Page 85 of Kings Against the World

Ozzie stops at the railing, resting his hands on the warm metal as he stares out. I stay a step behind, uncertain and dazed. I almost don’t feel like myself right now.

After everything that’s happened, it’s easy to feel like I’m drowning.

Ozzie remains silent for a while. As if he’s searching for the right words.

“I’m, uh… I’m heading back to Pulsboro,” he says finally. “It’s what’s best.”

The words land heavy in my chest. I’ve sensed this was coming, but it still stings for an inexplicable reason I’m not ready to address. “Oh… I didn’t know you’d leave so soon.”

He glances over at me, something soft in his expression. “These past few weeks… they’ve been tough. It’s made me realize I can’t keep running from everything. I can’t cover it up with lies. I’ve got things to face back home.”

I want to ask what he means, though I have an inkling. He’s used this time going undercover as an escape from his vices. His break from the life he was struggling with in Texas. Part of me wants to reach for him, but I resist the urge. Ozzie’s always been a man who chooses his own path, and nothing I say will change that.

And maybe that’s what hurts the most.

We’re people who live two very different lives and that means it’s time to go our separate ways.

This should be something I’m in favor of. I’ve spent the entire operation wishing for our time together to end. But now that it’s about to, it’s as if my true feelings are bursting at the seams, no longer able to be suppressed.

The wind brushes against my skin as I force a breath past the knot in my chest. “I get it… it’s time…”

I cut myself off before finishing and the chance I’ll say something I regret. What would there even be to say? That I thought we had a chance? That I wanted more?

All of that was a lie. It was as fake as the alias I’ve been living under.

Jade Fowley isn’t real and neither was our relationship.

“Zoe.” He turns toward me, holding my gaze and making my insides flutter. I look up at him and memorize the details about him, like the jagged scar above his brow and the vibrant, highly detailed snake tattoo coiled around his neck. We’ve gravitated toward each other ’til we’re so close we’re almost touching. “I’ll never forget this… this whole time period. You’re different. Nothing like anyone I’ve ever met before.”

A small, sarcastic laugh leaves me. “That feels like a nice way of saying I’ve driven you crazy.”

“Sometimes. But I wouldn’t change it. Any of it.”

The words hit me harder than I expect. I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to keep myself together. Trying to squash down the growing part of me that wishes this was more than just a job. That this went beyond my undercover investigation of Boone.

“Yeah?” I choke out, my voice thin and brittle. “And what am I supposed to do with that, Ozzie?”

He scratches his head, looking as conflicted as I feel. “Maybe now that Boone’s in the slammer, you’ll let yourself breathe. Let your hair down a little.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s a good look on you.” His mouth tilts up at the corner, his crooked grin so familiar, I ache inside. “When you’re happy. When you smile.”

He lifts his hand, rough finger pads brushing against my cheek in the lightest of touches. I want to lean into it. Pull him closer toward me. Press my lips to his and kiss him. But before I can find the courage, he retreats. His hand falls away and the moment ends.

“Take care of yourself, fed.” He winks at me in goodbye, then turns and walks off, cementing what I already know deep down.

This investigation is closed. This partnership we’ve shared is over.

23

OZZIE

Three months later…

There’s nota single empty seat in the bar room at the Steel Saloon. It’s a full house as Kings come from all over town—and even some from out of town—to make it to Silver’s monthly meeting.

The bar counters are about as sticky as can be expected, though Mick swears he’s scrubbed the place down. Stale beer clings to the air as well as the salty scent of peanuts and pretzels that the barmaids pass around in bowls.

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