Page 80 of Reckless Temptation

I couldn’t believe how it would take everything blowing up like this for me to finally understand that everything would turn out all right in the end.

Sabrina and I didn’t have to confront my mom or George. I wouldn’t have to tell Tiffany that she could go fuck herself and that I’d never ruin Sabrina for her.

Their issues were catching up to them. It was all imploding as they fought and argued.

But that didn’t mean Sabrina and I had to stick around and watch the downfall. Helping Sabrina to her feet, I stared down at her light-brown eyes and knew I would never forget this moment. The moment of being free—liberated from my darkness and that stupid agreement with Tiffany.

I was free to start the rest of my life with her.

“Let’s go,” she said, seeming to be on the same page as me.

Before we got far, George paused in speaking harshly with Tiffany to hold up his hand and stop us. “Wait. Nick. Sabrina. Wait.”

I shook my head. “No. You guys can figure out this mess on your own. I’m done with this.”

“But where are you going?” Mom asked.

I took Sabrina’s hand and relished the comforting squeeze of her fingers around mine.

“I’m taking care of the woman I love.” And without another word, we left together.

29

SABRINA

Iheld on to Nick’s hand like it was a lifeline. Being tethered to him felt good. It was right to leave with him, not giving the Lorsen mansion another look as he guided me toward his bike parked near the garage.

But it wasn’t how I thought this would go. It was almost surreal, to think it was all over and just beginning at the same time.

He said he loves me.

The woman he loves.

Me.

“That wasn’t how I thought it would go today,” I admitted, needing to say something.

I was desperate to ask him if he was serious, or if he’d said that in the heat of the moment.

“Me neither.” He looked at me as we walked. “I thought I’d wake up with you in my arms this morning and we’d talk about how to handle this.”

I shook my head. “I needed space to think.”

“I understand.” He stopped us at his bike and he raised his brows. “Where can we go to think—and talk—together?”

“My place. Take me home.”

His responding smile was slow and sweet. Before giving me a helmet, he kissed me and waited to make sure I was all right for my first ride.

“You were shaken up,” he commented.

“Ireallyneed to get over my phobia and learn to swim.”

He hugged me. “I’ll be right there with you to help you.”

It seemed like a minor detail to care about right now in the aftermath of watching George and Leslie put their issues out on full blast in front of us. But I knew I could count on Nick to be there for me. Not as my stalker, but as my…

He said he loves me.

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