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He smirks, glancing sideways at me as the engine of the car roars and bounces off the buildings. “That’s part of your charm. Personally, I find it exhausting.” His expression softens. “Listen, I meant what I said. We’ll end this asshole. But we do it right. Justice, not revenge. Understand?”
I swallow hard, the weight of his words pressing into me. Reluctantly, I nod. “I get it.”
“Good. Didn’t want to keep repeating myself for your stubborn ass.” He seems satisfied enough.
My pulse accelerates the closer we get, an urgency simmering like firewater beneath my skin.
When we finally pull into the underground garage at Park Towers, I barely register Banks parking Easton’s precious car like he’s a stunt driver.
“Who the fuck are you?” I ask.
His eyes narrow. “Some would say their worst nightmare.”
We get out of the car, and Nick drops the keys into my hand. I head straight for the elevator, leaving Nick behind. My pulse pounds in my temples, anxiety and anticipation crashing together with each ascending floor, until I finally stand before Harper’s penthouse door.
I knock, the sound echoing harshly in the silent hall. My breath feels like it’s trapped tight in my lungs.
The door swings open, and I nearly growl with irritation at the sight of Asher standing there, arms spread wide, lips puckered sarcastically.
“Welcome home, sunshine. Miss me?”
“Fuck off,” I mutter, shoving roughly past him.
And then my world stops.
Harper stands frozen in the kitchen, the golden glow of lights washing over her. My heart clenches violently at the sight of her—safe, unharmed, stunningly beautiful. For one suspended heartbeat, we simply stare at each other, the air stretching thin and fragile between us.
Her eyes fill rapidly, tears spilling silently down her cheeks as a sob escapes from her. Her fingers release the wineglass she’s holding, and it hits the floor, shattering into glittering fragments.
“Brody,” she whispers, her voice cracking with raw, desperate relief.
I close the distance in three rapid strides, catching her as she rushes toward me, her body colliding against mine. My arms wrap around her, pulling her flush against my chest; her warmth and scent capture me completely. My throat tightens, and my overwhelming emotions nearly bring me to my knees. She clings to me, trembling, small hands gripping my shirt, as if afraid I’ll vanish if she lets go.
“I thought—” she chokes out, shaking her head as if the words physically hurt. “Brody, I thought …”
“Shh,” I whisper, pressing my lips to hers, breathing her in deeply, soothing her with slow strokes along her back. “I’m here. I’m right here. I told you I’d come for you.”
She pulls back just enough to look up at me, her tear-filled eyes searching mine. My chest aches at the fear still lingering behind her gaze, and I wish I could erase its shadows.
“You’re safe,” she whispers, fingertips grazing my jaw, as if to reassure herself I’m real. “You’re really here.”
“I’m here,” I repeat, cupping her face and brushing tears from her cheeks. “I’d have driven for days to see you.”
Her breath catches on a sob, relief and love brightening her gaze until it nearly blinds me. I press my forehead against hers, breathing in the quiet intimacy of this moment, understanding how fucking right she feels, back in my arms, where she’s always belonged.
I don’t hesitate. I don’t pause; I just simply close the tiny distance remaining between us, my mouth capturing hers in a kiss that obliterates every ounce of fear. The kiss deepens instantly, urgently, possessively, and it’s filled with desperation and love as overwhelming relief courses through both of us. Harper’s hands slide up, fingers tangling in my hair, holding me as I hold her, both of us refusing to let go. The room dissolves around us, fading into nothing but stolen breaths and trembling sighs. My pulse races, heart slamming roughly against my ribs, every nerve in my body sparking to life like an uncontrollable wildfire. This—her—burns me to ash.
We break apart, foreheads pressed together, completely oblivious to everything else.
I smile against her lips. “I’ve been waiting all day for that.”
Harper’s laughter fills my chest, soothing the sharp edges of fear that haunted me during the drive. I press another kiss against her lips, savoring the warmth of her body pressed against mine.
“Wow,” Billie whispers from somewhere behind Harper. “Fireworks like I’ve never witnessed.”
Harper pulls back slightly, her cheeks flushing pink as we both glance over to find Billie and Asher watching us with raised eyebrows. Asher chuckles beside her, arms crossed casually as he leans against the counter, clearly entertained.
“I forgot you were here.” Harper laughs as she grabs my hand.