Page 63 of Magic or Madness

I know now that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Ozzy hands me the papers that Mick printed, and I shake my head, the rage boiling back to the surface.

How fucking dare she?That’s all I could think at the moment, but now that we’re gone, I can speak my thoughts aloud.

“God, she’s so infuriating. I’m sorry, Ozzy.” I wrap my arms around him, feeling his heartbeat against my chest.

“There are a few things on here that I didn’t tell you, Fallon.” I look into his dark brown eyes, but what’s written on a police report from years ago is nothing compared to the man that I know deep down, inside and out.

I reach into his pocket for the lighter he always has, holding the flame to the paper.

After a few seconds it catches, and I watch as the embers engulf the ink in a plume of smoke.

I stomp the small fire out in the trash can, pouring a splash of water on the ashes and destroying any evidence of whatever happened in Ozzy’s past.

“You aren’t that person anymore,” I whisper, taking his face in my hands and stroking his cheek with my thumb.

“Oh, Bambi. I don’t deserve your grace,” he says softly, pressing his forehead to mine.

Nothing he’s done in his past would bother me, change my mind, or send me running. He could’ve tossed me aside like trash when I confessed the things my stepfather did, but instead, he showed me kindness, empathy, and made me believe I was worthy of being cared for.

I will always return that same sentiment to him, and then some.

“You’ve proven yourself to be the most loyal, gentle, and emotionally intelligent man that I’ve ever met. You’re strong enough to carry us both, but sometimes, it’s okay if I take the load for a bit. That’s why our dynamic is so special, and I don’t care what you’ve done in the past. It’s you and me, starting fresh, living together, and taking on the world.” I hold him tightly against me, afraid that if I let go, he’ll fall apart.

We hold each other together in ways that other people wouldn’t truly understand. An hour ago, I was the one in pure turmoil, sobbing in his arms with no relief in sight, but now, he’s the one who needs me to take care of him.

“It’s a new adventure, and I can’t wait to spend each and every single day with you. I genuinely believe you’re my perfect match, Fallon.” He breaks apart from me with a smile on his face, the sadness that plagued him a few minutes ago completely vanishing before my eyes.

“No more sadness, we’re celebrating!” He cheers, the excitement radiating off his body.

“Is everyone going to be okay with me living here?” I ask, suddenly afraid that I’ll be stepping on theirbro toes.

It was different when I had my own place to go, and I feel like I’ve settled in nicely with the crew, but living here is a bit of a blurred line.

“They won’t care. We all pull our weight with the cleaning, shopping, and cooking, it’s very laid back,” he assures me, and I make mental notes of ways I can help out.

“What aboutyou-know-who?”

Ozzy sighs, flipping his hair into a bun, and stripping his shirt off, tossing it on the floor.

I watch in awe, attempting to keep my jaw from hitting the floor as his tanned muscles and back tattoo are on full display.

No matter how many times I’ve seen him naked, it’s a treat every single time. I’ve traced my fingers along every inch of him, studying him like my life depends on knowing every freckle on his skin, or how his scars vary in shape and size.

I’m an expert in all things Ozzy, but now that we’re living together, there are endless opportunities for me to absorb as much knowledge of him as I can handle.

I’m a nerdy student who never stops learning, and my subject is fascinating – almostaddicting.

“Don’t worry about him, Bambi. We’ll deal with him if we have to, I promise you that. Now that you’re living here, if he even breathes in a way that makes you uncomfortable, I’ll gut him. No hesitation,” he says, a slight growl in his voice that sends a shiver through me.

His fierce, protective side sneaks out, and I can’t stop the heat that floods through my body, turning my cheeks a shade of pink that I know Ozzy can quickly decipher.

“I love you, you know that?” I tease, bringing him back into my arms.

He looks into my eyes, lightly stroking my cheek as he flips us over, climbing on top of me, and sitting on my legs.

“I love you, too,my beautiful girl.”

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