Page 80 of Where He Ended

“The idea of letting you go.” My shoulders barely lift before they fall. “I convinced myself it was because I wanted to make my parents happy. The fact is that when I saw you for the first time in six years, every thrilling, joyous thing you made me feel as a kid came rushing back. I was instantly infected by you all over again. I caught you because I'm no protector, I'm just greedy.”

Her fingernails cut into my jaw until I flinch. I focus on her narrowed eyes. “Dominic, I shouldn't have to tell you I love you, but I will. A million times, I'll tell you that my heart is fuller with you at my side. Stop beating yourself up over the past. If I'd run away that night, this thing we have - this wonderfully warm, beautiful thing - it would never have happened. I'd suffer a thousand different ways if it meant we ended like this.”

I gape at her as I try to register her admission. She's doing that thing again—daring me with her hard-set mouth, her tight eyebrows, and her flashing pupils. Her honesty is insane, but it's crazier that I believe every word she says.

“I love you, too,” I growl, hugging her to my body. “I love you so fucking much, Laiken. I'll never let you get away from me again. You're mine. Truly, forever and always mine.” She nearly vanishes in my thick arms. If I press hard enough, we might merge together for eternity. Become one big, throbbing experience bigger than any two people kept apart.

When the embrace ends we're still two people. But that's fine.

With her at my side, I finally know what it means to come home.

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THE END