack everything up for me, but I can’t leave without a few essentials.
My favorite sweater. The photo of me and Z at the Sox game. My mother’s jewelry box—where I store a collection of stones and crystals I’ve collected over the years. The green pendant Zion gave me. Pixel’s toys, and the soft fleece blanket from my bed.
But there’s one other reason I had to come back here. “Give me a minute?” I ask as I zip up the suitcase.
“I’ll be right outside the door.” He eases the bag’s handle from my grip and brushes a light kiss to my lips.
Every day this man amazes me. He’s still very much the same tough, hates-talking-about-his-feelings person he was when we met. But we don’t always need words. He understands me, even when I don’t understand myself.
Sinking down onto my bed, I let the pendant warm against my palm. I can’t wear it. My neck is still raw and painful. But I need a touchstone.
