Relief floods through me, so strong it nearly hurts.
He shifts slightly, pulls me closer until I'm tucked against him.One arm around me, the other hand stroking my hair in slow, soothing movements.
I close my eyes.Let the rhythm of his breathing lull me.Let the warmth of him seep into my bones.
For the first time in years, I feel safe.
Really, truly safe.
Not just physically, but emotionally.Like I can finally let my guard down.Finally stop watching over my shoulder.Finally just...breathe.
"Devin?"My voice is sleepy now, exhaustion catching up.
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you came back."
"Me too."
"And Devin?"
“Yeah, baby?”he says thickly, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
"I think I'm falling for you."
He's quiet for so long I think maybe he didn't hear.Or maybe I shouldn't have said it.
"Good.Because I'm already there."
My breath catches."Yeah?"
"Yeah."
I press closer.Let myself sink into him completely.
And for the first time in three years, I fall asleep without fear.
* * *
I wake once in the middle of the night.Disoriented.Confused about where I am.
Then I feel Devin beside me, still holding me.He’s still here and still alive.
I press my face against his chest and breathe him in.Let the reality settle.
Declan's gone.
Really gone.
He’s never coming back.I never have to worry about him watching me or threatening Warren.
He’s gone.
The relief is so overwhelming it brings fresh tears.But quiet ones this time.
Devin's hand moves in my hair."You okay?"
"Yeah.Just...processing."
