Page 55 of Devil’s Snare

A dark chuckle followed. “No, but that’s sort of poetic, isn’t it?”

“Not if you’re planning to kill me,” I deadpanned.

“Babe, sometimes you’re dramatic.”

No shit.

“I want to live in the clubhouse with you. At least for now. We can figure out what comes next together.”

I loved the sound of that.

He took my hand and led me toward the cemetery gates. I didn’t know what he had planned, but he led me up the hill and toward Becka’s grave.

When we stopped, I stared down at the fresh headstone. It only arrived yesterday. I hadn’t seen it yet.

Tears stung my eyes as I held them back. “I miss her.”

“I know you do. You talk about her in your sleep.”

I did? “Funny how emotions and experiences manifest in our dreams.”

“I brought you here to tell you that Max is dead. He’ll never harm you ever again.”

I suspected it, but the confirmation still shocked me. “How?”

“Not gonna give you details to obsess over because that isn’t your burden, baby. Just know that he suffered before the end. He shouted his apology to you until I took his tongue.”

I shivered. “And Ethan?”

“He got justice for his sister.”

I’d have to leave it at that. Cin knew me well. I didn’t need to know all the specifics. I didn’t want Max living in my dreams or nightmares.

“Thank you.”

“For killing a man?” He joked.

“For seeking justice and vengeance in my name.”

“Goddamn, that just made me hard again.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” He lifted my chin until our eyes locked. “There are some things you need to know about me before you agree to be my ol’ lady. Secrets few have the honor or trust to hear.”

“Sounds a bit intense.”

“It is. Will you let me show you?”

“Okay.”

“Think of a memory with Becka. If you feel like crying, don’t hold back. Never hide your emotions from me. I can handle them.”

Odd, but also sweet.

I closed my eyes and thought of my sister. How much I wished we had a chance to finish the bucket list we made. But we had memories. Beautiful moments we shared that would live in my heart forever.

One memory surfaced when she took me for ice cream and to the park. I was still in high school then. Life was simpler. She sat with me for hours on the swings after dark, and we talked about school, boys, and what I wanted for my future. Her patience, wisdom, and comfort had meant everything to me. Becka listened and cared. The night ended with a visit to a planetarium where we pointed out constellations and watched a laser show in the domed theater.