Chapter 17
17
WILLOW
This can’t be happening… not like this. My heart is fracturing into a thousand pieces as I stare at the man who is about to take my heart with him.
“Close your eyes, baby.” His voice is low as he speaks.
I mouth ‘I love you’ again, the words stuck in my throat. Turning my head, I confirm Juniper’s eyes are closed before closing my own. I clench my hands, desperately wanting to reach out and touch him one last time.
“I love you, Willow. Always will.” I hear his words, and it takes everything inside me to stand still. “Go to hell, Agapov,” Dallas says, his voice strong despite the fucked-up situation.
I loved my sister, but right now, I hate her.
Time slows, and my heart thunders so loud in my chest, I almost think I’m having a heart attack. The distinct sound of two gunshots rings out, and I scream, a primal cry that tears through the chaos. My hands tremble as I force my eyes open, desperate to find Juniper. The man who was holding her is on the ground, a bullet hole between his eyes. Relief and terror blend into a dizzying storm as I sprint to Juniper, scooping her up and pressing her tiny head into my neck, feeling her warmth against my skin.
Strong arms wrap around me from behind, making me scream again.
“It’s me. Willow… it’s me.” Dallas’s voice cuts through my panic, grounding me.
“Dawwas,” Juniper murmurs, her little voice a balm to my frayed nerves.
Juniper leaps from my arms into Dallas’s, and he burrows her tiny body into his, holding her like she might disappear. My hand trembles as I reach out, touching Juniper’s back, needing to feel both of them.
“How… I thought.”
“I don’t know.” Dallas tugs me against him and Juniper, his grip desperate. “Agapov is gone.”
I look around, noticing the man on the ground beside where Dallas had just been. The sight is surreal, like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.
“Where is he?”
“Running scared,” Sofia steps out of the building, her face set in a grim expression. “Sorry that took so long.” She wipes her hands down her pants, her nonchalance almost jarring. “Lorenzo sent someone after him. We’ll get him.”
“A friend.” She points to a tree in the distance. “Was watching. And fortunately for you, he’s a damn good shot.”
I squint in the direction she points. “I don’t see anyone.”
“You shouldn’t if he’s good, and he is.”
“Princesa… you didn’t tell me there would be so much carnage.” A heavy Spanish accent makes me stiffen in Dallas’s hold. “You always make such a mess.”
“Fuck you, Miguel,” Sofia snaps.
“I keep telling you to name the place.”
“Um.” I glance between the two, confusion and exhaustion weighing on me. “I take it you’re on our side.”
“This is Miguel Angel. He’s the leader of the Sure?os and, unfortunately, an ally.” Sofia rolls her eyes, a small hint of amusement breaking through her tough exterior.
He grabs her, pulling her against his side. “I keep telling her we’re more.”
“Gag.” She pushes him off her. “Now, let’s get this mess cleaned up and these three home.”
“It’s that simple? What about Agapov? Won’t he come back? I mean, he was going to shoot you?” I hiccup a sob, the reality crashing down on me. “Oh God… he was going to shoot you.”
I crumble, but not before Dallas has me and Juniper in his arms.
“Let’s go home.”
I don’t know how he manages it, but soon, we’re in the back of the SUV. Juniper clings to his side between us, her small body seeking the safety only he can provide. Dallas’s fingers weave through my hair, almost as though he has to be touching me to ensure this is real. We don’t speak because what is there to say? The weight of his sacrifice, his willingness to give his life for mine, hangs heavy on my heart. Watching him rub Juniper’s head as she lays across his lap creates a tightening in my chest. I don’t know where we’ll go from here, but I know it has to be with this man.
“I love you, Dallas. What you did back?—”
His finger covers my mouth, silencing me.
“Don’t, baby. What I did back there was protect the two women I love more than life. If faced with it again, I’d gladly give it all up for you without blinking.”
The car pulls into the circular drive at Lorenzo’s house. All of Dallas’s brothers are waiting at the bottom of the steps, their faces a mix of relief and concern. Griffyn snatches open my door and holds out his hand. As soon as I slip out, he engulfs me in a crushing hug.
“I thought…” He doesn’t finish his words; instead, he just squeezes tighter. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you.” I step from his hold, only to be tackled by Ryker. “Jesus, you boys know how to hug.”
Ryker laughs and steps back, allowing Dallas to climb from the car. Griffyn watches him as he cradles Juniper against his chest. His eyes are full of worry as he scans her tiny frame.
“She okay? Did they?—”
“She’s fine,” Dallas cuts him off, his voice steady and reassuring. “Shaken up but fine. And if she wasn’t, she would be. Her mother knows exactly what she needs.” He pins me with a glare, his eyes intense.
“She’ll be okay,” I say to reassure myself as much as them.
Griffyn seems to accept my words, dipping his head in acknowledgment. Drake and Roland step out from behind them. “Let’s get you guys inside.”
Dallas wraps an arm around my shoulders as we follow the four hulking men into Lorenzo’s house. I beeline for the couch and sink down into the cushions, feeling the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me.
