Page 164 of Can You Take It?

My eyes go wide with shock, and I glance back at my mom. She’s in some kind of trance, locked in an intense eye contact with Wilson.

“You mean he’s Prince Will?” I blurt out, a small smile creeping onto my face despite the tension.

Wilson looks at me, confused. “What?”

Mom shakes her head, breaking eye contact. “Nothing. Why don’t you come inside?”

I step aside, inviting Wilson in. I want to ask about Richard, about what’s going on, but now might not be the right time. I start to close the door, but something stops it. I look down and see a foot wedged between the door and the frame. My heart leaps as I look up to find Richard smiling down at me.

“Miss me?”

“Richard!” I exclaim, throwing the door open and practically launching myself into his arms. He hugs me tightly, and for a moment, everything feels right.

He lifts me off my feet, his strong arms supporting me effortlessly. I wrap my arms around his neck as he leans down, pressing his lips against mine. The kiss is everything I’ve missed—warm, tender, and filled with all the longing and love we’ve held back in our time apart.

His lips move against mine with a familiarity that sends a shiver down my spine. It’s like coming home after a longjourney, finding solace in the arms of the one person who truly understands you. I melt into the kiss, savoring every moment as if time has stopped just for us.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless. Richard rests his forehead against mine. “I missed you,” he murmurs.

“I missed you too,” I reply softly, my fingers tracing the lines of his face, reassuring myself that he’s really here.

He smiles, a genuine smile that reaches his eyes. “I had to see you. I couldn’t stay away any longer.”

“I’m glad you came,” I say, leaning in to kiss him again.

Richard sets me down gently, his hands still resting on my waist as he looks at me. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“Yeah,” I agree, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders now that he’s here. “Let’s go outside.”

The sky is painted in hues of orange and pink, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. We walk side by side with our fingers intertwined, taking in the tranquil beauty of the sunset. It feels surreal, almost like a dream come true.

He told me how Wilson handled the matters with Internal Affairs. Victor’s death was ruled as self-defense, but it took a lot of maneuvering. Wilson worked tirelessly to ensure my name stayed out of it, knowing the risks involved. Richard had to stay out of the spotlight, too, to avoid any suspicion. It was difficult for him, and I can only imagine how much it must have pained him to be away from me during that time.

I think about everything Richard told me, about how he had to keep his distance to ensure my safety. The idea of shouting his love for me from the rooftops was a temptation he had to resist, all to protect me. The thought of that kind of love, so fierce and selfless, makes my heart ache. I never wanted him to bear that burden, but I’m grateful he did.

We stop at a small clearing where the view of the sunset is perfect. I take a deep breath, savoring the moment. Just then, Ifeel a familiar presence, a tingling on the back of my neck. I turn around and see my mother standing at the front door, smiling at me. She looks happy, truly happy, and it warms my heart to see her like that.

I smile back, and my gaze shifts to Wilson, who has just entered through the door behind her. His resignation from the FBI was a surprise, but in hindsight, it makes sense. He wraps his arm around her waist, and it’s clear they have picked up right where they left off. She deserves this happiness, and I’m glad she has found it with him.

I give her one last smile before turning my attention back to Richard, who is looking at me with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.

“What?” I ask, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

“I love you, Izel,” he says.

Before I can respond, he leans down to kiss me, his lips capturing mine in a gentle yet passionate embrace. I melt into the kiss, my arms wrapping around his neck as I pull him closer. When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against his and whisper, “I love you too,” against his lips.

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

IZEL

Two Years Later…

We’re on a boat, somewhere off the coast, ready for our next adventure. Richard grumbles, hating every second of it, but he’s here with me, and that’s what matters. I stick the picture he took of me with the fireflies into my travel book, the latest addition to our journey. It started two years ago in Costa del Sol, and since then, we’ve chased nature across the world.

Wearing my snorkeling gear, I glance at the endless water ahead. It’s moments like these that remind me how damn good it feels to be alive.

“Do we really have to do this?” he grumbles again, adjusting his mask.

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