Finally, I feel like I can breathe again, and my tears dry up. I tilt my head and look into his eyes. All I see is love, affection, and a bit of sadness.
“Will you make love to me?” I whisper.
“Anytime, anyplace,” he responds with a soft smile, wiping my cheeks with his thumbs.
A smile tilts my lips as I stand on tiptoe and seal my lips to his. We don’t bother with towels. Nickel lifts me and walks us wet and naked to our bed, where he kisses me until I’m breathless before he slides his hard cock inside me.
Wrapping me up in his arms, he holds me close, rocking his hips slowly as he moves within me.
It’s exactly what I need—soft, sweet, and gentle.
Nickel swallows my breathy sigh as I come in long, drawn-out waves, pulling him along with me.
There will be time to pick it all apart and make sense of the information we’ve gathered over the next few weeks. Time to plan what we’re going to do next.
One thing I know for sure is that I’ll be resigning as a sniper for the Skulls.I want to stay home with my new family, with the man who claimed my heart by storm in a single night.
I’m sure my family is smiling down on us from wherever they are. This is all my parents ever wanted for me… to be happy and loved. I hope they know that I am.
I’ve found happiness in the most unlikely place, with a man I never saw coming. But he’s mine, and I’m his, for however long we have on this earth.
Exhausted from the day, we hold each other tightly and drift into sleep.
CHAPTER 17
NICKEL
Afew days later, we learn that governments around the world aren’t comfortable with women being bred and their babies sold. They’re willing to look the other way while we do what’s necessary to shut these bastards down.
Church is interesting, to say the least, following Burres’ interrogation.
The Skulls join us via video, and all of them are livid when we share the information Burres gave us. I’ve never seen them lose it like that.
We give them every piece of information we have, knowing how vital they are to our efforts to find the people responsible.
“That’s all we have to report,” Coal finally says. He looks around the table. “Does anyone else have any other business?”
“I do.” Nora stands and turns towards the Skulls, taking a deep breath. “I want to thank you for finding me and giving me a purpose after my family was murdered. Working with you has meant everything to me and helped me to heal.”
She pauses, giving them a small smile as she reaches for my hand. I give it a small squeeze. Her next words shock the shit out of me.
“But I’m done. I’ve found a new home. I couldn’t have done it without you. I got my revenge like you promised, and my family is at peace.I’mat peace. For the first time in years.”
She swallows, and a tear trickles down her cheek. “This family”—she gestures around her—“has welcomed me, and I’d like to stay with them. Help them with their operations. I know you have other snipers and assassins, but if you want my help with training, I’d be willing.”
Cahir gives her a soft smile. “Nora, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. We knew when you started down this path that you’d eventually end up there. We’re happy for you. Cai more so than any of us. It means that another one of his legacies has found his love.”
He glances at his brothers, who all nod. “Don’t worry about anything. Enjoy the next part of your life. I’m sure Coal will put your skills to good use in the coming years. The Skulls wish you and Nickel nothing but happiness. You’ll always be one of ours, no matter what. If you need us, we’ll come running.”
Nora inhales a shaky breath and wipes the tears from her cheeks, but she’s smiling. “Thank you, Cahir. Thank you to all of you for everything,” she whispers, sitting back in her seat.
I wrap an arm around her shoulders and tug her against me, offering as much comfort as I can while we’re in Church.
Coal nods at Cahir. “I appreciate you letting Nora join us. She’s a welcome addition to our inner circle.”
“We’re happy she found you. I’ll keep you updated on any news about The Nanny. If Sterling finds anything before we do, contact us. Speak to you all soon.” Cahir ends the video call.
“I know you’re already an Old Lady, Nora, so you’re already a Queens Wraith, but not all Old Ladies join us in Church,” Coal explains. “Only those who are part of operations. Nickel can explain it all to you.”
