I looked away. “What I do when you’re not around is my business. Just like you getting shot and making us all believe you were dead is yours.”

Hear what I’m saying? That I’m not a victim anymore—I’ll stand up for myself regardless if you’re there to help me or not.

Jethro clenched his jaw.

Flaw laughed. “Tension in paradise, huh?”

Growling under his breath, Jethro changed the subject. “Did you manage to catch him okay?”

Flaw grinned, his strong jaw shaded in dark stubble. “Bit of a bugger to start with but nothing a handful of oats couldn’t overcome.” Pointing at the bags, he added, “Medical supplies in that one. Along with water and food enough for a week. Clothing, tent, and survival stuff in that one. I doubt you’ll want to make a fire in case they see the plume, so I brought a gas heater to cook on and to keep you warm, along with an electric blanket that’s solar-powered.”

My eyes widened. “Wait, why does he need all that?”

Jethro turned to me. “Because you might be going back into the Hall alone, but I made a promise that I’d never leave you again.” He took my hand, guiding me away from Flaw and outside where the moon drenched the forecourt. Before it’d been empty and silent. Now Wings stood patiently, saddled and bridled, his back hoof cocked with boredom.

Seeing the black beast caused hope to explode all over again.

I whirled in Jethro’s arms. “You’re staying close by?”

“Staying on the grounds. Yes.” Pulling out a silver phone, his eyes darkened. “I’ll send you messages. I sent you a couple yesterday that you didn’t reply to. Did they take your phone away?”

No, I was just trapped in the Heretic’s Fork and tormented.

I shook my head. “I haven’t checked it. I keep it hidden—just in case.”

“You have to stay in constant contact now,” he growled. I need to know where you are, that you’re okay. Otherwise, I’ll lose my fucking mind.”

My heart reacted like a love-struck teenager. “I must admit, I’m very impressed you remembered my number.”

Jethro smirked, the first lighthearted reaction since he’d returned. “I haven’t forgotten anything about you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I suppose that’s only fair seeing as I remember your number, too. I used to repeat it over and over again as I fell asleep.” The seemingly normal part of dating, of secret messaging, and the delicious joy of finding that the person you were in love with felt the same way glowed inside.

He truly does love me.

It wasn’t a projection of my love. Not a mirror or mirage.

It’s true.

I’d never been more thankful.

He stepped closer, eyes hooded. “I can recite everything about you. If someone asked me how you tasted, I’d have the perfect description. If someone ordered me to list every freckle, I’d have the exact number. And if anyone wanted to know how brilliantly perfect you are—or hear about any of your accomplishments—I’d be able to regale them for hours.” He wrapped his arms around me. “I’ll never forget anything because it’s the little things that make you real.”

Flaw chuckled. “Good God, man, you have no shame.”

I wanted him to bugger off. My heart disintegrated and my core clenched to have Jethro inside me again. I was wet, wanting.

Jethro laughed. “I’m not embarrassed to be honest for the first time in my life. This woman is mine. I love her, and I don’t fucking care who knows it.”

I blushed. My soul ached at the thought of him leaving. He couldn’t leave me. Not now. Not now we’d been honest and finally talked outside of debts and pain. “Don’t go…we can work out something else. Stay…please.”

Jethro’s smile fell, sadness cloaking him. “I have to. Another day or so and then we’ll be safe to do whatever we want, go wherever we please.” Taking my hands, he squeezed tightly. “Go now, Nila. I need you to return.” Looking over his shoulder, he held out his hand.

Flaw came forward and dropped the key into his palm.

Jethro gave it to me. “On second thought, it might be best if you go on your own. Tell them Jasmine gave you the key because she often has tasks for you outside the realm of Cut’s requirements.” His voice cracked with frustration. “I wish to God I didn’t have to make you do this. But I promise it will all be over soon.”

Flaw muttered, “Cut’s been pretty fucking happy the past couple of weeks. Been a lot more lenient with the Black Diamond brothers. Doubt he’ll cause any trouble for the next two days.”

Jethro sneered, “I guess killing his troublemaking sons makes everything hunky-fucking-dory in his world.” Kissing me one last time, he urged me toward the Hall. “Go now. I’ll message you when everything is in place and tell you where to go.”

I opened my mouth to argue—to demand he keep me with him. Wherever he was going, I deserved to be by his side. “Jethro—”

I don’t think I can do this...

He groaned, yanking me back to him. “God, I’ll miss you.” His mouth slammed on mine, kissing me roughly. As sudden as he claimed me, he relinquished me. “Leave. I love you.”

As much as I wanted to argue, the desperation in his gaze forced me to obey.

I had no other option.

I’m strong enough to do this.