Page 63 of Stiletto's Savior

“Yeah, you.” I flash her a grin. “You’re looking damn good today. Like you’re ready to conquer the world.”

Her cheeks flush slightly, and she glances down at her hands, the confidence slipping back just a notch.

But then she lifts her chin, determination sparking back into her gaze.

I can see it—the fire rooted deep within her starting to spark again.

It stirs something deep in my chest.

“Well, maybe I will,” she replies, her voice steady.

“That’s the spirit.”

As we pull into town, I catch myself feeling hopeful.

This place has a pulse, buzzing with potential, just like her.

The streets are lined with old brick buildings and small shops, a mix of rustic charm and modern life.

I reach for her thigh, my palm resting just above her knee.

A small gesture, but it feels monumental.

She places her hand over mine, fingers intertwining.

I squeeze her thigh gently, a surge of warmth flooding through me.

This moment feels like a turning point. I’ve never been this sure about anything before.

“Song,” I clear my throat, suddenly aware of the weight of my words. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to stay here. I want to move my life out here.”

She whips her head toward me, eyes wide. “What?”

“Yeah,” I say, forcing the words out. “I’m serious. I want to give this—us—a real shot. The only way I can do that is if I’m here, in Billings, with you.”

Her brows knit together, confusion swirling in those beautiful eyes. “You mean… you’d actually live here? You’d really leave the Bronx? Your whole life is there.”

“Yeah.” My voice is steady now. “My whole life is wherever you are, woman. I just wish you would see that.”

Silence fills the space between us.

I can almost hear her thoughts racing.

Then her grip tightens on my hand, and hope ignites in my chest.

“Wow,” she finally breathes, looking away for a moment. “I never expected you to say anything like that to me.”

“I don’t know why,” I admit, my heart pounding. “You’ve always been important to me, Song, even if I couldn’t see it when we were younger.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? Give up your whole life for me?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Absolutely,” I let out a breath, feeling lighter. “And, I’m not giving up my whole life for you. You make my whole life complete, girl. In time, I’m sure you’ll see that.”

She turns back to me, a smile slowly breaking across her face.

Hope mingles with uncertainty, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind.

I know she’s cautiously optimistic, but I’m not going to hurt her ever again.

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