Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
During the hell I’d gone through in the desert, I’d had to decide how much I wanted to survive as a captive, whether to fight or to just give in. I’d chosen to do everything I could to stay alive. There had been times since then that I wondered why it had mattered so much when I just kept reliving those horrors. But since I’d met Carlo, I’d felt truly alive again. Was this my future? Was he what I’d fought so hard for? If so, what the hell was I doing giving him up?
30
CARLO
When it was time for us to leave, I grabbed my bag and made my way downstairs. I knew I should say goodbye to everyone, but for once, I didn’t want to talk. I just wanted to be left alone to be sad. I didn’t want anyone asking about Blade. I didn’t want anyone asking about what I was going to do. I just wanted to get to the airport, board the plane, and let things take their course in Boston.
I moved through the first floor as quietly as I could, but Grant was waiting for me by the door. He held out his hand for me to shake. “Good luck in Boston, and if you ever want to come back for a visit, you’re welcome anytime.”
I looked at him like maybe he’d lost his mind. “You’re serious?”
“I’m serious. I know there are plenty of reasons why you would want to come back.”
“Even if I’m welcome here, I’m not sure I’m welcome at Blade’s.”
“We’ll see. You never know what can happen.”
Jacob came out of the kitchen to give me a hug and told me that Rogue wanted to say goodbye, but he was needed in the barn. “You’re welcome to stop by there and see him.”
“Thanks,” I said. I wouldn’t seek him out. I honestly didn’t need to hear any more encouraging words.
Fox was at his truck like he’d said he’d be. My stomach churned as I put my bag in the back and climbed into the passenger seat. We were starting to back out when I heard the roar of an ATV coming toward us. I looked over my shoulder and saw the vehicle burst over a rise, flying as fast as it could go. Blade was driving.
Even watching him race toward us, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Maybe he thought I’d already left and was coming to see the horses. If so, why was he in such a hurry?
Blade skidded to a stop beside Fox’s truck as Fox cut the engine.
“He sure left it to the last minute,” he said.
I frowned at him. “What do you mean?”
Fox looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “We were leaving.”
“I know what you literally mean, but why did you think he would come at all?”
“Because just about all of us told him he was being an idiot.”
“You didn’t.”
“We did.”
I stepped out of the truck and walked over to Blade. He was still sitting on the idling ATV like he might take off again at any moment.
He dropped his head, and I watched his back expand with a deep breath. Then he cut the engine, tossed the key on the seat, and stood beside me. He held my gaze as he said, “I’m coming with you.”
“I never wanted you to put yourself in danger for me.”
“You’re mine to protect. I failed you once, but if I don’t keep trying, I won’t know whether I would fail again. As long as Fox and your family are there too, I’m willing to try because I can’t let you walk away. I can’t stand the thought of not seeing you again.”
“I can’t stand that either. I would’ve come back. I would’ve demanded you talk to me again. How long do you think I’d last in Boston without you?”
Blade opened his arms, and I stepped into them. He squeezed me tight, and I held on, wondering if this was real, hoping I wouldn’t wake up and start this day all over again. With him by my side, I really could do this. I could face my family no matter what they thought of me.
I wondered what would happen between us after the fight with the Pisanos was over, when it was time for me to take my place with my family or somehow find the courage to stand up and say that wasn’t for me. Maybe it was best not to think about that, but knowing how much it hurt to walk away from Blade made me unsure I could do it again. How had I fallen for him so hard so fast?
“This is touching,” Fox said. “But we need to get going. If you’re coming with us, Blade, you’re coming with us now.”
I glanced toward the barn and saw Rogue watching us. “I’ll let everybody know,” he yelled.