Chapter 35
Celani
I feel him before I see him just like I always do.
I know that he has succeeded and made his way back to me before I even hear the tires crunching over the gravel filled driveway of the cabin.
Jules is at the window in a flash, her gun ready. Going from telling me a funny story, to transforming into an assassin in the blink of an eye. I drop my blanket and stand up, but she holds the palm of her empty hand out to me.
“Just one second,” she warns, her eyes darting back to the window.
Davi joins her at the window looking tense for a few moments until his shoulders relax. “They’re back,” he says, throwing a smile at me over his shoulder.
I dash to the door maneuvering around all of our bags that are still placed there for a quick exit. Jules follows me as I undo the locks on the door and sprint outside. I run out onto the long driveway, uncaring that I only have socks on my feet.
Floyd gets out of his car at the same time Killian steps out of the SUV with Asher and Malakai. Killian’s piercing gaze locks on me and I fly into his arms.
My eyes scan over him and his team quickly, looking for any signs of injuries.
“You’re ok?” I whimper, happy tears stinging my eyes.
“We are. It’s over, baby,” he rasps, leaning down to give me a firm kiss.
I smile against his lips. “I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you more,” he says hoarsely.
I squirm out of his arms and he gives me a puzzled look as I walk over to Asher. I stop in front of him and wrap my arms around him to give him a hug.
“Thank you all so much for helping me,” I say, pulling back to look at him. “I know that none of this is what you expected when you came here. I’m forever grateful, truly.”
I walk over to Floyd to hug him, then Malakai.
“It was our honor to keep you safe, Celani,” Malakai says, patting my back.
“Alright enough,” Killian growls, pulling Malakai away from me.
I cut him a scolding look and everyone chuckles. Jules comes over and puts her hand on Asher’s shoulder.
“Welcome back fellas. What took you so long?” She teases, arching an eyebrow.
Floyd rolls his eyes, and Asher smirks at her. “Good to see you too, Jules,” he says.
Jules chuckles and looks over to Killian. “What’s next, boss?”
Killian’s eyes move over everyone and he rubs the stubble on his chin. “Let’s get some rest for a few hours and then we can all get out of here. It’s time to go home. Assignments completed,” he announces.
Everyone shuffles inside with the exhaustion from the past 24 hours finally showing in their movements.
Killian looks down at my feet and realizes in my haste to get to him I didn’t put any shoes on. He scoops me up into his arms and I wrap my arms around his neck, feeling so grateful to see his gorgeous face again.
“Where is home for you?” I ask, placing my hands on his chest.
“I own a few places. But my real home now is wherever you are, baby,” he responds, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. “We can get your things that I put in the storage unit from your old house this morning and go wherever you want to. It’s safe now.”
I swallow hard, not wanting to ask what happened while they were gone. The truth hangs between us without the need to verbalize the details. He has blood on his hands because of me, and though I know it isn’t his first, it’s something I have to come to terms with.
He sees the heavy thoughts floating around in my mind and leans down to press his lips to mine.
“Everything is ok,” he mumbles against them. “Tell me where you want to go.”
“Verona,” I respond with no hesitation. “I want you to take me home, and I want you to stay with me there.”
His lips curl into a smile.
“Then that’s where we’ll go, baby.”