Page 159 of Ride or Die

“What do you think we’re going to have to deal with next? Is Dante planning on bombing anyone else? Because if he could hold off, I’d like a break from the adrenaline.”

Saint grinned. “You’ve nailed the black humour as a coping strategy; you sure you weren’t in the military too?”

She beamed up at him. “Oh, good. I’ve been practising. I want to be in your little boy band.”

“You’re already in, Ri.”

The smile that lit her face took root in Saint’s chest. Something beautiful and kind.

It made all the darkness worth it.

He’d keep that smile in her eyes for as long as possible, whatever it took.



Epilogue

two Weeks Later

Riley

The valley sprawled beneath them, houses and properties dotting the fields and forest with little lights. The sky was a deep purple, and on the horizon, the glow of Cascadia drowned out the stars.

From where they were, on the edge of the mountains, the light pollution didn’t touch them, and the stars had just begun to twinkle.

Riley’s hands and forearms were soft and squishy after riding all day, the phantom vibrations from the engine lingering. Both dirtbikes stood together, leaning on their kickstands at the same angle, to the left of the truck.

They were kind of cute.

The air mattress squeaked as Saint leaned back and placed his hands behind his head. A soft sigh settled between them. Her new raincoat was folded next to her, but thankfully they hadn’t needed it.

“I’ve never camped in the bed of a truck before. It’s kind of fancy.” Riley wiggled. It was the most comfortable camping experience she’d ever had, tucked between two open sleeping bags and wearing a fleece. “Too bad Cookie has to sleep in the cab.”

Saint reached up and opened the small window, and the sound of light snoring drifted out. “I don’t think he’s too concerned.”

Cookie was exhausted from chasing them down logging roads for a few hours that afternoon, but he’d somehow managed to find the energy to explore the forest himself when they took breaks.

She leaned back against her pillow and looked up into the night sky. “Did you know that when you look up into the sky, you’re actually looking down into the fathomless abyss of space?”

Saint looked over at her and lifted a dark eyebrow.

“What? It’s science,” she muttered. She’d watched a video online about it. “It’s a fun fact.”

“I’m going to take you camping more often.” He pulled her closer, and she laid her cheek against his chest. She formed her entire body to his and stole his heat.

“Because you love fun facts?”

“Because I love you.”

Her heart tumbled around in her chest. “I don’t think I’m used to hearing that yet.”

Lips grazed her forehead. “Does it make you uncomfortable?”

She peered up at him. His shirt smelled like campfire smoke, but underneath she caught the faint cedar scent he always had. “I don’t think so. Just surprised, I guess.”

He frowned at her. “Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s just been a lot. And a lot is still happening. I wasn’t really expecting all… this.” She gestured out to the view. But she really meant him. And the bikes. And the dog. “The plan was to date casually. This isn’t that.”