Page 94 of Razor

I don’t expect him to answer me, but he reaches out and cups my face in his giant hand, and his gaze burns as he says huskily, “I love you, Sunday. I can’t promise you an easy ride with me because I’m a difficult son of a bitch, but I will always love you until I take my last breath and that will never change.”

I nod, accepting him for who he is. I always did, and as voices rumble from outside our open window on the terrace below, I whisper, “Go and find your brothers. I won’t be long.”

* * *

When Razor showers and leaves,I don’t rush. As I stand for a long time under the steam of the shower, I cleanse my body of the past year. The pain of losing Razor, the other Reapers, the whores. The fact that my dream of making it in college is not so important anymore. The months of loss and coping with that. Anxiety and desperation held deep inside as I painted a smile on my face and attempted to operate when an important part of my machinery was missing.

It all blends into memories and is replaced with hope because my life begins now, the one I have always wanted and never really believed was an option.

My thoughts inevitably turn to Santiago, and I shiver inside. I won’t allow myself to dwell on what may have happened because it never did. I was liberated before he could make his threats a reality, and I will not let it drag me down. I am free of him, and I hope he is dead.

I should really go and find out.

* * *

I finda soft robe in the bathroom and love how it swamps my body, the soft fabric wrapping me in contentment. I spy our clothes on the floor. Razor left as a Reaper, not a fucking bodyguard, and when he pulled on his jeans and a tight black t-shirt, my breath hitched as it always does because that sight will never get old.

I head off to find the others, and by the sounds of it, they are outside on the terrace. Their low rumble of conversation a familiar one, as the occasional loud laugh accompanies their words.

I head out to meet them, loving how they all jump up, their smiles warm, their pleasure hitting me from all sides.

“Thanks, guys.”

My lip trembles as they waste no time in welcoming me back. Each hug is a welcome one, as they reassure me. First Creed, then Snake, Blade then Tyson, Summer beaming beside him as she pushes him out of the way, whispering as she holds me close.

“Thank God you’re home, honey.”

She pulls away, and Ryder grins, his powerful eyes flashing with warmth. I step into his outstretched arms, and he says softly, “Welcome home, darlin’. You gave us quite a scare.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No apologies necessary; never do that. All that matters is you’re home and I have a strong feeling you’re back where you belong.”

“You got that right.”

He pulls away and winks, causing me to grin and I move beside Razor. I love how his hand curls in mine as he pulls mebeside him on the comfortable seat set around a fire-pit, that blazes with warmth in the cool Los Angeles night air.

We grab a cool beer and settle down for the debrief, and as I snuggle against Razor, I love how his arm circles my shoulder, his ownership obvious.

This is happiness to me, and it always will be.

CHAPTER 49

RAZOR

When I wake the following morning, I love the fact Sunday is curled against me, her leg over mine, her arm pinning me down to the bed. I take a moment to enjoy every second. Her breathing even, soft sighs of contentment slipping between her lips, the warmth of her body against mine, how smooth her skin is, like velvet.

She is long overdue an explanation from me. Why I pushed her away into the arms of a maniac. But not here. Not now. First, I must take my girl home.

“Razor.”

Her soft, sleepy voice brings me way too much pleasure, and I can’t stop smiling.

“Yes, darlin’.”

She opens one eye.

“You’re real.”