Page 43 of Fatal Fantasy

Blood, guts, and torture has been our love language, the way we’ve connected unlike anything this universe has ever seen, which is why I’m positive that she was created to be beside me in life – and death.

TWENTY

CARTER

There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunrise as you’re crossing the border, running from a life that could quite literally be a death sentence if you’re caught.

After my talk with Jasper, I’m content with our plans, and I know that he’ll do absolutely everything possible to save me from a life of misery.

In the last few days I’ve been reborn, able to smile and feel happiness again, something I never thought was possible, but I put my trust and love into the very people who are my reasons for breathing fresh air.

No matter how much hope I’m holding onto, the more rational side of my mind still has plenty of control over my thoughts, and I won’t let myself be caught off guard like the last time we tried to run.

I’m determined to keep a balance, to recognize when shit is about to hit the fan, or breathe that victorious sigh of relief when we finally make it out unscathed.

While sleep is still a tall task, I’ve been able to doze off here and there, but now that we’ve crossed into Canada, handing off our perfectly polished passports without a single issue, it’s Jasper’s turn to rest.

My offers to drive were heavily shot down, something about me needing to relax, but not even a few eye rolls could convince my boys that I’m capable of pulling my weight.

Although they’re well aware of how much I hate being coddled, they still take their gambles, but how could I stay mad at my saviors? So, I settle into the passenger seat with my blankets and snacks, fully prepared to keep Tyson company as we begin our trek northeast.

“How far is this cabin?” I ask once we hit the road, ready to sprawl out in a real bed after nearly sixteen hours cooped up in this car.

“About four hours. We’ll stay there for the next two nights, and then continue on our journey with a new car, to keep from being tracked,” he says, and I sigh in relief, happy to be settling in one place, even if only for a short time.

“Who is this guy?” I wonder, the details of our housing, plans, and routes being kept very hush-hush, almost like Tyson is afraid to speak the itinerary aloud.

“An old friend of my father’s. They shared a hunting cabin, but I sold him the whole thing with a promise that I could stay whenever. What I paid was more than generous, so I bargained a few things that’ll be waiting once we get there,” he explains, every detail of his plan well-thought out, and I only listen, trusting that he’s done enough to actually pull this daring escape off.

Nobody crafts a masterplan quite like Tyson, and with this being the most important mission of our lives, he’s covered every single base, issue, or blip on the map we could encounter.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?” I muse, changing the subject as I dig deeper into his mind.

“Yes,” he answers, not even taking a second to ponder exactly what I’m asking.

“I didn’t even say what part,” I challenge, seeing how much it’d take to rile him up, but he stays calm, shifting his eyes between me, and the road.

“Doesn’t matter. I meant every word,” he shrugs, and my heart flutters, knowing that he always means every word, no matter the topic of discussion.

One thing about Tyson, he’s true to his core.

I’ve never doubted him, the things he’s said, or the actions he’s taken. Not a single part of him is capable of being deceptive, and that’s why he’s able to see into the darkest spaces of my soul, reading my mind like an open book.

“Will you really marry me?” My voice shakes as I ask, afraid of what he’ll say, or if he thinks it’s a ridiculous idea.

“Principessina, I’d take a trip to the nearest drive-thru wedding venue if Tyson allowed us to go to Vegas. Name the time and place, and I’ll fucking be there.” Jasper pokes his head between the front seats, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation, just like I did to them yesterday.

“Yes, baby girl. I’d marry you in a heartbeat. Nothing would make me happier,” Tyson answers, snaking a hand under my blanket until it lands on my thigh, making it seem effortless while he drives.

“In a tux?” I tease, craning my neck to look back at Jasper, knowing he’s the one who hates dressing up, wearing a tie, or anything resembling a suit jacket.

Tyson, on the other hand, enjoys getting cleaned up, even if it is just an excuse to wear every piece of jewelry he owns.

“In a tuxedo, a bright red Santa suit, or bare ass naked. Whatever you want,” Jasper laughs, leaning forward and placing a kiss on my cheek.

“All I need is the two of you waiting for me at the end of an aisle.” I shift my eyes between them both, waiting for someone to oppose, but neither of them falter, only following whatever it is that I want.

These boys would walk to the ends of the Earth, run through fire, or cross hot stones just to make me smile, and while I know I’m not asking for much, this is something I’m passionate about.