Page 107 of Brick

“Sorry?”

“You went through so much because of me. And then—then you really had to see who I am. What I am. Not in some video on your phone, but right there in your face. I killed the crazy fucker with my bare hands right in front of you, and I would do it again. I’m not sorry I did it, but that’s the whole point. You deserve better than a fucking thug like me.”

“I would have killed him myself if I could have. You saved me. Don’t you dare judge yourself for not regretting it.” Her voice shook. She rubbed the back of his hand over her cheek. “I was so scared leaving you in the bar. I didn’t think you’d be able to get away.”

“I would die before I’d turn my back on you. Never doubt it. I am a lot of things, but above and beyond all of them, I am the man who loves you more than life itself.”

“What about Sucre?” she whispered. “Won’t he come after us?”

He shook his head, his features grim. “He’s dead. They’re all dead. I killed them.” He sat up, his eyes blazing. “They will never hurt you again.”

“But your grandmother…” She could never live with herself if she paid for her freedom with an old woman’s life.

Jonathan rubbed at his eyes and rested against the pillows. “She passed last week. The doctor only told me this morning. I was on my way to tell you when I found out you’d been taken.”

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured.

“Don’t be. She died of natural causes, and she was ready to go. I did my duty by her, but now I’m free. For the first time in my life, I can do what I want. Be what I want. And all I want is you.” He paused. “If you’ll have me.”

“If I—? Oh baby, wild horses couldn’t drag me away.”

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