Page 181 of The Echo of Forever

Fuck. I’m tired.

I shut off the water and dried quickly, pulling on a pair of black basketball shorts I’d left hanging on the back of the door.

When I returned to the bedroom, Forever had shifted slightly and made space for me on my side of the bed.

Her eyes studied me, taking in every detail like she was memorizing me all over again. I slid under the covers, curving my body around hers. She fit against me perfectly.

I buried my face in her neck and inhaled deeply, just as obsessed with her scent as she was with mine.

“I killed your dad yesterday before coming to the bar,” I said against her skin, the words leaving my mouth before I could reconsider them.

Forever went still in my arms, but not tense. Just…consideringbefore she turned in my arms and we were face to face.

Her eyes searched mine, looking for something. Regret, maybe?

“I was wondering when you’d do it,” she whispered, pressing her lips gently to my chin.

She rested her hand against my cheek, thumb brushing across my bottom lip. The touch was gentle, reverent almost, and it made something in my chest ache.

“Thank you for protecting me,” she went on, voice barely above a whisper. “I feel safe here.”

I let the declaration settle deep inside me.

“I will always protect you,” I promised. “No matter what.”

She shifted again, tucking herself against me. Her head fit perfectly under my chin as she kissed down my throat.

One of her legs slipped between mine, tangling us together in what was becoming the only way I wanted to hold her.

“Sleep now,” she murmured. “We’ll figure out the rest later.”

I closed my eyes and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, my lips lingering against her hair. “I love you,” I whispered, not sure if she was still awake to hear it.

Her fingers tightened slightly against my chest, a silent acknowledgment.

“I love you too,” she murmured, words slurring with approaching sleep. “More than anything.”

And that, in the end, was all that mattered. Everything else was just noise, obstacles to overcome. Problems to solve.

Forever in my arms like this was worth any price. Every sin and sacrifice.

CHAPTER 49

FOREVER

My phone vibratedagainst my face, pulling me from sleep. Demetrius’s arms were still wrapped around my waist, so I shifted softly, careful not to wake him, and squinted at the screen.

There were three texts. One from Carmen, and two from Kai. I buried myself deeper in my husband’s embrace, reading them while his heartbeat thumped steadily against my back.

That nigga dead. Collective’s got his body.

Your mother is asking to see you. She’s being discharged today.

I replied to his message about our mom but ignored the one about our dad, then opened Carmen’s.

You okay?

I’m okay. See you at the office in a couple hours.