I close my eyes. Let those words sink in.
I'm worth it.
No one's ever said that to me before.
"We're really doing this?" I ask. "Trying to have a—whatever this is—while also dealing with Castellano and the Riders and everything else?"
"Apparently." He shifts so his arm is around me. Pulling me closer. "Probably the worst timing in the world."
"Definitely the worst timing."
"But fuck it." He presses a kiss to the top of my head. "We're doing it anyway."
"We're doing it anyway," I repeat.
And for the first time since I ran, since men showed up at my apartment, since my entire life imploded, I feel something that isn't fear.
I feel hope.
Chapter 9 - Reckless
I can't believe this is happening.
The thought loops through my head while Nora leans against me, her head on my shoulder, her small body fitting perfectly against mine like she was made to be there.
I want her.
Physically, fuck yes, I want her physically. Want to bury myself inside her again, make her scream my name, watch her fall apart beneath me.
But it's more than that.
I want her mentally. Want to know everything about her. Want to hear about the books she reads, the dreams she has, the things that make her laugh. Want to understand how she went from a woman her family convinced wasn't enough to someone brave enough to run, to fight, to choose herself.
I want everything in between.
And she wants it too.
Insane. Absolutely insane considering we met less than twenty-four hours ago. Considering her life is actively in danger. Considering I'm a broken bastard who fights in illegal matches and can barely sleep without nightmares.
But so worth it.
So fucking worth it.
I tilt her chin up. Ready to kiss her again. Ready to lose myself in her for the second time tonight—
My phone rings.
The sound cuts through the moment like a knife.
"Fuck," I mutter.
Nora pulls back slightly. "You should answer it."
I grab the phone from where I left it on the nightstand. The screen lights up.
**RUIN**
My brother.
