Page 87 of Say You're Mine

My eyes burn, gritty with exhaustion, but I can't stop. Won't stop. Not when June is out there, alone and in danger. Not when our future hangs by a thread.

A memory surfaces, unbidden. June's hands, warm and callused, skimming over my body. His lips on my neck, breath hot against my skin as he whispers promises of forever. The ghost of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, arousal and anguish tangling in my gut.

I shake my head, forcing the image away. I can't afford distractions, not now. But God, I miss him. Miss his strength, his warmth, the way he makes me feel safe and cherished and utterly, deliciously possessed.

A soft knock at the door jolts me from my thoughts. "Cara?" Judith's voice, muffled but concerned. "You still up?"

"Come in," I call, straightening in my chair and wincing at the ache in my lower back.

Judith enters, her sharp eyes taking in the chaos of papers, the dark circles under my eyes. Her lips thin with worry. "You need to rest," she says, not for the first time. "This isn't good for you or the baby."

I bristle, a snarl rising in my throat. "What isn't good for me or the baby is June being locked up while that bitch Elaine is free to-"

"I know," Judith cuts me off, her tone gentling. "Believe me, I know. But you're no good to June if you run yourself into the ground."

She's right, of course. But the thought of stopping, of closing my eyes and letting my guard down for even a moment... it terrifies me.

Judith must see the conflict on my face because she sighs, moving to stand behind me. Her hands come to rest on my shoulders, kneading the tense muscles. "Just a few hours," she coaxes. "I'll keep watch. Nothing will happen while you sleep, I promise."

I want to argue, but exhaustion weighs heavy on my bones. The baby kicks again, as if agreeing with Judith. "Fine," I relent, allowing her to help me to my feet. "But wake me if anything - and I mean anything - happens."

She nods, relief clear in her eyes. "Of course. Now go, before I change my mind and chain you to the bed myself."

The image that conjures - of being bound and helpless - sends an unexpected jolt of heat through me. I flush, blaming it on pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep.

Judith raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing at her lips. "Interesting reaction," she teases. "Should I be worried about June's competition?"

I swat at her halfheartedly, grateful for the moment of levity. "In your dreams, Deveaux."

Her laughter follows me as I make my way to the bedroom. It's a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere that's permeated the apartment these past weeks, and I cling to it like a lifeline.

Sleep comes easier than expected, but my dreams are far from peaceful. I'm back in that courtroom, watching helplessly as they drag June away. But this time, I fight. I claw and scratch and bite, a feral thing driven by instinct and rage. I feel bones crunch beneath my fists, taste copper on my tongue. And then June is there, his eyes wild and hungry as he watches me tear our enemies apart.

"That's it, baby," he growls, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "Show them what happens when they try to take what's mine."

I wake with a gasp, my heart pounding, my skin slick with sweat. The dream clings to me, vivid and visceral. I can still feel the rush of adrenaline, the savage satisfaction of violence.

It should disturb me, this capacity for brutality. But all I feel is a grim sense of rightness. They took June from me. From us. And I'll do whatever it takes to get him back.

A glance at the clock tells me I've slept for nearly six hours. Guilt and anxiety war in my chest as I heave myself out of bed. What if something's happened? What if-

My spiraling thoughts are cut short by the sound of raised voices from the living room. I freeze, straining to hear. It's Judith and... Dante? What's he doing here at this hour?

I creep closer, pressed against the wall like some ridiculous spy movie cliche. But I need to know what's going on, need to be prepared for whatever new hell is about to break loose.

"...can't keep her in the dark forever," Dante is saying, his voice low and urgent. "She deserves to know."

"And what good will it do?" Judith hisses back. "You want to add more stress? More worry? She's barely holding it together as it is."

"She's stronger than you give her credit for," Dante argues. "June chose her for a reason."

My breath catches in my throat. They're talking about me. About June. What aren't they telling me?

I've heard enough. Taking a deep breath, I school my features into a mask of calm determination and step into the room.

"What's going on?" I demand, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. "What aren't you telling me?"

Judith and Dante exchange a look, a silent argument passing between them. Finally, Dante sighs, turning to face me fully.

---