Page 112 of Breaking the Sinner

“Why didn’t you ever write back?”

“I don’t…”

“It’s fine,” he hurried to add, his thumb grazing her jawline. “I was going to send you an e-mail a week until the day I died, regardless.”

“Will you still?”

The heartbreaker grin flashed across his face, the one with dimple and all. “Of course.”

She struggled to memorize all the facets of his face, after so long apart. The tiny scar on his upper lip, the black stubble on his jaw, the shadows that still flitted under his eyes but were lesser now. Like maybe he’d been able to shine some light into the darkness.

Countless nights abroad, she’d wondered what it might feel like to reunite. And here, in this moment, she knew: it was more miraculous than memories, or even fantasies, could suggest. The heat and heart thrumming beneath her skin was equal parts helium in her blood and the very real, grounding force of Cobra. He anchored her at the same time he sent her spinning into the atmosphere.

And she needed that in her life. She knew that now. The highs and lows were infinitely better than a featureless, boring hum. But even that wasn’t all bad. What she’d left behind in central California was less of a hum and more like a dirge.

Stepping away from family had been step one. Going abroad had been step two. And she knew exactly what the next step had to be.

“So, like,” she said, gaze fastening on his plump lips, her core tightening. “Are you gonna kiss me or not?”

Cobra surged forward, the velvet heat of his lips finding hers, a kiss both tender and hungry emerging. She tilted her head back and let the kisses consume her. Shockwaves of pleasure alongside relief filled her, made her damn near topple over. Cobra steadied her, smoothing a hand over the small of her back, bringing her body flush with his.

When they broke apart, Gen had tears in her eyes. Because this was better than she’d remembered. Because he filled her in a way that felt absolutely perfect, despite the speed bumps and the snafus.

“Don’t cry, Genny,” Cobra said, thumbing away a tear that had spilled. But his hands trembled. Barely there, yet she caught it.

She sniffed hard, remembering suddenly the dog in her arms. “Cobra, I have a puppy in my arms, and I don’t know whose it is. We have to find the owner.”

“She’s yours,” Cobra said.

“Ha ha,” Gen said, wiping away a few more tears. “That’s very funny, but I think we should at least make something of an effort to find its rightful owner.”

“No, Red.” A knowing smile curled his lips upward, “This is Stella. She’s your dog. I got her for you.”

More tears filled her eyes as she looked down at the puppy. Stella. She held her up again, looking into those big brown eyes once more. “Stop it.”

“I’m serious.”

Her chin wobbled this time, and she couldn’t stop it. An ugly cry burbled up. Cobra scooped her and Stella back into his arms and held them, swaying gently.

“I can’t…even…” she blubbered into his chest, “talk.”

“Sorta thought you’d be into it,” Cobra said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Stella is amazing. You’re going to love her.”

“I already do,” Gen wailed.

“Come on. Let’s go inside.” Cobra led her and Stella back down the brick path, his arm protectively around her shoulders. She took deep, cleansing breaths as they walked, trying to reel in the tears.

“I’m so happy she’s yours,” she said. “I mean, mine. I mean ours.” Gen wiped away the last of her tears. “I was planning on kidnapping her regardless.”

“Atta girl, Genny,” Cobra said. He smiled down at her, pure joy written into his features. She’d never seen him so vibrant.

“You are absolutely stunning,” she whispered.

Cobra laughed, checking the traffic before they crossed. “Me? Take a look at yourself, gorgeous.”

“Stella too,” Gen murmured into the top of the puppy’s head. “Stunning Stella.”

“Numba one stunna, Stella,” Cobra added.

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