He hasn’t healed or confronted that revelation.

“He hates me, and maybe I have my share of anger that’s displaced, but with the way things have been going, I have no choice but to confront it eventually.”

His expression tells me he wants to avoid it. There’s a hint of fear there. The level of uncertainty around unpacking the real truth that leads to Keir’s creation.

“You don’t have to tell me,” I urge him and reach out to take his hand, squeezing it tight. “Just know, I’m here if you want to talk about it. That you’re not alone when you need support.”

That gives him a sense of relief. He lifts my hand so he can kiss the back of it.

“I love you, Evangeline.”

“As I love you, Zayn.”

Through the lust and adrenaline madness, it comes down to this vital moment between us.

Our love and support for each other.

A true reflection of a Ruthless King accepting his Ruthless Maiden.

30

OUR GLIMPSE OF PEACE

~GEMINI~

“Holy fucking shit!” I gasp when the bike jerks forward. “Okay, never mind. I don’t want us to die down this hill.”

“It’s not even a hill.” Zander laughs from behind me, reaching out to lay his hands on top of mine. “C’mon, Sweet Dynamite. I know you ain’t a scaredy cat.”

“I-I’m not,” I admit, but fuck. It’s so fast. It’s been a long-ass time since I’ve been behind the wheel, let alone a bike. “I’ve only been on a bike a few times in the past. More so, I snuck out with it than asked.”

“Should I even ask whose bike you snuck out with?”

“Nope.”

Zander’s chuckles are almost lost in the roaring ramp of the bike’s engine, thanks to his grip.

“What’s the fucker’s name?”

“Nooo,” I groan in dismay and let the bike stall. Thanks for Zander’s long legs, or we’d fall to the side. “Oh, fuck.”

“You’ll get the hang of it,” he surprisingly encourages. “Now, was he a ‘friend’ or a fuck buddy?”

“I don’t think you’ll like the answer to that.”

“So, I can kill him.”

“Zayn,” I plead with him. “His name was Ren. Typical bad boy. Perfect to fuck with no strings attached. I haven’t seen him in years.”

“And never will, hmm?” he offers.

“Don’t go killing him,” I whine.

“Fine,” he agrees. “Any other exes?”

“No,” I assure him. “I’m too tomboy-ish for guys to date me long-term.

“I never got that impression,” Zander notes as he rests his chin on my shoulder. “You’re pretty feminine to me, though I’m sure you have a dominant side.”