Page 117 of The Haunting Plot

“Jonah seems happier here. McKenna too.”

“But it feels like I’m losing Kris all over again.”

“He’ll always be with you. In your hearts, in your memories, in your laughter when you share stories about him. He lives on in all of you, not in the lumber and paint of a building he once lived in.”

I tuck my hand under my cheek. “That was really insightful.”

He leans in to kiss my forehead and strokes my spine as I relax into his touch. “Sometimes I’m not a moron.”

“I’m still mad.”

“At me?”

“Yes? No. I dunno. Sometimes it’s hard for me to move on after a big emotion. Like, I know you weren’t behind the pranks, and everyone who was has apologized, but the feelings are still here in my body. I’m still mad, but I don’t want to be mad at you. Once the feelings get so big that they consume me, they don’t deflate that easily even if I want them to. And that feeling of betrayal is still floating around in my chest like it has nowhere to go.”

“I can think of a few activities you can do to get your feelings out.”

“I could tie you to that cross and spank your ass until you’re begging me to let you come,” I tease.

“Not how I thought we’d use that cross, but I’m down for it.”

A grin lights up my face. “Okay, maybe I do feel a little better.”

He leans in, kissing my forehead. “I’m so fucking sorry about everything. I’ll never betray your trust, Ray, I promise. I didn’t mean to trick you, but I promise I’ll treat you like the queen you are for the rest of my life.”

I groan, pressing my face into his chest. “That was so bad.”

“What? I was being sweet.”

“Trick or treat?”

His chest vibrates against me as he laughs. “Fuck, I didn’t plan that.”

“Mm-hmm.” He holds me tighter, our bodies pressing together. I turn my head, rubbing my cheek against his pec. “I finished my book. That’s why I was late to the party.”

“That’s amazing. I can’t wait to read it.”

“You don’t have to do that. You already got the girl.”

“But can I keep you?”

“Yes, as long as you don’t act like a moron.” I study his face, and even though it’s dim, there’s enough moonlight spilling in that his eyes twinkle.

“But that’s what you love most about me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go to sleep.” I turn in his arms, forcing him to be the big spoon.

“Besides, I need to know what’s gonna happen with the Walker brothers. I have some ideas, and I want to see if I’m right,” he whispers in my ear as I drift off to sleep.

EPILOGUE

RAVEN

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