Page 62 of You Saw the Best In Me

“I’m taking you somewhere special. It’s more important than your job. Karina, this is your life we’re talking about,” he strokes my cheek, and I feel like a prisoner again.

It’s not Maverick’s fault, but he wraps me with bubble wrap, as my mom does sometimes. Controlling everything I do and deciding what’s suitable for me.

It’s to keep me safe, yes, but at the same time, it’s been years of putting what I want aside. I’m not saying I want to go out clubbing, drinking, and partying all alone, putting myself in incredibly dangerous situations.

I just want to be responsible and go to fucking work.

I’ve felt the power of taking a stand, and I refuse to let that slip out of my hands.

“This is the last shift I take off on account of him. If Asher isn’t in custody, I’m going back to work. I can't let all the ladies handle my slack,” I say, standing firm in what I believe.

“Is that what you want in life? To work at a salon, saying yes and no to a boss?” he asks, a sternness in his expression.

“No, it’s not. I want to own a business, create something from the ground up,” I reveal, and surprisingly, he doesn’t laugh or run away.

Instead, he supports me. He gives me ideas of how to make that happen, and in turn, I ask him what he wants for his future.

“I want to legally adopt Harper before she’s eighteen. Beyond that, I want financial freedom and a happy life,” he smiles, and I love his determination.

“What needs to happen for you to adopt her?” I ask, not knowing much about how the process works.

“Lawyers, money, proving Grams’ health is a concern. Until you, that was my only goal,” he sits up, taking the wine and handing it to me.

“And now?” I sip from the bottle, waiting for his answer.

“Keeping you safe, breaking down all your walls, making you believe in love. Lots of things, kitten. As long as you let me,” he says confidently, taking my breath away.

I think about everything he said and realize I want those things, too. The fairytale kind of love, the kind that keeps you guessing but feels like home.

That’s what I want: a place to call home.

“You’re like my guardian angel or something cute like that,” I tell him, scrunching my nose at my inability to use fancy words like Maverick does.

“I also want to teach you how to shoot. What do you think about that?” he surprises me, and I think about it.

I’ve never thought of it as my thing, but it’s not a bad idea. I should be able to protect myself, especially if I want to feel free.

“Okay, I’m in,” I smile, and relief floods his face.

“I thought you’d push back a little bit. There’s a class you take, and then you’ll have a permit like I do. We’ll get you something small but mighty,” he rubs my shoulder, and I agree to learn.

If he thinks I can do it, then I know I can.

The more I break out of my comfort zone and push my limits, the better I feel.

Talking to the police, agreeing to shoot a weapon, and opening my heart again — it’s all a cumulation of how my life is changing.

I could credit Maverick, but something inside me is blooming, and I take pride in feeling like I am finally reaching my full potential.

No more scared Karina, looking over her shoulder and running for the hills.

I am powerful, and I’m ready to fight back.

I break myself out of the cage in my mind, vowing to put Asher — and everything relating to him — in the very back of my mind.

Instead, I focus on the gorgeous man in this bed with me, tuning into those green eyes and throwing my energy into our budding relationship.

A bold word, for a girl like me, but it feels right.