Page 102 of Burn the World Down

“No.” Snyder’s eyes went wide. “You can’t?—”

The single shot echoed through the night. Snyder slumped forward, no longer moving.

She handed the gun back to me.

“It’s finally done.” She raised her gaze to the night sky. “It’s done, Viv. Like I promised. For you.”

I slid an arm around her and looked at the others.

Bastian nodded. “Let’s get out of here.”

I had one more thing to do.

“Anyone got a lighter?” I asked.

“I do.” Alessio slid a hand in his pocket, then handed it to me.

As we started to walk away, I ignited it with a click. Georgie glanced at the flickering flame, then at me. She nodded.

I tossed it behind us.

It hit the leaking gasoline and the flames rippled to life, engulfing the Lamborghini.

I kissed the top of her head. “Let’s go home.”

I hadn’t burned the entire world down for her, just Snyder’s world.

And I’d do it again in a heartbeat, for her.

CHAPTER 38

GEORGIE

In the shower, I tilted my face to the spray.

I washed it all away. The blood, the dirt, the fear, the anger.

The grief would never leave. I’d always miss Viv, and Elliott, and my parents. But I didn’t want it gone. Grief was just proof of how much I loved them.

Shutting off the water, I stepped out and felt lighter.

I was free.

In the mirror, I stared at my reflection. I saw a woman with a small cut on her temple, which thankfully wasn’t too bad.

A woman who was no longer tired, alone, or running on fear and anger.

Just a woman. With possibilities ahead of her and who was in love with a sexy, strong man.

The bathroom door opened and through the mist from the shower, I saw him. He’d clearly showered in the guest room. His hair was damp and he was wearing black pajama pants that sat low on his narrow hips and no shirt.

He held up an ice pack. “I thought you might need this?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“How’s the cut?” He reached up and touched it, gently probing.

“Minor. How’s your head?”