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Without looking up from his phone screen, Adonis uses his free hand to find the space on top of Titus’ head just between his ears. He scratches until the old dog shows his thanks, turning his head to cover his palm in kisses.

So damn cute.

Finally, I can say without a doubt that I love my life. And I didn’t know that was an option. But here I am. In love with every single aspect and excited instead of dreading what comes next. Adonis gives me everything without me having to ask for it.

The only thing I truly wanted, theonlything I’ve asked him for, was the guarantee that Weston wouldn’t show up and derail my life again. A year post-rehab and that hasn’t happened. I don’t even know if he’s in Wildwood.

I never told Adonis I planned to kill him. Never told him that meeting Elodie derailed those plans and kept my hands clean when I was willing to risk my freedom to teach him a lesson. Weston is no longer my business.

His karma is whatever life he’s living. I just hope it’s along, miserable life.

My future kids will never know him. Victor, Silas and Alonzo will be the only uncles they need.

Once I take this IUD out, that is. Twenty-seven still seems too young to be somebody’s mama. Ms. Agnes and Elodie both say that if the right time exists, I’ll know it. And if I never do, that’s okay too.

Interrupting my thoughts, the flight attendant appears with warm towels for both of us. When Adonis is done cleaning his hands with it, he pockets his phone and holds his hand out to me, inviting me to sit in his lap until takeoff.

“What’s the occasion?” I ask quietly.

“We haven’t had a trip yet this month.” He hides his face in my neck. “Wanted to fix that.”

“The month just started.” The words fade into laughter when the ticklish stubble of his beard grazes the column of my neck.

“It’s the last few weeks of summer, that deserves a trip.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see when we get there.” His hand lowers to my hip. “You got me missing work again. My employees love you.”

Snickering, I shift on his lap.

“Are you proud of becoming my weakness?”

“Yes.” I bend down to kiss the corner of his mouth. “Your life was boring before me.”

“Calm,” he corrects. “But there’s nothing I wouldchange. I’ll take a lifetime of your violent ass over calm any day.”

He kisses me before I can agree. I moan against his mouth when his tongue swipes my bottom lip. “Love you,” I breathe.

“Love you more, menace.”

That’s all I need to hear before contentment crowds in my chest. I’d take a lifetime of anything with him because it’shim.

Epilogue II

ADONIS

Idrop to a squat and stare at the wide eyes, forever frozen in time.

He hadn’t seen me coming and that was my favorite part.

Weston had looked better than he ever had. Healthy. Sober. Decent.

But he had to know this was coming. Had to know there would be no rest for him after what he’d done to his sister.

Unlike the night of the auction, I hit his heart on the first try.

Now, as I count the bullet holes in his chest, I smirk.