Page 24

24

FORD

H arper thinks she’s being slick, but I’m ten steps ahead of her.

That’s why, after carrying her to bed and locking her in my room, I silently make my way up to the attic, searching for something my grandfather left behind.

The air is thick with dust, the wooden beams creaking beneath my weight as I step toward the old trunk.

Using my phone’s flashlight, I squat down and pry it open, the scent of time and memories rolling out.

And then I see it.

A slow smile spreads across my lips as the white hockey mask stares back at me.

Back in the day, my grandfather wore this for protection when we’d skate on the frozen lake, smacking pucks until the sun went down.

But now, it’s about to serve a different purpose.

A much more sinister one.

Lifting it, I stare down at the worn edges, at the battle scars on the surface.

The ghosts of the past whisper around me, but my thoughts are on the woman sleeping downstairs.

My future wife.

I tuck the mask into the back of my jeans and slip downstairs, moving in silence.

I unlock the bedroom door and step inside, my pulse steady, my breath even.

I was born for this level of control.

Dropping my jeans, I slide the mask beneath the bed before climbing in beside her.

She’s still curled up from when I left, her breathing soft.

Her body is warm as I pull her against me.

Her scent washes over me, wrapping around my lungs like a drug.

Her long, dark lashes rest against her cheeks, and my chest tightens.

She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

And she’s mine.

All fucking mine.

My arms band around her like a vice, locking her in.

Our hearts sync, a slow, steady beat.

I press my lips to her forehead, whispering against her skin, “We’re inevitable, Harper. We were born for each other. And now that I have you again, I’m never letting you go.”

She exhales a soft sigh—the kind you make when you’re safe.

When you feel you’re right where you belong.

I smirk, resting my chin against her head.

Secretly, you know it, too.

You’re just too damn stubborn to admit it.