EPILOGUE
“Give me a tour,” I say, laying on Cooper’s naked chest.
Since we both got shot a couple of days ago, we spend all the time in Cooper’s room.
I’ve only seen this room and the bathroom.
He has more injuries than I, but he doesn’t let me leave the bed unless I absolutely need to.
He brings the food in. He brings my luggage, which at this point I thought it was a lost cause, but I’m learning the word impossible doesn’t exist for Cooper.
Jessica, theirs and the town’s doctor, told Cooper to tour me around the compound and the town. She reminds him I need to move; I need fresh air; I need to see the sun and that he can’t keep me hidden here for eternity. I kiss his pout away before I head to the shower to get ready for my tour.
I haven’t seen my friends and VERA members since I arrived, barely awake and bleeding through my arm. Cooper helps me to get dressed, complaining through every piece of clothing.
“Cooper, stop this.”
“I almost lost you, Rosalie. Is it that hard to understand how I feel?”
“No, it is not hard, but also you have brothers and a town you are responsible for. You have a cartel to smash and burn to ashes and you have a town to protect and to show me. I almost lose you too, twice I might add. I can’t cage you away the same way you can’t to me.”
“But I can try.”
“Cooper, please.”
He sighs and helps me put on my arm sling.
I finally see his side of the compound. He explains each of them has a section that serves like a house or apartment.
His living room is a little spar and so is his kitchen.
His office is another thing. His desk holds three monitors and two of his walls are covered in bookshelves and the other wall has four big cabinets I imagine are filled with documents I’m not privy to.
I discover that the two doors out of his living quarter door are one for the armory and one for the garage exclusive to the Black Reign club.
“Guns and vehicles?”
“When I was in the military, armory and marksmanship were my specialties. I did my studies in mechanics, which help me excel in armory, and it’s something I could turn into a profession as soon as I was out.”
“You are ex-military?”
“That’s the only thing you heard?” Cooper caresses my cheek
“I heard it all, but my brain is stuck at that specific fact. How are you ex-military and also are…” I can’t find a way to say it without it sounding like I’m judging.
“A criminal?”
“That’s not what I wanted to say.”
“I know, but it is one of the many things I am. You’ve seen me killed people.”
“For self-defense.”
“For survival. To protect you, my family and my town. That doesn’t erase I’ve killed. I’ve done many other things. Before I show you Cross Hollow, I need to make sure of something.”
“What?”
“That you accept me for everything I am. I’m not entirely good and not entirely bad.
Being with me is dangerous, but I swear on my life I will protect you.
Nothing and no one will do anything to you.
I’ll make everyone who dares to lay a finger on you.
Are you okay to start a relationship and live with someone is more than willing to kill for you? ”
I stare at his brown eyes.
“Will you stay with me after you see past all the smoke and mirrors? After the glitter falls down and the spotlight fades?” He frowns.
“I see you crystal clear Rosalie. I’m not gonna leave you.”
“Then I’m not gonna leave you. No matter how much blood in your hands you have.”
He embraces me before kissing me. “No matter who you think you are, I will stay beside you. Everyone can turn their back on you, but I won’t.”
“Okay. Give me my tour.” He chuckles and pulls me out outside, into the soft afternoon light.