Page 41

Connor

Iwatched Max sleeping peacefully beside me, her dark hair cascading across the pillow like spilled ink, lips softly parted as she breathed steadily.

My chest tightened at the sight of her.

I reached out gently, tracing my thumb across her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

I’d spend months obsessing, longing, losing my fucking mind over this woman, and now, here she was—mine.

Not just a fantasy, not just an obsession, but the woman I loved more fiercely than I’d ever thought possible.

I exhaled softly, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling, my heart racing as I thought back to the confession I had sent from Joe’s email.

It was all wrapped up neatly, finally giving her the freedom that she deserved.

I knew it was twisted, sick even, but it was the only way I could think of freeing her from the life that shackled her down.

I owed her that much, after everything she’d been through—everything she’d survived.

I swallowed heavily, grief briefly flickering through my chest.

Joe had been family, the brother I’d never had, and the weight of his death still pressed heavily against me.

Yet, as fucked up as it was, if forced to make the same decision, I knew I’d do it all over again.

There wasn’t a thing in this world I wouldn’t sacrifice to keep Max safe, to keep her happy.

That realisation was dark, terrifying even, but I felt no shame in admitting it.

I’d never hidden my darkness, and neither had she.

Max stirred beside me, mumbling something unintelligible as she moved closer, her head settling comfortably against my chest.

I smiled, softly brushing my fingers through her hair, breathing in the scent of vanilla that always lingered around her.

It was strange how quickly life had shifted—how my entire world had changed from watching Maxine through a screen, to holding her in my arms every night.

My obsession had evolved, becoming something so much deeper and richer.

Transforming into something I had never anticipated.

Love.

Not just desire, not just need, but genuine, soul-deep love.

I glanced toward my nightstand, my pulse picking up speed as my thoughts drifted to the little black velvet boxed tucked away inside.

It was something I had picked out weeks ago, the moment I had laid eyes on it, I’d known.

It was perfect—elegant yet dark, unique, just like Max.

I’d had the inside engraved with words that symbolised everything we had become, everything we would ever be: ‘Forever, my little fox’.

A slow smile tugged at the corners of mouth as I imagined her reaction, that beautiful face lighting up in surprise, those intoxicating eyes wide.

I’d give her the world if she asked.

I’d give her every last piece of me willingly.

My phone vibrated suddenly on the bedside table, pulling me from my thoughts.

I glanced over to see a text from Lara flashing across the screen:

‘I’m kidnapping your girl for the day.

Nails, lunch, shopping.

The works.

She needs a break, and I need some Max time before I go.’

I chuckled softly, carefully sliding out from beneath Max and reaching for my phone, quickly typing back a reply:

‘She’s all yours for today, but I want her back tonight, safe.’

Her reply was instant:

‘I promise I’ll return your psychopath in one piece, stalker.’

I smiled, shaking my head as I stood up, pulling on some sweatpants and heading into the kitchen to make coffee.

Despite everything, Lara had become someone important to me too.

She’d accepted Max’s truth with more grace than most people ever could, and I was grateful for her unwavering loyalty to the woman I loved.

As the coffee brewed, I leaned against the counter, watching the town wake up through the window, my mind drifting back to Max.

I’d never pictured myself settling down, building a life with anyone.

My past was fucked up, too filled with pain and darkness.

Yet, Max had changed all of that.

Her strength, her courage, the way she’d seen the darkest corners of my soul and embraced them without hesitation, the same way I had hers.

It had changed me entirely.

Footsteps padded softly behind me, pulling me back to the present.

Warm arms wrapped around my waist, Max pressing her cheek against my back with a sleepy sigh.

“Morning,”

she mumbled softly.

I smiled, turning in her arms, pulling her against me as I kissed the top of her head, “Morning, beautiful.

You slept well?”

“Mm-hmm,”

she hummed contentedly.

“Better than I have in years.”

“Good.”

I tilted her face up gently, brushing my thumb across her bottom lip, “Lara’s going to kidnap you today, by the way.

Girls’ day.”

She groaned but smiled, rolling her eyes affectionately.

“Of course she is.

I should probably go shower then.”

I kissed her softly, “I’ll be here when you get back.”

She paused, gazing up at me with an intensity that stole my breath away.

“I know.

I trust you, and that won’t run away on me.”

Those three words—I trust you—hit me harder than I’d expected.

Trust wasn’t something I deserved after everything I’d done, after how our story had started.

Yet here she was, handing it to me willingly.

And I’d spend every fucking day for the rest of our lives making sure I never lost it.