He’s alive.
He’s here.
He coos gently into my hair, smoothing a hand over my head as he rocks us. “Everything is okay.”
I pull away from him, sucking air into my lungs as I prepare myself to say something I’ve been meaning to say since his injury terrified me last week. It’s all I’ve been able to think about.
“You can’t…” my voice croaks before I steady it. “You can’t do that to me again, Kaden.”
His face falls as his eyes round. But it isn’t in surprise. It’s in pure fear.
He sits back on his thighs before leaning over and flicking our lamp on. Muted light floods over us as he closes his eyes. He appears like he’s ready to battle a storm rather than a nightmare.
“I never told you this…” he begins before clearing his throat and grabbing my hands. “Melody, I have homicidal urges. Ialwayshave. That’s why I joined Ivan’s family in the first place.”
I blink. Unable to think or process.
He’s always wanted to…kill?
How did I not see that?
“I hid it from you,” he continues, tightening his hold on me. “And I shouldn’t have. But we’re starting over, and I can’t live with you not knowing who I am at my core. I have to kill, and I understand if you need space to process this—”
I press my fingers to his lips, silencing him as I frown. “Stop, Kaden.”
“No,” he shakes his head, his gaze piercing me with conviction and determination. “I broke you before, and I made a promise to you that I would never do that again. You can’t look me in the eyes and tell me that finding out I’m a serial killer for the rush of it isn’t too much—”
“And you can’t speak for me,” I hiss. “I can make my own decisions, Kaden. For some reason, everyone has this idea that I can’t handle life. Maybe it’s because I was coddled while we grew up, but that doesn’t make me any less of a functioning member of society. I should get to choose how this information makes me feel. Not you.”
“And how does it make you feel?” He asks quietly.
I blow out a breath, shaking my head as I look away from him. “Don’t bury bodies in our backyard.”
He snorts. “I find burning them is easier.”
I give him a pointed glare. “And stop putting yourself into such dangerous positions. I know it’s a part of the job, butfor fuck’s sake, bring backup or something!”
He holds his hands up in surrender as he nods. “You’re the boss, and you’re right. I shouldn’t be as reckless anymore.”
I cross my arms over my chest as I ease back against the headboard. “This doesn’t make me okay with it, but I love you. I accept any and every part of you, Kaden. No matter how twisted or fucked up it is.”
He releases a breath, his shoulders sagging with relief as he runs a hand through his hair. “You really still love me?”
My hand moves, collaring gently around his throat before I drag his lips to mine in a passionate kiss. “We’re in this for life. You made sure of that.” I whisper against his mouth as my thumb brushes the stubble of his chin. “I’ve fallen completely in love with my brother all over again. Every version of you is who I choose to be with.”
“I don’t deserve you,” he shakes his head as his eyes flutter. “I was wrapped the moment I met you, Sunny.”
I hum against his lips, smiling fondly. “If you bring work home again, I’m kicking your ass and then Ivan’s. And then Doc’s because he was a dick.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, he’s an acquired taste.”
My features settle into something gentle and pleading as I stare at the man who owns my heart. “I’m being serious. I can’t lose you.”
There’s a crack of vulnerability in him that melts my heart to see. It’s part of the emotions he saves only for me. “And I can’t lose you. So, no more reckless shit.”
“Glad we’re on the same page,” I grin, my heart fluttering in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” Ivan says from behind his desk as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Did you just saylight duty?”
