Page 88 of Heated
“And I’m his first client,” Jordan boasted, grinning. “But not his last. Not once I tell all my boys about how he’ll do right by them and to get their asses to his firm.”
This seems to be a morning for surprises. Delight for him bubbles up within me.
“I’m happy for you, Cyrus,” I say. “I really am.”
“It’s different from the plan I’ve always had laid out for myself, but I’ve discovered lately that change isn’t necessarily negative. It can be the best thing that’s happened to my life,” he murmurs. “You weren’t in my plans, Zora. I could’ve never seen you coming. But I was prepared. My parents prepared me for you. To be your protector when you need it. Your safe place to land. Your friend. As has been pointed out to me recently, I’ve failed you on those fronts.”
“What?” My chin jerks back. “No—”
“Yes, Zora, I have. Let’s go ahead and get this out of the way. You lied to me. You had your reasons. I don’t give a fuck about those reasons. I forgive you, and that’s unconditional, no conditions. In the end, I didn’t read your email because your reasons didn’t matter. They wouldn’t change the fact that I love you and forgive you. And I ask the same of you. Please forgive me for not being there for you like you needed me. I promise to do everything in my power to earn your trust in the future. Because, baby, I want a future with you. I’m throwing out my plans and asking you to write new ones with me. Because if they don’t include you, they’re not worth having. Not worth building.”
Someone pinch me. No, don’t pinch me! If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.
But then, Cyrus is reaching out, he’s cupping my face, and I’m turning into his palm, kissing it. And his singular cedar-and-leather flavor hits my lips.
No, this isn’t a dream. It’s real. And it’s mine.
He’smine.
“Out of all the deals I’ve made in my life, the one with you was the most important, the one that mattered the most. Because it gave me you. I love you, Zora.”
Blue fire leaps in his eyes at his declaration. Desire, yes, but love. Pure love. And joy.
“There’s nothing to forgive,” I continue. “But if you need the words, then yes. I forgive you too, and you’re still one of the best men I know. And just so you know, I have to say ‘one of’ because Levi’s standing behind me.”
“That’s fucked up,” my brother drawls.
Laughing, Cyrus tugs me into his arms, and I fly into them. They’re where I’ve wanted to be since entering the lobby. He lowers his head, finally,finallytaking my mouth, and dimly, I’m aware of cheers erupting around us.
He lifts his head, ignoring the pounding to his shoulder. We both ignore the whispered, “Do you think we can get a selfie with Jordan Ransom?”
“Thank you for dumping me by proxy, Zora,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Thank you for stepping in and saving me from Richard the Dick.”
He arches an eyebrow, laughter gleaming in his beautiful blue eyes.
“I thought you didn’t need saving.”
I shrug. “I see it as us saving each other.”
Cradling my face in his big palms, he tips my head back and brushes an almost reverent kiss over my lips.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Forever.”