26. Este
ESTE
I ’m bandaged up and sore, but I’ve been given a clean bill of health.
There’s no significant damage. Despite that, I’m a total mess.
I can’t stop sobbing. All I can think about is the knife raised above the man’s head that glimmered in the sunshine as he made decisive strokes in my direction.
I’m freaking out and fighting off a panic attack until I look up and see the friendly cop from my house walking Dom over to me.
I fall into Dom’s strong, familiar arms, tears filling my eyes. He holds me tighter than ever before, cautious of my shoulder, as I shudder and try to catch my breath.
“God, baby, I was so terrified when I saw that lunatic chasing you around the driveway. I can’t remember the last time I was so afraid.” Dom speaks low into my ear, and I turn my face toward him.
We lock eyes. There’s fire and terror in equal parts in those familiar, clear green irises.
“You saved my life,” I whimper, gratitude flowing through me for the man who had been exactly where I needed him to be at precisely the right time. I can’t stop thinking… he killed someone for me.
In my mind’s eye, I see Cole all dressed up in his military gear. He takes off his helmet, sets it at his feet, and tells me, “ I couldn’t protect you anymore, honey, so I sent you someone who could.”
My chin quivers as the image of Cole fades and is replaced by Dom’s handsome face. I remember the first time I spotted him that March day in the park; hell, I can still hear him say, “I’m Dominic,” while my heart performs calisthenics in the confines of my ribs.
Was it love already back then? Was it love by the time we stumbled upon each other in the creek?
He knew I would be his by the end of the first day together; that much he’s told me.
“I’ll always protect you,” Dom tells me as his eyes fix on my lips.
I know he’s telling the truth, because Dom is a good, trustworthy man—the best of men. And I’ve never loved anyone more.
Not ever. And suddenly, that’s okay.
I crush my lips against his, and he sighs against them as he claims my mouth in a kiss that’s way too hot for the circumstances. I swallow a moan as he sucks my tongue into his mouth. Dom pulls back and presses his lips to my forehead.
He turns to Jackson with an outstretched hand. They shake hands as Jackson instructs Dom to stay out of trouble. “Except the good kind. Maybe take her home first?” He winks, which makes my face burn scarlet.
Dom laughs and claps Jackson on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. Truly. I’m glad you were at the scene earlier and helped keep everything calm. I owe you a debt, so come collect when the time is right.”
I reach out my hand and shake Jackson’s, thanking him for looking out for Dom, and then he disappears, on his way to write up a “mountain of paperwork.”
The emergency room doctor permits me to leave, parroting basic instructions for dealing with several stitches he’d had to “pop into” to my shoulder.
I must keep them dry for the next forty-eight hours and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the area twice a day.
Not that I can reach my shoulder to do that.
Something tells me I won’t have to worry about asking for help.
I glance at Dom, who stands beside me with a suitcase I hadn’t noticed until now.
When the doctor walks away, I turn to him, eyes full of unshed tears, and I tell him, “Come on. Let’s go home.”
I slip my hand into his and order an Uber, since both of our cars are back at Holland Creek. We wait outside in silence, Dom’s arm around my waist, as I lean into his shoulder, and I realize how much I’ve missed his touch, his smell, his smile—everything.
Lainey was right all along, except for one tiny thing. She thinks Kai doesn’t need Liam, but I know the truth. Every heroine needs her hero, and Dom was mine today. I’m sure that he’ll always be. The perfect Liam to my Kai—today, tomorrow, and always.
Suddenly, the final chapter writes itself in my mind.
As we climb straight into bed after a horrible day that turned out okay thanks to my hero, I know I’ve found the love of my post-marriage life. Cole will remain in my heart and memories, but I’ll belong to Dom forever.