Page 114 of Under His Control

Eventually, he clears his throat. “I know it’s none of my business, but any word on Damas?”

I shake my head. “Nothing new. He used what favors he had left to disappear before he could be prosecuted. Last we heard, he fled the country. Probably back to Russia.”

Charles watches me carefully. “You think he’ll ever reach out?”

“No.” I say without hesitation. “And I hope it stays that way.”

He nods slowly. “If he does?—”

“I’ll handle it.” I look him square in the eye. “But right now, this,” I gesture to the porch, the laughter, the family. “this is what I care about. This is what matters.”

Charles clinks his mug against mine. “Damn right.”

By late afternoon, the backyard is buzzing. Kids from the neighborhood race across the grass, giggling with Charlotte as bubbles float through the air. Parents mingle near the grill, sipping iced tea.

We head down to the yard, where Chris is trying to wash mud off his sneakers and Charlotte is insisting the hose is her best weapon against dragons.

Taylor is at the grill, flipping burgers and looking every bit like the queen she is of this tiny domestic kingdom.

I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her cheek.

She leans into me, her smile soft. “You happy?”

I look around.

The sun. The food. The laughter. The love.

She turns and kisses me slow and sweet.

“I’m home.”

The End