Page 177 of Seven Deadly Sins

“I’m okay. I don’t want to be under the influence of a painkiller while you fill me in. How much time has passed?”

She smiled. “It’s the next morning.” She scooted the chair closer to the bed and held his hand. “Other than Robert and Annie, no lives were lost. The man who whipped you is being arrested, but most of the people will be released to resume their lives, what they can get back anyway.”

“How did Robert die? Fire?”

“He shot himself when I entered his office.” A shadow crossed her features. “It was so fast, I couldn’t stop him.”

“The man was dying anyway. He spared himself a lot of pain.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself, but after killing Annie…” Her thumb stroked the back of his hand.

“You did what you had to, sweetheart, and saved both of our lives. I’m forever grateful.” He reached up to cup her cheek. “Want to talk about us now?” He smiled. “I did promise that we would.”

She gave a soft laugh. “You want to be my boyfriend?”

“Absolutely not.”

She jerked back, her eyes wide. “What?”

“I want more than that. Let’s explore the idea of something more permanent.”

“Are you proposing? Because if you are, it’s a very strange one.”

He laughed. “No, but I will when the time is right. Will you say yes?”

“Maybe.” Her smile widened. “If you behave yourself. What then, Liam? Who picks up and moves?”

“Wanna draw straws?” At her frown, he continued, “I’m kidding. I think the city of Oakdale could use another detective, don’t you?”

“You’d leave the agency for me?” Tears welled in her eyes.

“Without a second thought. Let’s seal the deal with a kiss. You’ll have to come to me. I’m not able to bend that way.”

She lowered her head and kissed him with a promise of a future together.

The End