Page 112 of Rio's Release

“For what?”

“For being there for him.”

His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. “Come on, lady. Maybe they’ll let us all up to the room now.”

“All of us?”

“Hell, yeah. We’re a family, darlin’.”

“A family. I like that.”

“You know, after you and Rio got in the ambulance, people like Dolly and Pete, and a bunch of other townies… They gathered around. They saw what happened. Only this time they weren’t afraid to get involved and stand up for what’s right. ThatFed dude? They told him. They literally pointed the finger at Carson.”

“Really? Well, that’s all because of Rio. He made them feel safe enough to come forward.”

“Yeah, I guess he did.”

“Maybe it’s all over now. Maybe things will be different in this town,” I whisper.

“Eduardo said his brother told him that the FBI had been doing a months-long investigation with an undercover agent. They’ve got the goods on the sheriff, the DA, several cops, and even the judge.”

“That’s good.”

“Yep.”

I stare at the stars, not worried about the town or what happened years ago. I only have one thing on my mind. “I almost lost him, Zig.”

He wraps an arm around me again, turning me toward the entrance. “Nah, our boy’s too tough. You ain’t gonna lose him, honey. I promise.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

At Last, My Love

Shelby—

Two months later…

“This is the life,” Jenny says from her lounge chair beside me, sipping on her wine.

We’re out on the terrace, overlooking the view and the last streaks of the late sunset turning the sky a deep purple.

Rio comes out of the house and strokes a hand over my hair, then dips to kiss the crown of my head. “It’s a beautiful night. Want to take a ride?”

“I’ll watch Bella,” Jenny offers. “You two should totally go. Enjoy the evening.”

“Are you sure?” I ask her.

“She’s sure,” Rio answers for her, already pulling me to my feet. He moved in with us shortly after he got out of the hospital, and it’s been heaven. Waking up with him next to me every morning is a dream.

“Are you feeling up to it?” I ask, concerned about his injuries.

“Babe, I’m all healed. I’ve been all healed for weeks. It’s time I finally put you on the back of my bike.”

“Okay.” I look down at my outfit. I’m in shorts and a Saint’s Outlaws t-shirt. “I guess I need to change.”

“Go throw some jeans on.”

I walk into the bedroom and find a pair already laid out on the bed, and next to it, a box.

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