I kiss her hair and hold her close, pleased she feels empowered after everything she’s been through.
The disturbing scene from downstairs will stay withme, but her words are steadying, anchoring me to this moment.
Harper is here with me.
She’s alive.
The three of us are together and I’ve never been more grateful.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
FELIX
My wife, smeared in a dead man’s blood while riding my cock. I can’t get the visual out of my head. I don’twantto get the visual out of my head. I’m in awe of this woman and everything she is. Harper begged to enter my world and be surrounded with sin. Now, she truly fits in and it’s fucking beautiful.
I exit the bedroom, leaving Harper and Tyler to shower while I make the appropriate arrangements to dispose of Ferguson’s body. I toss the Little Sinner knife in the kitchen sink, making a mental note to clean it later. Our bloodstained clothes will need to be burned.
I dial Theo’s number, stripping out of my clothes while waiting for him to answer.
“Blackwood. Home safe after the wedding?”
“Quentin Ferguson didn’t die in the explosion.”
His voice drops. “Shit. What’s happened?”
“I don’t have time to explain. Ferguson is dead now. His body is lying in the middle of The Scarlet Mirage. I need you to take care of it for me.”
“Right. I’m on it.”
There are no further questions asked. We have an understanding. He’ll shut the speakeasy down until the place is scrubbed clean and the body disposed of.
I’m about to end the call, but one last thing comes to mind. “Theo?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for everything. You’re a good friend.”
“You don’t need to thank me. We’ve had each other’s back for as long as I can remember. That’s not changing anytime soon.”
I make a few more phone calls, assuring staff and musicians are aware of the temporary closure. By the time I return to the bedroom, Tyler has Harper beneath the bed sheets with him, the two of them clean and wrapped in each other’s arms. She’s asleep. He’s propped up on one elbow stroking Harper’s cheek, watching over her, always taking care of her, which fills me with peace.
Tyler’s eyes flick to me as I head for the bathroom. “Everything taken care of?”
“Yes. It’s all under control.” My words are quiet, not wanting to wake Harper.
I enter the shower, being thorough to clean off the blood. I’m quick to dry off, not bothering with clothes, just needing to be back by Harper’s side. Seconds later, I slide beneath the blanket, pressing myself to Harper’s back and wrapping her hair around my fist. She smiles and opens her eyes, exhausted but happy.
“How are you feeling?” I whisper.
“I’m perfect. Both of you need to stop worrying about me. I’m not as delicate as you think I am.”
Tyler laughs softly. “After that display with the knife, I don’t think you’re delicate at all.”
“You did so good, Harper. We can finally move on with our lives.”
There’s a moment of silence. I don’t need to ask what they’re thinking. I feel it. Relief and peace. The past is once and for all buried. Now, we can truly start our life together.
Harper slips her hands into ours, matching our scars. “It’s the three of us.”
