Chapter 47
FORTY-SEVEN
The sun is warm on my face as I lean back on my elbows on the step and stretch my legs out in front of me.
After just over two weeks of being away, I’ve never been happier to roll back onto New Brunswick soil this morning.
But the few extra days in Newfoundland were needed, because our plan is in motion, and we’re locked the fuck down.
Which means I can finally turn my attention to more important matters.
I close my eyes and tip my head back, listening to the breeze and the birds in the trees, until I hear tires on pavement.
As Cade pulls into his driveway, I lower my head and open my eyes, watching as the door opens and he steps out. He pauses as his eyes land on me, looking at me like he’s trying to figure out if I’m really here, before he closes his car door and starts up the walkway.
“You weren’t at work,” I say as I watch him.
He just shakes his head, and I cock an eyebrow at him.
The corner of his lips tilts up as he gets closer. “What, you didn’t know where I was?”
I tilt my head. “Baby, I’ve been busy.”
Cade stops in front of me, and I look up at him, taking in the absolute perfection of this man.
He looks fucking incredible.
He’s in jeans, with a black T-shirt that’s perfectly fitted across his chest and shoulders, and his hair is its usual mess that’s just begging me to tangle my fingers in it. And the stubble lining his jaw needs to be dragged over every inch of my skin.
But my gaze locks on his eyes. Those deep blue eyes I pictured every day when I was away are staring back at me… and that spark I’ve been trying so hard to ignite is now lit. It may still be dim, but it’s there. And that’s all that matters.
“So?” I ask.
He huffs. “I’ve been talking about my feelings and learning healthy coping strategies,” he says dryly.
I smile. “Sounds awful.”
“It is,” he says with a small nod. But then he releases a breath, and I see his shoulders relax… just a little. “But it helps.”
I push to my feet to stand before him and stare into those beautiful eyes.
He just looks back at me, and I think this might be the clearest I’ve ever seen them.
“So?” he asks.
I nod, letting a smile tug at my lips. “Our auctions are going to continue, bigger and better than ever. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are working with us on this, and to close Atlantic Canada to the Dominion Sons. With them shutting down any port entry, and us controlling the land borders, the Sons don’t have a way in. ”
Cade’s brow furrows. “Won’t they just hit harder?”
“They might eventually,” I say. “But not yet. Without supply lines into the area, they have nothing to move. And if they try to push in now, and try to touch even one of us, they’re going after all three provinces.
If one club goes down, the others go to war.
And that’s too much heat for them for the payout they’d get… if they ever won.”
I step closer, and he lifts his chin just enough to keep his eyes level with mine.
“There’s still danger, Doc,” I say in a low voice. “But I control it now.”
A smile slowly spreads across his lips, and I damn near groan at the sight.
His eyes then drift down the line of my jaw until they land on the trees and wildflowers inked on my neck.
“My favourite tree bleeds when it’s cut open,” he says.
My heart skips a fucking beat as I stare back at him, and he slowly lifts his eyes to meet mine again.
“Its wood is white, but when it’s cut, it turns blood red,” he says, taking a step closer. “Some associate this with blood, war, and death.” He shakes his head. “But for others, it symbolizes transformation and renewal.”
My chest rises and falls with a heavy breath as I watch his gaze fall to my tattoo again, and he tilts his head slightly to get a better look.
“It’s a tree that grows in difficult places and thrives in challenging conditions. It stabilizes soil to prevent erosion and provides shelter for protection.”
His eyes meet mine again, and I need to remind myself to fucking breathe.
“My favourite tree is the alder tree. And I love you, too.”
My lips are on his before that last word is fully out of his mouth.
My arms lock around his waist, and his hands slide up the back of my neck as I drag him into me, needing him as close as he can be.
I want to fucking devour him as I slide my tongue along his, and he lets out a soft moan against me.
His body presses against mine as if he’s as desperate as I am, and he holds me like he knows exactly who he belongs to.
And I’m never going to let him forget it.
Over two weeks apart, haunted by unanswered questions, and now facing everything we still need to figure out…
but none of it matters while he’s in my arms, and holding nothing back.
My man was cut wide open, but he’s still here.
And he’s going to be stronger than ever as he transforms his life into the one he truly wants and deserves.
We both still have a tough road ahead of us, but I’m going to keep him close through all of it. If he wants me to bring him into the fire and help him forge his strength, I will. If he wants me to build a shield around him and let him breathe, I will.
Whatever the fuck Cade needs, I’ll give it to him.
I’ll protect him and keep him safe. Always.
Because he’s fucking mine.