I opened my eyes, disoriented. It was dark outside the windows, the world beyond nothing but shadow and the faint streetlight glow.
“We’re here,” he murmured.
My heart skipped.
Ember Hollow. We were home.
I straightened, neck a little sore as I tried to clear my head.
The SUV rolled to a slow stop in front of the bed-and-breakfast.
My breath caught as I stared out the tinted window at Roman standing on the porch.
His arms were crossed over his chest, broad shoulders squared, eyes locked on the vehicle like he’d been waiting all night.
Longing tugged at me at the mere sight of him. It was both a relief to see him, and a bit frightening. These feelings were almost too much. I wasn’t sure what to do with them.
August put the SUV into park and then twisted in his seat to look back at me.
“Why don’t you stay in here for a minute?” he suggested.
I frowned. “Why?”
“We should tell him you’re here first,” August said. “Prepare him a little before he actually sees you.”
My brows pulled together. “You didn’t tell him?”
Fox stared at me with his usual impossible-to-read expression. “If we had told him you were with us,” he said quietly, “he would’ve worried the entire drive. We figured it would be better if he didn’t know until he could see you.”
I wasn’t sure why that made my face flush. “Okay.” I swallowed hard.
August gave a short nod, and all four brothers climbed out of the SUV.
On Graham’s side, he left the door slightly cracked. Not open enough for Roman to see me sitting there, but open enough for me to step out quickly when they gave the signal.
I stayed where I was, and watched.
Roman didn’t move at first. His eyes were wary and cautious as they scanned each of his brothers while they made their way up the concrete path toward the porch.
August was the first to make it up the steps. He and Roman clasped forearms, and then pulled each other into a quick, hard hug. Reid followed, then Graham and Fox.
Roman gave them a brief, but genuine smile, relief evident in his expression and the language of his body.
For a moment, it was just the four of them standing together on that porch in the dim light from the sconces.
Then August stepped toward Roman, leaning close to speak low into his ear.
Roman’s back went rigid. His gaze cut sharply toward the SUV.
Disbelief and anger flashed across his face, but he didn’t move. He seemed almost rooted to the spot, staring directly at where I sat behind the dark glass.
August waved me forward, nodding. He was smiling, but it seemed strained.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the SUV door open the rest of the way and stepped out into the cold air.
The chill hit my skin immediately, but I barely felt it as Roman focused on me.
For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.
