Page 133 of Kaine

“I think you did a little lifesaving of your own there.”

“He was going to kill you, Kaine.” I say, and the thought makes me shiver.

“Hey... but he didn’t. And it’s not like he had great plans for you either.”

“Oh, Kaine,” I sigh, curling my body against his, wanting to feel cocooned in his arms. “Why did you send me away?”

He sighs and I feel his lips drop down onto my forehead.

“Because, I wanted to avoid this. Exactly this. You getting hurt because of me. But it happened anyway.”

“I’m okay.”

“No thanks to me.”

“No. Thanks to you,” I insist.

He smiles and I tilt my face up to his and he lowers his mouth to mine.

“Oh, my Mystery Man,” I sigh and he chuckles against my lips.

“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have sent you away. I should’ve kept you by my side.”

I nod. “You should’ve. It’s better we faced it together, Kaine.”

“And so I intend to do, from this day forth.”

“That sounds like a vow.”

“It is.”

I giggle and melt against him.

“So, should we get this pile of turd out of my apartment?” I say, scrunching up my face at the unconscious attacker in my bedroom.

“I’ll text Xavier to tell the police since he’s there with them at the hospital in a moment. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Why are they there?”

“Long story. It’s been an interesting day.”

“We have time, you can tell me.”

“I will tell you everything.”

“When?”

“Soon. But first, you tell me, what did you hit him with that made that sound?”

I throw my head back and laugh. And I laugh for so long that he has no choice but to join in.

When we finally regain our breaths, I point to the object on the floor.

“That’s my paperweight!”

“Yeah, I stole it.”

“That, along with my heart, body and soul. I love you, Jade Sinclair. My heroine, my savior.”

And even though I know that every part of my body aches, I feel no pain. Only happiness.