Page 67

Grinning at him, she took a step backwards. Shaking her stinging hand, she waited for him to rid himself of his father’s steely grasp. He could finally be his own man, now. It was what they had both hoped and wished for.

Lifting his Baretta, Kade placed the barrel of the silencer against his forehead. Studying his aged face for a long moment, he slowly pulled the trigger of his gun. Lodging a fraying bullet into his brain and putting an end to the misery he had been settled with for his entire life.

Dropping the limp carcass to the floor, he turned to look at his beautiful brunette. Taking in a cleansing breath, all the weight pressing upon his shoulders evaporated, leaving him with a sense of relief he had never experienced. For the first time in his life, he was free.Finally free.

Securing his gun in its holster, he cleared the space to his other half. Scooping her up into his arms, he twirled her in a loving embrace.

Laughing as he spun her, Lexi closed her eyes. Thanking the universe for granting them their wish, she enjoyed the blissful moment. They would never have to worry about Bloodbayne tearing their family apart ever again. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt such elation.

“It’s over, Kade...it’s finally over,” she said.

Squeezing her tightly, he came to a slow stop. Holding her against his torso, he held in a happy sob. He almost didn’t believe it, he didn’t think it was possible to feel so complete.

“Let’s clean up and go get our daughter,” he said, his deep voice shaking at the seams.

Pulling her head back to look at his handsome face, she nodded in agreement. She couldn’t wait to see Loey’s face when she saw her daddy.

“Yes, let’s,” she replied.

...

Mindful of her bandaged hand, Lexi opened the glass door to the penthouse balcony. Stepping out into the starry night, she smiled as she saw Kade resting in a teak patio lounger. Cradled against his chest was a sleeping Loey, to his right sat an

unusually relaxed Valentina. Their hushed voices going over the details of the transfer of power.

Trying to be as quiet as possible, she walked towards the trio. She didn’t want to disturb her daughter, it had taken hours for her to finally fall asleep. Loey had been so excited to see her daddy. She kept touching his face, saying“Dada, Dada,” as if she didn’t think he was real. It was a tender scene that had made her weep with joy.

And to think, he was worried that his daughter wouldn’t remember him,Nikki said.

Laughing to herself, she could almost feel her alter roll her eyes. Saying a silent “‘goodnight,” she closed the door in the back of her mind. Something told her she wouldn’t be hearing from Nikki again for a long while. It was almost bittersweet.

Taking a seat on the lounge chair flanking Kade’s left, she arched her brow as the pair’s conversation trailed off. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said, keeping her voice soft.

Turning his head, Kade moved his attention from Valentina to Lexi. Looking at her lovingly, he shook his head. She was his equal in every sense of the word now, he couldn’t wait to fill her in on the details of their new Empire.

“Not at all, Sweetheart. We were just going over how to handle the transition of power. Val is going to call the syndicates tomorrow and alert them. They should have no problems accepting the change. But if they do well, we can handle it. Can’t we? he said, adjusting the blanket covering his sleeping princess.

“We certainly can,” she replied confidently. Sweeping her gaze to Valentina, she softened her face. “Thank you for everything. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

“No, you couldn’t have,” Valentina agreed, lifting her scarlet lips into a smirk. “But honestly, I should be the one thanking you. I was trapped and didn’t know how to get out. I’m grateful for what you and Kade have done, and I want you to know that you both have my loyalty.”

Taking in a breath, she gave the striking blonde a warm grin. Perhaps it was foolish, but she believed her with every fiber of her being. She was thankful to have her help as they rebuilt the Organization. It felt good to have someone capable in their corner.

“And you have ours,” she replied.

Taking comfort in her words, Valentina decided to take her leave. Slapping her hands on her knees, she slowly stood from her comfortable chair. Dancing her blue eyes back and forth between the pair, she let out a sigh.

“Well, I’m going to make one last call to Geno and then I’m heading to bed. He and his crew should have the office cleaned by dawn. Have a good night you two, I’ll see you in the morning,” she said.

Almost in unison, Lexi and Kade wished her a good night.

Watching their new Underboss as she left the balcony, he waited for the door to close before he spoke his mind. Moving his dark eyes along the City’s skyline, he snuggled his snoring baby close.

“We did it, Lexi. We fuckingdid it,” he said, soaking in the surreal moment. “I can’t believe how lucky I am! I’m madly in love with a dynamic woman, I have a beautiful daughter and a son on the way. I finally have the Organization that was dangled in front of my face for years...I have everything I’ve ever wanted. And it’s all because of you. I wouldn’t haveanyof this if it wasn’tfor you. Thank you so much for loving me. Thank you for loving every broken, terrible piece.”

Turning his face to meet hers, he lifted a hand to cup her cheek. Gliding the pad of his thumb across her skin, he memorized her beauty in the moonlight.

“Thank you forsavingme,” he added.

Nuzzling against his touch, Lexi closed her eyes. Breathing in the sweet moment, she committed every second to memory. There were still incredibly tough times ahead, but at least they wouldn’t have to fight a battle alone ever again.

“We saved each other, Kade,” she said, raising her eyelids to meet his intense gaze. “I love you so very much.”

Giving her a full smile, he leaned towards her. Pausing as she met him halfway, he continued to caress her cheek.

“And I love you, Sweetheart. Now and always,” he promised, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.