Page 25 of Saved By the Sergeant

We pass through security and head down the corridor to the district attorney’s office. When we walk through the door, we’re greeted by a line of suits and smiles.

“What’s going on?” Gennie asks.

“We just got a call from his attorney. I don’t know what happened or how, but Mr. Donny Mason has pleaded guilty to all charges and agreed to a twenty-five-year sentence with five years of probation upon his release.” The D.A. steps forward. “You don’t have to testify, Gennie. It’s over.”

The ball of dread sitting in the pit of my stomach melts away. “That’s great news.”

“What did you do?” Gennie stares up at me.

Holding her emerald gaze, I smile. “We had a little chat.”

“A little chat?” She rests her delicate hands in the center of my chest. “But he’s going to prison for twenty-five years, honey. What did you say?”

“The exact same thing I told you a while back, baby. You are not alone. Your battles are my battles.”

“That’s it?” Her brows furrow.

“That’s it.” I kiss her forehead. “Evidently, the man is more intelligent than I gave him credit for.

A pink flush washes over her cheeks. “You said more than that.”

“Maybe.” I shrug. Of course, I said more than that. There may have been some rope involved, some threats, maybe a gun pressed into his forehead… but she doesn’t need to hear about that. All she needs to know is that for as long as there is breath in my lungs and a pulse in my veins, she will never haveto spend one minute looking over her shoulder. I will always protect her. I will always keep her safe.

“Thank you.” she grabs my face, “I love you, baby.”

She kisses me in front of a room full of strangers, and my heart inflates like a balloon.

All this time, I thought I was saving her… that I was her hero when the truth was the absolute opposite.

If a man’s soul can be saved by one look of love, I’ve just been saved a million times.

EPILOGUE

GENNIE

“They’re here, sweetheart.”Archie kisses my neck.

I hold out a spoon. “Taste this.”

He wraps his lips around the spoon, closes his eyes, and moans so loud my knees quiver. “Heaven,” he sighs. “It’s absolute heaven.”

“You always say that,” I pout. “Tonight is very important. It has to be perfect.”

“Baby, everything you do is perfection.”

“You’re biased,” I huff.

“Indeed.” He grabs me by the waist and grinds his erection into my pelvis. “And I’m totally turned on seeing you in that apron. How about you wear it tonight? We can play house. I’ll be the chef, and you can be the naughty waitress.” He wiggles his brows. “Bring some of that whipped cream.” He points to the cans on the counter.

“How can you think of sex right now?” I pout.

“Sweetheart, every time I look at you, I’m thinking about sex.” He kisses me until I’m breathless.

“I’ll bring the whipped cream only if you promise I get to use it first.” I lick my lips.

“Cross my heart,” he says as he nips at my bottom lip.

“You’re killing me.” I push him away, panting. “Now stop touching me and go open the door for our guests.”

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