“Is it really over?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
Plopping down beside me, Dallas adjusts Juniper on his lap, his protective instincts clear in every movement. “I don’t think we need to worry about Agapov. He’s most likely running scared—plus he made off with his diamonds.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Drake shakes his head. “You’ll have a bodyguard until we know for sure.”
“Do you think that’s necessary?” I wring my hands in my lap, anxiety bubbling up again. Dallas covers them with his palm, his touch calming me.
“My brother is right,” he says, flicking his gaze to Drake. “Until we know better, you and Juniper will be protected.”
“Will you be staying in Reno?” Sofia’s voice makes me jump. “Because we can put some of our men on your detail. We want that bastard’s head on a pike.”
Dallas watches me, his eyes searching mine. “Are you staying here?”
“I…” I see the pain in his eyes. Staying here would mean giving him up, something I refuse to do. Besides, seeing Juniper cling to him like he is the only thing keeping her grounded, I know I can’t live without him. “No, there is nothing here for me.”
“Good choice.” Ryker smiles. “It’d fucking suck if my brother moved to Reno.”
Cocking my head, I smile at Ryker. “I would never take him from his family. Not having my own anymore, I know how important it is to be close.”
“Awe, Wills.” Ryker sits down on the arm of the couch, his expression softening. “Don’t you know you have a family now?” He thumbs to himself, then points at the three other men watching our interaction. “You have three— scratch that, four very protective brothers now.”
“I don’t know what to say.” My eyes well with unspilled tears.
“Just say yes.” Ryker’s grin is infectious as he pushes off the sofa.
“Yes, to what?” I glance between the men, confusion swirling in my mind.
“You silly woman,” Sofia snorts. “Yes, to marriage. Because the man sitting next to you is just as possessive as any other red-blooded asshole. And if I had to bet, he’s going to want to marry you.”
I glance at Dallas to find him watching me with interest.
“Well?” He cocks a brow, a small smile playing on his lips as he stands from his spot on the sofa and lays Juniper down.
“Um, well, what?”
“Are you going to say yes?”
Sofia snorts. “You seriously didn’t just ask her to marry you like that, did you?” Her thick Italian accent is filled with sarcasm.
“Brother,” Lorenzo steps into the room, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. “I’ve seen some stupid things, but I hope you didn’t just fuck up.”
Sofia throws her hands into the air. “ Stupido idiota del cazzo. Taglierò le palle a un uomo se me lo chiede… me ne vado prima di pugnalarlo .” She storms off, her frustration palpable.
I glance at Lorenzo and ask, “What did she just say?”
Lorenzo shakes his head, a chuckle escaping him. “Let’s just say my sister feels strongly about that poor excuse of a proposal.”
Dallas stands, his demeanor shifting to one of determination. “Come. Let’s take Juniper upstairs, then we can talk privately.”
“Wait.” I tug on his hand to stop him. “I don’t need a fancy proposal, Dallas.”
“What are you saying?” He glances at me, then at his brothers briefly.
Standing up on my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his cheek. “Yes… I’m saying yes.”
As the words leave my lips, a chorus of shouts erupts around us. Ryker whoops, Drake claps his hands, and even Roland cracks a rare smile. The room fills with a jubilant energy that sweeps away the lingering tension.
Dallas's eyes widen in surprise, then soften with overwhelming emotion. Before I can say anything else, he pulls me into a kiss, his lips capturing mine with a passion that steals my breath away. The cheers around us fade into the background, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us, lost in each other.
When we finally break apart, Dallas rests his forehead against mine, his smile radiant. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive, Willow.”
Ryker claps Dallas on the back. “Alright, lovebirds, let’s get you upstairs so you can celebrate properly.”
Dallas chuckles and sweeps Juniper off the couch and up into his arms. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you to bed.” He guides me up the stairs, the sounds of celebration trailing behind us.
We enter a cozy bedroom, the soft light creating a peaceful ambiance. Dallas gently lays Juniper down on the bed, and I tuck her in, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. She stirs slightly, her little hand reaching for Dallas’s.
“Dawwas,” she murmurs sleepily, and he leans down to kiss her forehead.
“Sleep, Little Bit. We’ll be right here,” he whispers.
Once she’s settled, Dallas takes my hand and leads me to the other side of the room. He pulls me close, his expression serious but filled with love. “Willow, I don’t want to wait to get married. I know it’s fast, but I don’t care. Almost losing you and her—makes me realize what I want. And I want us to be a family—completely. I want to adopt Juniper as our daughter once we’re married.”
My heart swells at his words, tears of joy pooling in my eyes. “You really mean that?”
“More than anything,” he says, his voice unwavering. “She’s already mine in my heart, and I want to make it official. I want us to be a family in every way possible.”
I throw my arms around him, holding him tight. “Yes, Dallas. I want that, too.”
He kisses the top of my head, his arms wrapping around me protectively. “Thank you, Willow. You’ve given me more than I ever dreamed possible.”
We stand there, holding each other, the weight of the day lifting as we look forward to the future. At this moment, surrounded by love and hope, I know we can face anything together.