Page 99 of My Cruel Salvation

“Yeah. It’s really over.” He glances down, then lifts my hand, his finger going to the diamond solitaire on my left hand.

“Something you want to tell me?”

I choke back a laugh. “A talisman,” I say. “You couldn’t die on me if we were engaged. You’d never do that to me.”

He chuckles, and I think it’s the sweetest sound on earth. “Never,” he agrees. “But what happened to just dating for a while?”

I blink and smile, a teary mess. “I need you, Devlin. I need to claim you. I need it here,” I say, pressing my hand to my heart.

“Me, too,” he says softly.

“So maybe we can do the dating thing while we’re engaged.”

“Whatever you want, El. So long as you’re mine.”

“Always,” I say.

And then, with the entire team watching, I melt into the circle of his arms and lose myself in a long, slow kiss with the man I love.

Epilogue

The sun hovers over the horizon, making the Pacific glow. I’m on the edge of the patio at the foundation, gazing out toward the tidal pools and the vibrant ocean beyond.

“You look beautiful,” Devlin says, coming up beside me and taking my hand. “Like you’re bathed in fire.”

I tilt my head and look at him. The curve of his jaw, the battle scar on his face. “And you look like a warrior. But I guess you are.”

“I’ll always fight for you.”

“I know,” I say, leaning close as he puts his arm around me. Behind us, I hear the clink of glasses and conversation. It’s a party, after all, but I don’t feel guilty having Devlin to myself for these few minutes.

All too short, I think when I hear the click of heels approaching. But I smile when I look over my shoulder and see Tamra, the other guests at the small party mingling behind her. “You’re here!”

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” she says, taking each of our hands. “And congratulations. When’s the big day?”

“Spring,” I say. “March.”

“And you’re excited?”

“Of course.” I smile up at Devlin. “We both are.”

He chuckles. “I’m not sure how happy I am to be even more in the spotlight, but I’m definitely happy for Ellie. And for the additional publicity for the foundation.”

I roll my eyes. Tonight’s party is a gathering of friends to celebrate my upcoming book, Saints and Sinners, which is already in production, and so far the advance reviews, preorders, and general buzz are excellent. People are pretty much lining up to read about The Wolf’s son turned philanthropist, not to mention the juicier bits like our lifelong romance and the kidnapping. We’ve even had calls from producers like Michael Holt, a very big deal in LA. Mostly though, I’m just excited to raise awareness for the foundation and all the good that Devlin does.

As we speak, Brandy and Lamar come over and join us. I expect Ronan as well, but he’s still by the fire pit, ostensibly talking with Reggie, a few of the other Angels, and Corbin, to whom I dedicated the book. After all, he’d suggested it.

Even though Ronan doesn’t join us, I see the way his eyes cut this direction. Or, rather, in the direction of Brandy.

I almost ask her if there’s something going on between them, but she seems entirely oblivious.

“Have you told Tamra the rest of it?” she asks, and I can see that she’s practically buzzing with the strain of keeping my secret.

Devlin chuckles, then lightly smacks my ass. “Someone broke our pact.”

“Brandy gets a pass,” I say. “Roommate rules.”

“Well, it is Brandy,” he says, and they share a smile. They’ve always gotten along, but since the horror in Big Bear, their friendship has really solidified, as has mine with Ronan. I glance his way again—wondering if he’s still looking toward Brandy—but he’s completely focused on Reggie. I frown. Maybe it was all my imagination?