Page 99 of Addicted Lies

“I love you so fucking much I was willing to let my world crumble around me if you would even consider giving me a chance. I’m sick of thinking I’m not good enough for you.Youare what I want, andyouare what I will have. So, to answer your question once again as to why I’m here, I’m here for you, Chaos. And for me.”

That last bit is what sends me over the edge.

“Promise me you won’t die on me,” I beg.

A slow smile stretches his lips. “Only by your hands, Chaos. I’m sure I’ll piss you off enough one day.”

“Shut up,” I choke out as I thread my fingers through his hair.

“But I can’t promise you that. There’s no guarantee for either of us. But I know for me, a life without you is not worth living.”

I laugh at the stupidity of how perfect all of his words are when, for months, we could hardly see eye to eye or express ourselves. He looks at me, confused, because the moment it bubbles to the surface, I feel like I’m free like it’s the normal us again. I realize then that maybe relationships are about the good outweighing the bad. That it’s not always meant to be easy, but if the love is strong enough, then any obstacle can be overcome. “And you said you weren’t a romantic.”

He grumbles as he places his head back in my lap. “Just don’t be expecting any normal dates from me, okay? Because there’s no way I’ll be able to go even a few minutes sitting across from you without wanting to rip your clothes off.”

Heat swarms to my core. “I don’t think I was signing up for normal when I dragged you into the back of your car and let you eat me out with a lollipop.”

He grins. “Just make sure that no matter how mad you are with me, you’ll still carry around sweets in your bag.”

I fold my body over his, pressing my lips to his forehead. “Always. But I have one request for you and one date.”

He growls. “You already sound so demanding.”

I chuckle as I pepper him with kisses. I realize now how tired he still looks, how sickly pale he is compared to usual. Yet he flew all this way for me. “I love you, Ford Ivanov. And I want you to be my date for a wedding.”

CHAPTER 46

Ford

We’ve been here now for two days, and I’m getting messages asking me where I am. But there’s no other place I would rather be, and it’s the best type of recovery. I’m not one for holidays or adventures. I usually stick to my routine but watching Billie in a bathing suit lounging by the ocean, happily drinking margaritas, is something I could very much get used to. She’s beautiful and everything I’ve ever wanted.

When it comes time to leave, to head back to our new reality and go to the wedding, it’s bittersweet that we have to leave this place. I know we have to move past some things. What we went through that day in the cellar terrified her to the bone. But together, we’ll work through it.

I expected her to sleep on the plane ride back, but she watched a movie, chewing her nails and bouncing her leg. She’s nervous about facing everyone after everything that happened, but we’ll get through it. We always have. Somehow, someway, as long as I have her fueling me, I know I’ll die a happy man.

“Are you ready?” I ask, grabbing her hand as we walk off the plane. I smile to myself when she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans into me. A car is already waiting for us, and it takes us straight to the wedding venue. I can’t help but find her nervousness cute as we make our debut at her brother’s wedding. And hopefully, this time, no one is pointing guns at each other’s heads.

The ceremony is beautiful, and I can’t help but smile when Bentley walks down the aisle in his little suit. And I swear, I fucking swear, there’s a tear in Dutton’s eye when he sees Posie in her dress, and I’m sure as shit going to make sure I never let him live it down.

Hawke laughs as she walks down the aisle, and I have to nudge him to stop. Billie stands across from me, trying her hardest not to laugh. I wonder if she and I will do this someday. I know there’s no other woman for me, but I think we’re both content with the boyfriend-girlfriend title for now. The thought feels so foreign that I want to gag. But for her, I’m willing to subscribe to “normal” titles.

The party is in full swing and Hawke’s nowhere to be found, most likely fucking God knows who. I just hope she’s not married to anyone here, because with this type of crowd, someone will definitely kill him for it.

Billie’s sipping a vodka soda. She looks beautiful in her deep-red bridesmaid dress. I smirk when I notice the bracelet with the charms I got her. It’s true that I’m not a man who needs much, but I’m happy I can spoil her because of it.

Ivy comes to a stop in front of us. “Well, a killer and an accountant. I never thought that would be a pairing I’d ever see.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” Billie says quietly, almost ashamed.

“Oh.” Ivy looks between us. “You thought you two were good at keeping that a secret? I knew a year ago.”

“What?” Billie snaps.

Ivy laughs.

“Was it Hawke?” Billie asks, because my brother does have the reputation of having the biggest mouth. But I don’t think he would share something like this.

Ivy arches a suggestive eyebrow. “I have my ways. Besides, I’m happy for you two. But I swear, if you hurt her, I’ll kill you myself.” She directs the last part at me. “That’s a promise.”

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