Page 159 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

Hank’s steadiness.

Two halves of the same whole, and both mine.

“We’ll get there, eventually, sweetheart, but not now.” Gabe kisses my forehead, soft, grounding…there.

My chest rises—slowly, fully—for the first time in what feels like hours. The panic ebbs, bleeding out of me with every word he speaks, replaced by something unexpected.

Relief.

Not because he won’t take me into that darkness—but that he wants to lead me there when I’m ready.

I close my eyes, letting the message of Gabe’s words sink in.

I can breathe now.

The chaos is still there—but it’s distant, quieter.

Gabe pulls back, eyes locked on mine, unwavering.

A breath shudders out of me—then Hank’s arm curls tighter around my waist, pulling me back against him, his voice warm against my ear.

“You’re safe, luv. With us. Always.”

His grip is firm, resolute—the kind of strength that doesn’t waver, even when I falter. He holds the line when I can’t.

A tear slips down my cheek, but it’s not from fear. It’s from the weight of Gabe’s words—the comfort in knowing that he’s waiting, and when I’m ready… he’ll be there.

“Breathe, luv.” Hank’s lips brush the shell of my ear. “You don’t have to face this alone. Not when we’re here.”

Gabe remains close, his hand resting against my cheek, but the dominant energy shifts—from Gabe’s held-back fire to Hank’s unshakable command.

“I’ve got you,” Hank says again, firmer this time, his tone brooking no argument. His hand slides into my hair, tilting my head back just enough for me to meet his eyes—not demanding, but present and entirely in control. “I won’t let the darkness take you.”

He’s my anchor.

My breath leaves me in a tremble, my muscles finally unclenching, the last edge of panic bleeding out of me under his calm command.

Gabe’s truth lights the path.

Hank’s strength walks me out of the storm.

I melt into his chest, finally safe. Wrapped between him and Gabe. Held by Gabe’s darkness and steadied by Hank’s strength.

I no longer need to escape.

Not when I have them.

Chapter 44

I waketo the call of seagulls, the kiss of the ocean breeze, and the glow of the morning sun. The crashing waves provide a steady rhythm in the background. A tangle of limbs ensnares me—Hank’s muscular arm draped possessively across my waist, Gabe’s leg hooked between mine, his breath warm against the nape of my neck.

The morning dew clings to our skin like a second covering where the blankets slipped away.

Hank stirs first, his eyes opening to reveal that molten amber gaze that always strips me bare. His jaw, shadowed with stubble, tightens as he looks over my head to where Gabe lies.

The usual heat that builds between us each morning—that delicious, inevitable collision of bodies—doesn’t materialize.

“We’re going for a walk.” Hank disentangles himself from our heap, rising to his full height with predatory grace. It’s not an invitation. It’s a command from a man accustomed to being obeyed. “I’m thinking brunch at Mike’s burger joint.”

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