Carlos nodded once at Diesel and turned on his heels, climbing the stairs silently before he disappeared into the sunlight.
The threat was neutralized. Both of them.
They were gone and Macy was safe, but it would be a long fucking time before shefeltsafe from external threats. She was mine to keep safe.
Mine to steady.
So I followed Carlos’ path and went to my woman, confident that whatever came next, we could handle it.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Macy
Iwas lying on the bed when Drew came back to the room, looking so exhausted I instinctively reached out for him. “Hey,” I said softly as he stomped inside, as if every step he took required a Herculean effort.
“Hey,” he replied absently, toeing off his boots before he went straight to the shower.
My shoulders sagged at his half-hearted greeting. Not because it felt personal but because it was a sign of just how much whatever just happened had affected him.
The shower turned on and I sat there in the center of the bed and listened, debating whether or not I should go in there to comfort him. He’d always comforted me and this was the least I could do for him.
Right?
But he looked like he needed a moment to himself and he’d more than earned that, so I stayed where I was and listened to the steady sound of the water pounding against the shower wall. His hard body.
What was going on in his head?
I was desperate to know what had happened and why it made him go quiet on me, but I was also scared to ask.
Drew had never been anything but good and kind to me, but the idea that there was something in this world that could getto him left me unsettled. He’d always been superhuman to me in some ways, but instead of freaking me out, learning that my best friend, the man I loved was just human was actually refreshing.
It meant that maybe, just maybe, I might be enough for him.
I let out a shaky sigh just as the door opened and Drew stepped out wearing nothing but a too-small towel that was slung low on his hips. Water still clung to his skin, making his tattoos seem more vibrant. My mouth watered, need took hold of me but I tamped it down, pushing it aside until later.
He was beautiful and a little bit broken and my heart went out to him. “Hey, how are you holding up, big guy?” My voice was quiet, almost like my subconscious was too scared to break this tender silence.
He looked up with a tired, lopsided grin. “Tired as fuck,” he said, reaching out to drag one finger down the length of my leg. “Happy as hell to see you.” He dropped down beside me, fell backward and pulled me flush against his hard, damp body. Then he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. Holding me like he didn’t want to let me go.
I leaned into him without hesitation because being in his arms felt amazing but also because I thought he needed to hold me for his own reasons.
The silence extended all around us but there was still more to say and now that it was all over—I hoped—the words needed oxygen to breathe. “I knew you’d come for me, Drew.” My voice was so soft I wasn’t sure I’d actually said anything. “You always have.” When he was around, he was there.
Always.
He hummed low in his chest, the sound vibrating against my cheek, and tightened his hold.
He seemed content and that more than anything, gave me the courage to continue. “Coming out west to find you,” I continued, my voice thoughtful because I hadn’t really had time to put my thoughts together, “was the best risk I ever took. I never imagined I’d have you like this.” I laughed quietly. “I mean, I did imagine.A lot,actually. But I never let myself.”
He stilled for an unnecessarily long moment before our gazes collided. “So you were low-key lusting after me all these years?”
I knew he was kidding but I answered honestly anyway. “Of course. You’ve always been the best man I’ve ever known, Drew. Smart and kind and funny.” I shrugged, feeling vulnerable as fuck, but I kept talking. “And then you went and got hot, so yeah.” I ducked my head, suddenly feeling shy. “But justbeing aroundyou again has been nothing short of amazing.”
Drew, somehow, froze even tighter. Suddenly it felt as if my heartfelt words were unwanted and just like that my chest tightened. “Why does this sound like goodbye?”
My brows crinkled. “I don’t know.” Did he want this to be goodbye?
I turned to face him and lifted my hand, tracing the line of his jaw, the rough edge of his stubble. “I’m just trying to tell you that I’m notjustgrateful you saved me. Again.” I swallowed. “I’m in love with you.” I rushed the next part, as my nerves tangled up my words. “I mean, I love you. As more than a friend.” I groaned. “This… I’m not saying it right.” My face scrunched up and I dropped my head to his shoulder.
