Page 45 of The Killer Who Kept Me

~ African proverb

Saros

I didn’t knowhow long I’d held Em in my arms, but eventually he quieted and his breathing deepened. I gently tilted his head back and saw that his eyes were closed. He’d fallen asleep…no, he’d passed out. My aunt used to tell me that when a person cried themselves quiet it meant their brain had taken over and given them a reprieve from the anguish their heart was trying to digest.

I wasn’t going to leave Em—there was no way. The last thing I wanted was for him to wake up alone. So, as careful as I could, I got him comfortable on the couch and then moved to the chair and texted Cosmo, letting him know where I was and that I wasn’t going anywhere for a while.

He, along with Mike, Benny, Riley, and Gino, knew about Em and who his parents were. Last night, you could’ve heard apin drop in that basement once Gretchen had confirmed what Brandi said. No one had wanted to be the one to tell Em this truth.

Rationally, a war would be a bad idea. They always were and, in the end, even though one person won, the consequences were devastating. No, a war wouldn’t do at all. I didn’t believe Ramsey had as much clout as he thought he did. I told my guys to figure out the best way to kill Ramsey and Shyla, seize all of The Brookeses’ fortune, and do it without inciting a fight. That was what they were all currently doing…that and watching Ramsey and Frazee.

Frazee was far too quiet, and for someone being so eager to get their hands on those warehouses, he sure as shit hadn’t done anything with them.

I sat in that chair, returning emails from my phone and exchanging texts with the guys, until Em began to wake. I wasn’t sure how he’d act when he opened his eyes or what he’d say, but I was ready for anything.

The storm had quieted some, but the rain was still hitting hard on the glass. He blinked his eyes, and they zeroed in on the sky.

“You’re still here,” he said without looking at me. His voice was rough and thick from crying and sleep.

“Of course I am.”

He sighed. “You’ve been doing a lot of digging on everyone—myself included, obviously. Did you know that the first night I saw you at The Vine, it was my birthday?”

Having only known he was born in November and unable to find anything on him before last night, I’d had no idea.

“I didn’t.”

He released an unamused laugh. “I was up in my room, I’d scrounged a cupcake and sang myself ‘Happy Birthday.’ I made a wish that I’d find someone who would want to keep me, andseconds later, RJ stormed into the room, ordering me to go to The Vine.”

He turned his head. Brown, sad eyes met mine and I didn’t know what to say. Yes, I wanted to keep him, take care of him, and there was some unexplainable pull that captured my heart, mind, and body whenever he was near…That would probably be creepy. But at the same time, he was staring at me with an eager expression.

“Maybe you got your wish, Em.”

“Did I?”

I got up from the chair and moved over to him, kneeling so I was more even with his face.

“I have no intention of letting you go, and it’s not because I see you as property. Ever since I saw you at The Sky, when I really saw you, my world tilted on its side.” Gently, I cupped his cheek. “I’m not a changed man. I’m who I am deep in my marrow; the only difference is my heart beats for more than survival.”

Em visibly swallowed. “It does?”

“Yeah, Em.”

“What does it beat for?”

“You.” And it was true. Cheesy, maybe, but I didn’t think Em had ever had much romance or cheesy sentiment in his existence. I’d give both to him if it made him smile.

A tear slipped down his cheek, absorbed by my finger.

“I don’t want to bring blood to your doorstep, Saros. I’m not worth it. I do care about you, more than I should. I don’t deserve someone like you, and to know that I could get you or anyone in your family killed…Maybe I should go.”

“You listen to me, Em. If you want to go, make it not be for any of the reasons you just said. Let it be because it’s what your heart wants. If you want to be free, I’ll make sure you live along and happy life where no one will ever bother you again. But know that you are wanted here. I want you here.”

He sat up and leaned in, his face mere inches from mine. “You’re Saros Tancredi, and I’m November, the boy that shouldn’t be. What do I have to offer you?”

“The fact that Shyla had you is the only reason her death will be swift. She brought you into this world and because of her, I have this moment with you. This time.”

“You’re sweet.”

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