Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
My hands shake as I press them to the glass, watching as he steps out of the SUV. The sight of him brings a flood of relief.
I see him. Benedict. Alive. Safe.
I let out an audible breath, the tension that’s been knotting my muscles for hours finally easing, if only slightly. He’s back. He made it.
He’s here now, but what happens next?
I don’t know what the future holds, but in this moment, I don’t care. He’s safe. That’s all that matters right now.
The agents swarm the driveway, their voices blending together as they exchange details about the mission. There’s a flurry of movement as they debrief, radios crackling, but I can’t focus on any of it. My eyes are glued to one person. Benedict.
His face is illuminated by the porch light. His expression is tired but relieved, and the moment I see him, something in me shifts. A weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying lifts, and before I can think twice, my feet move of their own accord.
I rush toward him, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, time seems to slow as I cross the distance between us. He sees me, his lips curling into a soft, exhausted smile. Then, his arms open wide, and I practically throw myself into him, needing to feel the solidity of his presence, the warmth of his embrace.
Benedict pulls me close, enveloping me in his strong arms, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel safe. Truly safe. I bury my face in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. His heart beats steady and strong beneath my cheek, and I cling to him, not wanting to let go.
He leans down, pressing his lips gently to the top of my head. "I'm here," he whispers, his voice hoarse. "I told you I’d come back."
Tears well in my eyes, but this time they aren’t from fear or uncertainty. They’re from relief, from the overwhelming realization that we’re both still here, together. "You did," I whisper back, my voice thick with emotion.
He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that spill over. His gaze locks with mine, and in that moment, everything else fades away. The mission, the danger, the lies—none of it matters anymore. Not right now.
"We got him.” His eyes search mine. “He’s dead.”
I feel hollow, not reacting to the news of my ex-husband’s death. So many emotions take over, and I focus on Benedict’s light-blue eyes.
“You’re safe now.”
Tears well in my eyes as I listen to the words he’s telling me. Safe. Nate and I are safe. The tears fall faster now, relief evident.
Benedict swipes the tears away. “I’m done with all the secrets, Eva," he says softly, his forehead resting against mine. "No more pretending. No more undercover. I want to be here with you and Nate. For real."
My breath catches, and for a second, I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. "Are you sure?" I ask, my voice trembling. "What about your job? Your life?"
He shakes his head, smiling down at me with such tenderness it makes my heart ache. "You and Nate are my life now. If you’ll have me, that is."
A tear slips down my cheek, and I laugh through the overwhelming emotion, nodding. "Of course I’ll have you."
Without another word, Benedict leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s soft yet full of promises. It’s not the kiss of a man who’s about to walk away. It’s the kiss of someone who’s here to stay. When we finally pull apart, I feel lighter, freer than I have in months.
"I love you," he whispers, his eyes searching mine.
"I love you too," I say, my voice steady, knowing deep down that this is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for.
From the corner of my eye, I see Nate peek out from the doorway, his sleepy eyes widening when he spots Benedict. "Is Mr. Ben staying with us, Mommy?"
I laugh, my heart swelling as I look between Benedict and Nate. "Yes, sweetheart. He’s staying with us."
Benedict grins, scooping Nate into his arms with ease. "How about that ice cream I promised?"
Nate giggles, his tiny arms wrapping around Benedict’s neck. "Strawberry and chocolate, right?"
I smile, watching as the two of them interact like they’ve always belonged together. And maybe they have. This feels right. Like we’re finally home, all of us.
As we walk back into the house together, hand in hand, I realize something. The mission might be over, but this—the three of us—this is just the beginning of something beautiful. Our happily ever after.
Epilogue
Evangelina
“He’s perfect,” I whisper to Greer, my eyes fixed on the tiny, sleeping bundle in her arms. Cash Thorne, wrapped in a soft blue blanket, is the picture of serenity, with his little fists clenched and his round cheeks flushed. “I’m so happy for you and Roman,” I add, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of Greer as a mother.