Page 113 of Rescuing Mia

“Protecting those in need, rescuing those who’ve been taken. That’s the job I’m meant to have. With or without you, I would’ve found my way to Guardian HRS. It’s where I belong and where I can make a real difference in the world.”

He cups my face in his hands, his touch infinitely gentle, his eyes shining with a fierce, unwavering love. “But having you by my side, getting to protect the woman I love… That’s not a burden. It’s a gift I’ll cherish for the rest of my days.”

“Yo-you love me?” My breath catches in my throat, my heart stuttering in my chest.

“I do. I love you with every fiber of my being, with every beat of my heart.” Rigel’s soft, tender smile makes my knees go weak. “You’re not an anchor holding me back. You’re the wind in my sails, the light guiding me home.”

Tears spill down my cheeks, hot and fast, as the weight of his words sinks in. I throw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his chest, my heart so full it feels like it might burst.

“I love you too,” I whisper, my voice muffled against his shirt. “I love you so much it scares me.”

Rigel’s arms tighten around me. “Don’t be scared, Mia. We’re in this together, now and always. Whatever the future holds, whatever storms may come, we’ll face them side by side, hand in hand.”

He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze intense and filled with love. He leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that is both tender and demanding.

It’s a kiss that speaks of promises kept, of a future built together. His hands move to cradle my face, his thumbs brushing away my tears.

I melt into him, the kiss deepening as I let go of my fears and doubts. The world around us fades, leaving only the two of us and the love that binds us together.

His lips are warm and insistent, drawing me closer, grounding me in the here and now. His hands travel from my face to my back, pulling me even tighter against him as if he can shield me from all the dangers in the world.

When we finally break apart, breathless and flushed, I rest my forehead against his powerful chest, our breaths mingling in the space between us.

“With you,” I murmur, my voice soft but sure, “I believe I can do anything.”

Rigel’s arms tighten around me, his lips pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.

Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps breaks the tranquility. I turn to see Forest Summers, an imposing figure with shock-white hair and ice-blue eyes, striding toward us. He’s a thunderous presence that commands attention. Beside him is Skye.

“If you two are done sucking face,” Forest calls out, his voice a booming, playful rumble, “why don’t you come back down to the galley? We’ve got plans to make and a lot to discuss about how to get Mia off this trawler.”

“I kind of like sucking her face.” Rigel doesn’t miss a beat. He grins, his hand holding mine.

“Coming, Lover Boy?” Forest adds with a smirk, his nickname for Rigel tinged with affection and a hint of teasing. “Or do the two of you need to go below to rub one out?”

“Forest, don’t be crass.” Skye rolls her eyes. “What my brother is trying to say is we’re brainstorming ideas about getting you off the trawler, and I think you want to hear what the current front-runner might be.”

“What does that mean?” Rigel asks.

Skye smirks and heads back, below deck.

“What’s it going to be, Lover Boy?” Forest spins around and follows Skye back below deck.

Rigel chuckles, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Right behind you, Forest.”

As we follow them back to the galley, the warmth of Rigel’s touch and the strength of his love bolster my spirit, but I’m a little worried about this plan they’re drumming up.

Chapter Forty

RIGEL

Descendingto the galley with Mia by my side, I brace myself for the shift in the atmosphere. The fresh sea air is replaced by the warm, familiar scents of lunch—fresh bread, savory luncheon meats, rich cheeses, juicy grapes, and sweet strawberries.

The sight of paper plates and bottled water scattered across the table adds a sense of normalcy to our situation, though the underlying tension is palpable.

Forest, Skye, Sam, CJ, Mitzy, Ethan, Blake, and the rest of Charlie team are already gathered in a feeding frenzy. A glance at my watch reveals it’s noon.

Their boisterous laughter and teasing echoes off the metal walls. The clatter of cutlery, the rustle of paper plates, and the hum of conversation make it feel like this is any ordinary day.

---