"Take your time."
I'm quiet for a moment, my mind whirling.”Do you think Warren will like you?"
The question surprises him.I can feel his body shift slightly."I hope so."
"He will.I know he will."I lift my head and look at him in the darkness."He needs someone good.Someone safe.Someone who'll protect him."
"I will.I promise."
"I know."And I do.I believe him completely.
We lie there in the quiet.
After a while, Tank says, "What happens now?"
"What do you mean?"
"With us.With Warren.With...everything."
"I don't know," I admit."But we figure it out.Together."
"Together," he repeats, like he's testing the word."I like that."
"Me too."
He pulls me closer.I settle against him, letting my eyes close again.
"Enya?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For trusting me.For letting me in.For..."He stops."Just thank you."
I smile against his chest."Always."
Sleep pulls at me again.Gentle this time.Not the restless, fearful sleep I've had for years.But deep.Real.Safe.
Because Tank's here.Because Declan's gone.Because for the first time in forever, I can breathe.
Just before I drift off completely, I whisper, "I love you."
I don't know if he hears.Don't know if it's too soon.Don't care.
Because it's true.
And I'm done being scared of the truth.
Devin's hand stills in my hair for just a second, then resumes the gentle stroking.
"I love you too," he whispers back.
And I fall asleep smiling.
Safe.Loved.Free.
