It’s tempting, not because people here are unwelcoming, but I’ve never had my own place, and creating a small little nest awayfrom here for just Bradley and me is such a sweet little dream. Those pamphlets are stacked on the bedside table next to a list of names. Raven’s been helping me send flowers and help to every single person affected by the robberies I took part in. While they weren’t fully my fault, knowing I traumatized people is enough to keep me up at night, so I’ve sent what I can, ranging from apology flowers to payments for therapists and more.
Some people might never recover and I’ll carry that guilt forever, although in Valentina’s opinion, I’m carrying Harris’s guilt for him.
Harris.
His name sends a shiver down my spine as I slip into a sundress and apply a splash of red to my lips. Bradley killed him, and my only regret is that I wasn’t there to see it, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’m glad. Killing Bradley haunted me and despite my hatred for Harris, I don’t need him haunting me from the grave.
My mind falls quiet as I blow dry my hair and study the picture I’ve taken of my parents’ graves. Two aged stones now have a third next to them for Peter. He doesn’t deserve it, not really, but he’s family and I can’t imagine him rotting in some unmarked grave. Part of me did it to prove I’m better than him, and part of me did it so I wouldn’t regret it twenty years down the line.
My old place is gone. The only message on my phone is from Damian with a promise to give me a job in any boutique across the city if I want one, leaving the door open for me to return to the world of gems and jewelry, but I haven’t called him back.
I don’t know if I want that anymore.
I want something else. Something more. Maybe with people or animals. Having all this opportunity to actually live my life the way I want is rather daunting, but the options are nice.
But every thought and choice is weighed down by one thought that weaves around my mind even now as I brush my hair and glance at my watch.
Bradley.
He’s been as kind as always during my recovery, and I won’t ever be able to repay him for what he did for me with Damian and those diamonds, but there’s one truth I’ve yet to utter.
One truth that sings like a canary in my mind every time I lay eyes on him, every time we share a meal or I crawl into his bed because sleeping with him is much calmer than sleeping in my own bed.
I love him.
I love him so much that it’s suffocating, but I refused to tell him until I was certain these feelings were mine alone and not influenced by everything that happened.
A touch of blush is the last I add before I head out the door and run slap bang into the man in question. We collide and Bradley immediately grabs me by the elbow with a soft grunt.
“Zira!”
“Bradley!” My shock dissolves into laughter and I place one hand on his chest. “Just the man I was looking for.”
“You were?”
“Mmhmm. Any chance you’re free right now?”
His brow twitches as he steps back and very slowly looks me up and down, leaving a trail of heat to flush from my neck down to my toes. “I wish I was, but I’m on my way somewhere. I’ll be free in about an hour, though, if that works?”
My cobbled-together plan isn’t time sensitive so I nod and smile brightly. “That’s perfect! Come find me on the roof when you’re free.”
He looks me up and down again, then slowly bites his lower lip. “I will be there as soon as I can.” He cups the back of my head and pulls me in gently, pressing a sweet kiss to my forehead, and hurries off down the hall, only to stop at the corner and turn back. “You look good.”
The fuzzy, bubbly feeling in my chest remains with me all the way up to the roof where, after checking with Raven that I wasn’t breaking any security protocols, I set up a small blanket nest with champagne, strawberries from the fridge, and some little cheese cubes that I think belong to Cassian, but I’ll make it up to him later.
Turning on music on my phone and attempting to get the best view by arranging the supporting pillows, I’m completely relaxed as the sun begins to dip below the mountains of the city and the door opens with Bradley walking through wearing a tired but pleasant smile. That smile widens when he spots me lazing on my side with my head resting on my upturned palm.
“What’s all this?” he asks, stopping just shy of the blanket’s edge.
“Come lie with me.” I pat the blanket beside me. “I’m cold.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have come up to the roof.” Despite his teasing, he does exactly that and as soon as he lies down, Icuddle up into his warmth and lay my head on his chest. Bradley strokes one hand up and down my back as he settles.
“The view is worth the chill,” I murmur softly.
“And this?” He points at the chilling bottle of champagne and the paper plates laden with fruit and cheese.
“I’m trying to be romantic.” I lift my head and meet his amusing smile. “It’s not something I have a lot of practice with.”
