Her eyes start to soften, shimmering with emotion.
“And that part about the love I feel being there? I said it because…” I pause, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “I love you, Effa.”
She sucks in a breath. “Oh…”
I smile. “Yeah. I’m sorry you heard things out of context. I wish I could take it back. But please know, I would never leave you. When I said you’remine… I meant it. I’m yours, too. I’m all in. Trust that.”
She surges into my arms, wrapping herself around me like she’s afraid I might disappear. I hold her tightly, grounding us both in the moment.
“I trust you,” she murmurs. “I don’t know why I ran. I should’ve asked. I love you too. So much. But, why was she calling?”
I exhale. “Didn’t recognize the number. It was Ligonier’s area code, and I panicked. Thought it was the hospital, news about Kiera. When I realized it was Lilah, I knew I had to say what needed to be said. She wanted closure, needed closure, and I gave her that. It wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have, but it felt… necessary.”
She nods, then looks away, embarrassed. “God, I feel so stupid.”
I cup her chin and guide her gaze back to mine. “No. Emotions are messy. But no more running, okay? We’ve both been haunted by the past for long enough. It’s time to look forward.”
She nods again. “Yeah, our future. That’s what matters now.”
I press my lips to her forehead, holding her tight. But even as her body relaxes into mine, I can’t shake the lingering tension in my gut.
Jett’s warning replays in my mind like a broken record.
‘That’s a promise.’
He’s not done.
And I’m not taking any chances when it comes to protecting Effa.
Whatever he’s planning, I’ll be ready.
Because no one touches my girl.
Not again.
EFFA
Two Days Later
The buzz from the show is still pulsing through my veins as I finish getting ready for the after-party in our hotel suite. Tonight’s celebration is being held downstairs in the hotel bar, and honestly, it’s the perfect setup. It’s exclusive, only our people, and with Luke ramping up security lately, having it on-site makes things easier and safer for everyone.
I slip out of my platform boots because, let’s face it, my feet are crying, and step into a pair of low-heeled ankle boots instead.
“You ready to go, baby?” Mercs asks, adjusting his watch as I zip up the side of my dress.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I reply just as his cell buzzes in his jeans pocket. The sharp ring breaks the calm, and we both pause, glancing at each other with raised brows.
He pulls out his phone and frowns. “It’s Kiera.”
Relief softens my shoulders. “You should take it.”
He swipes the screen. “Hey, booger-butt.”
That nickname alone makes me smile as I step closer to him. But the second I reach him, his expression shifts. His smile falters, replaced with a deep crease between his brows.
“Yeah, I have time to talk,” he says, tone softening, before he looks up at me apologetically.
I nod, understanding. “I’ll give you some space. I’ll head down to the party. Meet me when you’re done?”
