I take a deep, shaky breath and exhale before continuing.
“Carter will need you, but Killian will too. I’m asking you to put the past behind you. And be the brothers each of you needs. Kill will act strong for both of you if you let him, but he will be hurting too. Please do this for me. I need two things from you. Take care of your brothers and know I loved you. Because I did. And nothing that happens can ever take that away. Our story will never end because a love like ours never dies. I love you, Knox. Forever.”
He presses his forehead to mine. His breaths are heavy and his voice is thick with emotion.
“Tesoro. Don’t you dare give up. No matter what happens, you have one job—to fucking live. Do you understand me?”
I kiss him softly, trying to memorize his soft lips.
“Yes, I promise to do everything I can to live. Now it’s your turn.”
He places a soft kiss on my forehead before he sighs softly.
“Yes, I promise I'll take care of my brothers. I love you, Tesoro. Please don’t leave me.”
I lay my head on his shoulder and breathe him in, his scent is calming and exactly what I need.
“If the worst thing happens, just know I didn’t want it. If I had my choice, I’d stay with you for eternity.”
Carter comes in and informs us my bath is ready, so I get up after squeezing Knox’s hand.
When I walk in, I touch Killian's hand and give him a warm smile.
“Can I be alone with Carter for a little while?”
He leans down and kisses me on the cheek as the anxiety in my chest builds.
“Is everything okay, Killer?”
When he looks at me again, I flash him another fake smile and nod yes, even though everything is definitely not okay.
Carter helps me into the bath, and I lower myself into the water, immediately enjoying the warmth. He always gets the temperature exactly right.
“Can I?”
I nod, and he gets in behind me, wraps his arms around my waist, and holds me against his chest.
“Little Heathen?”
“Hmm?” I hum, in response, focusing on his fingers gently dragging down my arm.
“You told Kill you were okay, but I don’t think you are. Talk to me.”
Laying my head back against his chest, I sigh audibly before doing my best to get through this conversation before breaking.
“I’m okay, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s coming for us.”
He kisses the top of my head and doesn’t say a word, as if he is waiting for me to finish.
“It has been wonderful watching you heal, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. If something happens to me—please stay present with your brothers and don’t fall back into old patterns. Let them love you the way you deserve to be loved. That’s what I would want if I couldn’t be with you—for you to each take care of the others. Killian will try to be the strength as always, but he will hurt too. It’s just an act. He feels as deeply as you do. Take care of your brothers and know that I loved you. Because I did. And nothing that happens can ever take that away. Our story will never end because a love like ours never dies. I love you, Carter. Forever.”
“Heather?” he asks, his voice raw and emotional.
“Why the fuck does it sound like you’re saying goodbye to me?”
Placing my hand over his, I put my fingers between his.
“No. Not goodbye. Just things I needed to say, just in case.”
