Chapter 49
FORTY-NINE
DAISY
I woke up to the scent of bacon wafting through the air, and I stretched in the comfort of Cash’s bed as I lazily pulled myself from sleep.
Warmth all around where I was wrapped in the sheets with the faintest glimmers of sunlight getting through the cracks in the drapes. My body heavy and sated and still buzzing with a vibrant, exhilarating energy.
I shifted up to sitting, and a slight grin hooked the edge of my mouth as I listened to the sounds coming from outside the room.
Cash was clearly trying to be quiet, though each of his heavy footsteps sent a low reverberation across the floors and winding through me. The hushed clatter of dishes and the stilted spray of the faucet.
Wrapping the sheet around me, I slipped off the bed and tiptoed to the door, my heart rate amping as I slowly turned the knob and stepped out.
My spirit whooshed and soared when I saw him on the other side of the island, only wearing a pair of sweats with his back to me as he stood at the stove, transferring the bacon onto a plate before he dumped an egg mixture into the skillet.
I couldn’t do anything but stand there gawking.
Floored by his intimidating beauty. Trying to wrap my head around the fact that this was real. That he loved me back. That he wasn’t only doing this out of obligation.
I was also struggling to process that he was involved in a world that I couldn’t quite comprehend.
The man had so many facets that felt just out of reach, but still, I was sure I knew him better than anyone.
“You gonna stand over there staring at me all day or get that sweet ass over here and get something to eat?” he grumbled in that low voice before he peered back at me.
Cocky mischief lined Cash’s expression.
My belly twisted.
Damn, how much I liked him like this.
I refused to let any shyness take me over. “I figured I’d spend a few minutes appreciating the view.”
He turned around, giving me more of it. That wide, wide chest covered by all those designs. His ruggedly handsome face, his jaw covered in a coarse stubble that made him appear even sexier than normal, if that was even possible.
He hiked a grin. “You’re going to have plenty of time to appreciate this view. Want to feed you first. Now come over here and sit.”
I started to shuffle my way over, only getting tripped up for a second in the fabric of the sheet, a timorous laugh tittering out of me as I regained my footing then made my way to a stool at the island.
Cash pulled a mug from the cabinet and filled me a cup of coffee, then he grabbed the creamer and eased around the island, setting both in front of me before he pressed his lips to my temple.
Softly.
Lingering there as he inhaled.
“Nothing better in the world than waking up next to you,” he murmured. “Getting to see you lost to your dreams. Your face at peace because you know you’re safe with me.”
My heart fluttered. “Is it wrong that I feel this good with everything happening?”
Edging back, he took my chin between his fingers. “No, baby. I think it’s time we both had a little good in our lives, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
He leaned forward and pecked a kiss on my lips, and he angled back around the counter to the stove and stirred the eggs, before he placed a couple slices of bacon on both plates, scooped fresh cut fruit, then added the steaming eggs.
He strolled back to me.
Stealing the air.
My breath.
Injecting me with hope instead.
He set the plate down in front of me then took the spot to my side.
Then he leaned in and breathed in my ear, “Eat, wife.”
“You’re awfully bossy after sex.”
He clamped a hand on the top of my thigh. “Only after really, really good sex.”
Redness blazed, and I dug into my food. The savory flavor of the hot eggs bursting on my tongue and making me realize just how ravenous I was. I basically scarfed it down while Cash slowly ate beside me.
A dark chuckle rolled from him. “Hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Did I use you up a little too much last night?” He uttered the words along my jaw, and a shiver rocked my spine.
He’d taken me five times throughout the night. Every time I drifted to sleep, I’d wake to needy hands gliding over me.
Sometimes it was rushed and hard and possessive.
Others tender and adoring.
I couldn’t tell which I liked better.
The only thing I could be sure of was I liked everything Cash Cunningham did to me.
“Never.” It was a heaving wisp. “But I have to admit, I can barely walk.”
Was that pride that flashed through his hazel eyes?
Dang it, I liked that, too.
He smoothed his thumb over the top of my thigh. “Don’t worry, I’ll just carry you.”
“You’d better be careful, Cash Cunningham. I’m going to start thinking you’re trying to spoil me.”
He brushed back a lock of my hair and leaned in to brush his nose against mine. “Newsflash. I am trying to spoil you. Don’t expect me to stop.”
I finished off my last bite then shifted so I could set my hand on his cheek. “I think I’m going to like it here.”
