Page 80 of You Saw the Best In Me

I wasn’t safe from Asher when I met Maverick, and I still opened my heart to him. I was waiting until I finally found the man who was made for me.

I wholeheartedly believe in that.

We were made to be partners in trauma, healing each other’s broken hearts and filling the void left behind by those we cared about.

“Hi,” I hear a voice behind me, jolting me back into reality.

I turn around and see Maverick leaning against the doorframe, hands in his pockets, smiling at me with softness.

I run to where he’s standing, immediately feeling warmth and comfort when he wraps his arms around me.

“Hi,” I say into his chest, refusing to move an inch.

He holds me and strokes my hair, whispering, “Everything is okay. I've got you now,” over and over again until I finally release my grip on him.

I wipe my tears and look into his eyes, and he’s crying too.

“Why are you crying, you big softy?” I giggle, easing the tension.

“I’m so relieved to have you in my arms. I was a mess at work, thinking about what that psycho had planned. I needed to hold you to feel better,” he shakes his head and takes my hand.

“I needed that too,” I say, grabbing my purse and following him across the hall into his apartment.

We agree to take some time to settle down before going to the station. It’s a heavy burden, but I know I need to be strong and face this last obstacle to be free.

My phone vibrates with new texts, and I crawl into Mav’s bed while he showers to read them.

One is from Harper, and two are from Reilly.

Harper: I miss you, Karina. Are you coming to my soccer practice?

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Miss you too, kiddo.

Reilly: Hey girl, checking in. You seemed so sad today, and it broke my heart.

Reilly: You have a friend in me, remember that!!

Thank you again, Reilly. I appreciate you. I’m home now.

Both texts bring a smile to my face, and I can’t help but feel the love from the people around me.

I send one last text to Juliette, telling her the news about Asher, neglecting to add the gruesome details but celebrating the headline.

I put my phone away and close my eyes, releasing all the negative thoughts from my body.

I’m shaken up by what Asher was planning, but he will not take any more of my happiness. I will hold my head high, identify him in the line-up, and close this horror story for good.

Instead, I focus on my future, and he’s decided to stop hiding behind a towel.

Coming out of the bathroom completely naked, looking like a Greek god, he winks at me before pulling clothes out of his drawer.

“Kitten, if you keep staring, we’ll never leave this apartment,” he still has his back to me, but our connection is too strong.

“I was not staring. I was admiring,” I smirk, and he dives onto the bed.

“Kiss me,” I breathe, needing that intimacy from him right now.

“Please?” he teases, and I grab his shirt, pulling his lips to mine.