Page 41 of Midnight Rebel

I take a deep breath, bringing my hands up to cup her face. “I love you,” I say, putting every ounce of certainty I feel into those words. “I am in love with you. Have been since the moment I saw you in the garden at the ball.”

A smile spreads across her face, so bright it puts the rising sun to shame. She covers my hands with hers, and I can see tears shining in her eyes.

“I love you too,” she says, her voice strong and sure.

I press on, needing her to understand the depth of what I feel.

“Your fire, your determination, everything about you is intoxicating, Firefly. You challenge me. You make me want to be better. And after tonight... Christ, when I thought I might lose you...”

I trail off, the fear of those moments in the tunnel threatening to overwhelm me again.

Autumn leans in, pressing her forehead to mine. “But you didn’t,” she whispers. “You found me. You saved me.”

“Always,” I promise, sealing the vow with a kiss.

When we break the kiss, Autumn’s eyes find mine. “You’ve become such an important part of my life. I don’t want to imagine a future without you in it.”

“Even when I’m being grumpy and secretive?”

“Especially then,” she giggles, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You challenge me too, you know. Make me see things from new perspectives.”

I hold her close, savoring her warmth.

We’ve weathered one hell of a storm, uncovered the truth, and come out stronger. And now, with Autumn by my side, I know we can face anything.

We’re interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. I look up to see Hawk, amusement in his expression.

“Hate to break up the love fest,” he says, “but reporters are showing up. Vultures caught wind of the arrest.”

I sigh, reluctantly pulling away from Autumn. “Alright, I’ll handle it.”

But Autumn puts a hand on my arm, stopping me. “Let me,” she says, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I am a reporter, after all. I know how to handle the press.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You sure? You’ve been through a lot tonight.”

She nods, standing up and straightening her clothes. “I am. It’s time to start telling our story, Colt. The real story.”

Pride swells in my chest as I watch her compose herself, transforming from the woman I hold in my arms to the fierce journalist I first met. “Alright, Firefly. Show ‘em how it’s done.”

Autumn flashes me a grin before striding toward the gathering crowd of reporters, her head held high despite her rumpled appearance and slight limp. I follow a few steps behind, ready to support her if needed.

As we approach, the reporters surge forward, a cacophony of questions assaulting us. Autumn raises her hands, and to my amazement, the crowd falls silent.

“Everyone,” she announces, her voice steady. “I know you have questions. They’ll be answered soon. For now, know that the police have made an arrest in connection with The Manor House incidents.”

She pauses, letting the information sink in. The press corps leans forward as one, pens poised and recorders thrust closer.

“In the coming days, we will publish the full story, exposing a complex web of financial manipulation, sabotage, and corruption.” Her gaze sweeps the crowd, commanding attention. “I ask for your patience as we work to bring all the facts to light.”

A reporter from a local station pipes up. “Ms. Clarke, are the Midnight Riders involved in this scandal?”

I tense, ready to step in, but Autumn handles it smoothly. “The Midnight Riders,” she says, her voice firm, “have helped to uncover the truth and bringing the real culprit to justice. They are heroes, not criminals.”

Her words send a warmth spreading through my chest. I catch Hawk’s eye over the crowd, seeing my surprise and gratitude mirrored in his expression.

Autumn fields a few more questions, deftly avoiding any that might compromise the ongoing investigation. As the impromptupress conference winds down, I step forward, placing a supportive hand on her lower back.

“Thank you all for your time,” I say, my voice carrying the authority of years of leadership. “We ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with the aftermath of these events. Ms. Clarke will keep you updated as the story develops.”

---