Page 162 of In Death, Love Survives

“You cleared out your apartment?”

“Yes.” She sits down next to me, tucks one leg underneath her ass, and takes my hands in hers.

“I would have helped you do that.”

“You’ve been so stressed out that I didn’t want to add this to your plate because I know you would have taken it on. I got everything arranged, but I needed to go today in order to get out the stuff I actually want to keep.”

“You’re staying?”

“Of course I’m staying.”

I let out a long, deep breath.

“You really thought I would just disappear?”

“Yeah, angel,” I admit.

“Wolfe,” she croaks.

“You’re not meant for me. I saw you and took you as my own. You’re everything good and right with this world. Baby, I knew there was a chance you’d decide not to stay. That you’d realize this life isn’t right for you.”

“Wolfe Walker. You listen to what I’m about to say, and you listen real good.”

I smirk.

“I love every part of you and always will. You and me? We’re forever.”

“I love you too. Fuck. I love you so much it hurts.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t hurt that much,” she teases.

“You know I’d do anything for you, right? I’d burn this entire fucking world down if it means I get to keep you, and you’re safe.”

“Then show me.”

“Show you?”

“Yeah, show me how much you love me.”

I sit upright as Nova inches closer to me.

“Come here,” I rasp.

I pull at her waist, and she yelps as she holds onto my shoulders to brace herself. She settles into my lap with her arms around my neck.

“I’ll do anything for you,” I repeat.

She leans down, and her soft, warm lips connect with mine. My tongue demands entry, which she gladly grants. As I consume her mouth, I can tell this kiss between us is different. It’s powerful, as if both of us are making the same declaration of our love to one another.

Before Nova, I’d never truly been in love. This feeling of wanting to connect with her in every way imaginable is overwhelming, but I know it’s how we’re meant to be.

A connection with the woman I love should be everything, and that’s what this is—my whole world wrapped up in this package. In this moment, I know that she’s actually going to stay for good.

I believe every word she’s telling me. Not because she’s scared about where to go or of change, or hell, even what’s to come. It’s because we’ve finally found each other.

Nova breaks away and rests her forehead to mine. She’s trying to catch her breath or say something, so I take a few moments before going back in.

“You’re my person, Wolfe,” she whispers.