Page 59 of That Emerald Vow

Lily is smirking now as she pulls out the blade. “We know all about your secrets, Fred. And we’re finally going to exact revenge for all those who couldn’t.” She places the tip of the knife on his chest before quickly slicing him, making him whimper out in pain. “One painful cut at a time.”

I drag a chair and take a seat, allowing Lily this moment for herself. This is more about what she needs than me; I’m just glad she is okay. She cuts, stabs, punches, and kicks him until she can’t anymore. By the time she’s done, anyone who knows him won’t be able to recognize him.

“Feel better?” I ask as she walks over to me, covered in blood. I’m gladwe brought a change of clothes because that would be hard to explain.

“Much. That’s exactly what I needed. But now I want some cookies and cream ice cream and a nice sleep.”

“Both of those things can be arranged. Let’s go,” I say as I pull her into my side and head to change our clothes.

Adrian and Damon come over while Lily is getting ready for bed, and I point out the guest bedroom so Adrian can go be with her. None of us want to leave her alone for too long—we need her to know she’s safe.

I look up at Damon as I walk into the living room where he waits for me. He looks so eager to help. But I don’t think he realizes how much he’s done for me in the short months I’ve known him. Never leaving my side while we dealt with everything with Lily solidified it even more for me. There’s no mistaking that I have fallen head first for this man.I love him.

Damon pats the seat next to him as he sits on the couch. My bottom lip instinctually comes out in a quiver as I fall next to him in a loud sigh. His arms immediately pull me to him.

“She’s safe, baby. You’re safe. We’re all safe.”

“I can’t even express how relieved I am that she’s okay. Okay may not be the right word . . . but safe,” I admit. “I’ve never been so terrified in my life, Day.”

“I know, baby. I know,” he says as he rubs my back.

I sit up and look deeply into his eyes as I place both of his hands in my own. “Thank you for being my rock through this. You were here almost every night helping me search, making sure I ate, making sure I survived . . .I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He takes back a hand to wipe a loose tear as he looks at me with a warmth I’ve only ever seen him show me. “Yes, you could have. You are so fucking strong. Charlotte Thatcher is a fucking fierce badass, and there is no doubt in my mind she would have moved heaven and earth to find her best friend.”

“Wow . . .”

“What?” he whispers as he continues to graze my cheek with his thumb even though the tears are gone.

“You really mean it when you say it,” I say in disbelief. “I never thought I would find someone who would truly mean it when they said they . . . believe in me.”

His dimples become prominent as his smile grows. “Oh, my little gem, there are no words to truly describe how I feel about you. How proud I am of the woman you are. How in awe I am of your strength. How humbled I am that you are willing to put up with my dumb ass.”

I laugh. “Is Damon Hayes admitting he is a dumbass?” I pretend to look behind him at the window. “Are there pigs flying outside?”

“Ha, ha!” he chuckles. “Hope you memorialize the moment ‘cause it won’t happen again.”

“I think that’s doubtful. I’ll get it out of you,” I tease.

He gently tugs on my face to motion me to come closer, his eyes going from my eyes to lips. “Maybe you’re right. Because I am downright crazy obsessed with you . . . and with how amazing those lips taste.”

“Damon,” I moan out. I can taste his breath on my lips with how close we are and it sends electric waves down to my toes.

“Are we still pretending? Or can this be real?” he asks—more like begs.

“Real,” I whisper as I slowly move my lips to his, bridging the small gap. His lips feel so soft against my own. I part my lips taking in his as theydance in a slow intricate way against one another—savoring every moment. I’ve never been so thankful to be seated. Because if I were standing, this kiss would have me on my knees. These past few weeks have changed everything.

“You taste perfect,” Damon says as I feel his tongue lightly flick my own, playfully. “Absolutely perfect.”

I flick my own tongue back before swirling it around his, deepening our kiss. My heart runs rampant in my chest as our hands roam and explore.

Nibbling on his bottom lip, I say, “This is everything . . .” We continue to explore each other through this kiss and light touches, wanting to enjoy this new found intimacy we have never experienced.

When I finally come up for air, my lips are swollen and the tingles are running rampant in my body. I can see Damon also needs a moment to catch his breath.

“Day,” I whisper.

“I know, baby.” I look at him, loving that I don’t even need to say what’s on my mind. We need to pause here. As much as we want more and may be ready for this, tonight is not the night for it when emotions are high. Especially with my best friend, who’s been through hell, in the other room, even if I know she can’t hear us. “Let’s get you to bed.”

---