Page 114 of Unspoken

I shake my head, my jaw clenching at the mention of the bastard's name. "Not yet, but it's not our worry. Vlad has people searching for him. He’s in hiding, and he won't bother you again."

I don't mention the Arellanos, the favor Vlad intends to ask of the cartel. Sasha doesn't need to know the depths his brother will go to ensure Sasha’s safety. It's better this way, to shield him from the darkness that lurks at the edges of that world. To give him some peace. After years of trying so hard to be who he isn’t, he deserves it.

A small smile pinches the corners of Sasha's lips, a flicker of hope dancing in his green eyes. "So, it's really over? We don't have to hide anymore?"

I nod, my heart swelling with the realization that the weight of secrecy has been lifted from our shoulders. "Once you're better and fit to travel, I thought we could go on a trip for a while. Just the two of us, exploring together."

Sasha's eyes widen with excitement. "Really? Where should we go? Paris? Tokyo? Oh, I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights in Iceland!"

I chuckle at his enthusiasm, my own sense of adventure awakening. "How about we start in Cali, then work our way up north? We could make it a road trip, rent a camper, and take our time. Stop at all the cheesy tourist traps along the way. I hear there's a diner off I-5 famous for its pea soup."

"Oh, I bloody love it! We could go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take a picture with your favorite actor's star. And definitely stop by the pea soup place."

"And I could finally learn how to surf. May take some lessons while we’re in Santa Cruz."

"I can’t imagine you on a surfboard."

"Why the hell not?"

"You don’t seem like the type."

"Oh you mean, my hair’s not long enough."

"I would give a lot of money to see you growing your hair."

"Well, we don’t know what the future holds. Had to look presentable for the job, but now," I lean in to be closer to Sasha, "keeping you happy is my only job. So, if growing my hair will make you happy, then be it."

"Deal. But only if you promise to take me to see those famous Redwoods you have here. Always wanted to see those giants in person."

I bring Sasha's hand to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his knuckles. "Anywhere you want to go,mylash. We've got all the time in the world."

Sasha sighs, a wistful expression crossing his face. "It'll probably be a couple of weeks until I'm good and ready for a big trip like that, but..." He bites his lower lip, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "I want to hold your hand in public before then, Logan. I want people to know we're together."

"We could do something local before we travel, if you'd like."

A flicker of excitement resumes its dance in those green eyes. "What do you have in mind?"

I gently caress his cheek with my fingers, savoring the warmth of his skin against my palm. "How would you feel about attending a thing as my plus one?"

He nods eagerly. "What kind of thing?"

"A thing that’ll give me an opportunity to show off my awesome boyfriend in front of Curtis."

"Anything to stick it to that Curtis bloke."

"Good."

Our noses brush while our breaths mingle in the scant space between us. The air heats up and the hospital surroundings fall away. "You know I love you, my sweet boy, right?" I murmur, my voice rough with emotion.

Sasha's hand comes up to cup my jaw, his thumb stroking the stubble there. "I'm pretty sure I love you too, Logan."

As our lips meet in a tender kiss, sealing our declarations, I feel a sense of completeness wash over me. The path that led us here may have been fraught with danger and heartache, but in this moment, with Sasha beside me, I know that every step was worth it.

EPILOGUE

The limo glides through the neon-lit Vegas streets, a sleek black shark cutting through a sea of traffic. I fidget with my bow tie. The tux is an unfamiliar skin. Can’t remember the last time I wore one. Beside me, Logan looks dashing in his tailored suit, the fabric straining against his muscular frame just right. A proper fit bloke, he is. I can't help admiring the chiseled lines of his face, the confident set of his broad shoulders.

It's almost impossible to believe he is mine and Vlad’s okay with it, happy even.

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