He had me out of my stool and propped on the counter in a flash, the man shoving our dishes aside to make room.
“That’s right, you are.” He tore the sheet away and shoved his sweats down his hips. Fire lit as he wound himself between my thighs. “Let me show you just how much you will.”
From where it sat on the bathroom vanity, my phone lit up with a text. I was brushing my teeth, so I finished and rinsed my mouth before I grabbed it. My heart squeezed when I saw it was from my sister.
Hadley
What happened yesterday? Did you see it through?
Me
We did, Hads. And it’s real. Not just for the safety of the children, but because he loves me.
It felt like it took forever for her to respond.
Hadley
What does that mean?
I inhaled a breath, the joy pressing full as I tapped over the screen.
Me
It means we’re going to be together. Permanently.
I paused, then sent another.
Me
We’re going to stay here. With him. After everything is settled with Ethan, this is going to be our home.
Nothing came through for the longest time before one finally blipped through. I could almost feel the caution in her tone.
Hadley
I thought your intention was only to have him help with the Ethan situation?
Unease suddenly pulsed heavily in my stomach. I knew our relationship was complicated. That we were just figuring things out between us, and she was likely thinking I was leaving her behind.
But I wouldn’t allow us to be separated again. I was finished wasting time. Not saying what I needed and wanted. Maybe now, when Ethan was out of the way, we could all be together.
At peace.
Me
I know we’ve only reconciled, Hadley, that you’ve just started your life over, but I want you in our lives, too. Maybe you could consider moving here, too. Once we know it’s safe.
Hadley
Oh, Daisy…I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Me
The people here are incredible. I never expected it. Never expected to feel this way. I think you would love it here.
Hadley
Are you sure this is what’s right? It all happened so fast.
I didn’t hesitate.
Me
Without a doubt.
Hadley
Have you heard anything else from Ethan?
Me
No, but we’re watching closely.
I wouldn’t tell her the promises Cash had made.
Hadley
Are you afraid?
I glanced at myself in the mirror. At my matted hair and the joy that shined in my eyes. I turned back to my phone.
Me
For the first time in years, I have faith that everything is going to be okay.
Me
And it will be so much better if you’re here with us.
The three bubbles popped up and stopped about ten times before a text finally came through.
Hadley
Maybe I will plan a trip out.
Me
I would love that.
Hadley
Just…be careful, Daisy. I don’t want you to get your heart broken again.
My answer was instant. Given without reservation.
Me
I won’t. He loves me, and it’s time we finally lived our lives the way we were supposed to.
An hour later, Cash and I were traveling through Moonlit Ridge.
He eased through the busy town, people roaming the sidewalks that fronted boutiques and restaurants and bars before the road came to a T.
The view that opened up ahead of us was awestriking. A dazzling expanse of blue water hugged by a ridge of gorgeous mountains. Pine trees edging the forested area.
“Wow, now I know why you all like it here.”
He peeked over at me as he made a right and started to follow alongside the lake. “Could you see yourself here? In this small town? Living with me forever?”
“I thought that was the plan?” It was wispy.
His smile was slow. “The plan is I follow you wherever you go.”
“You’d leave here?”
“If it was required.”
Adoration fisted my heart. “I would never take you from your family.”
He reached out and squeezed my thigh. “And that’s what makes you extraordinary, doesn’t it? Fact that you care about me, too.”
I took his hand and curled it between mine. “We both take care of each other. Give to each other. Besides, it’s not all that hard to imagine making your family mine.”
“Pretty sure they already consider you that.”
A soft flush touched my cheeks.
I felt so much joy at having them. And I hoped that one day this would all include my sister. I needed to make sure she remained sober, though, before I fully invited her into our lives. Into my children’s life. Into Cash’s life.
I still could hardly believe mine and his lives were now intertwined.
I turned back to take in the view.
In the distance, I could see a blue neon sign that glowed The Sanctuary.
A ball of admiration and fear gathered in the middle of my spirit. I chanced a peek at Cash. “I’m still trying to comprehend what you all really do. I’ve wondered a thousand times about that back room at the cabin that you keep locked.”
He glanced at me before he returned his attention to the road. “It’s a ton of computers and surveillance equipment. That’s my role in all of this.”
I could feel the frown pull to my face.
“I’m Sovereign Sanctum’s hacker. The one who creates new identities and makes others disappear when it’s necessary. That and a ton of stealing.”