Chapter Twenty-Six Karmen
The others move towards the SUVs, voices fading into the night as they coordinate transport and the next steps, but I linger behind.
Benson’s hand loosely wraps around mine.
The warehouse lights cast long shadows on the cracked pavement, and for the first time since all this began, I feel a sense of peace settle over me.
Benson releases a shaky breath before turning to face me, his hands moving to cradle my jaw. “You scared the hell out of me earlier,” he says quietly.
“I know,” I whisper.
“I thought…” His voice catches. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
I step closer, close enough to feel the warmth of his body. “But you didn’t. I’m still right here.”
He brushes a strand of hair from my face, thumb grazing my cheek with such reverence and affection.
I never knew I could be loved so completely, so unconditionally, until this man came into my life. He’s been an anchor while I navigated the last two weeks. A source of strength when I felt like I had none left.
I lift my arms and wrap them around his shoulders, toying with the hair at the nape of his neck.
His gaze softens. “If we’re going work together, I’m going to need you to please do your best to not get killed.”
I chuckle. “I’ll do my best.”
Nuzzling my nose with his, he lets out a heavy breath. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Which part?”
“All of it. You and me. Iron Eagle. Me losing my fucking mind every time we’re on a mission.”
I laugh because I know that no matter how capable I may be, this man will never change who he is at his core.
“I’m ready for anything, as long as I’m with you.” Another laugh escapes me. “I love you so much, Benson. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”
“As long as I’m breathing, you’ll always be loved because I have never loved anything or anyone as much as I love you.”
He kisses me hard, deep, as if he’s trying to reassure himself that I’m still here with him.
He pulls me in close, my head resting on his chest, his palm cupping the back of my head, and it feels like home.
He’s my home.
With him, I feel safe.
Cherished.
Loved.
But he also makes me feel incredibly secure, and he’s not intimidated by independence or threatened by it. I can belong to this man and myself.
As we stand there, two people who have survived hell.
Two souls clinging to the one thing that makes it all worth it, I close my eyes and thank my lucky stars that he gave our love a second chance.
That he gave me a second chance, because without him, regardless of how well I can survive on my own, I would be completely lost without him and his unconditional love.