Page 51 of Cyclone

“She’s been here thirty minutes, and you’re already trying to embarrass me.”

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the fire.

“I’m just glad to be here,” I said honestly.

Well, we will see you around, Oliver said, and they all got up and started putting their paper plates in the garbage.

“You don’t have to rush off because I’m here,” I said, hoping they would leave anyway.

Cyclone leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to my temple.

“You’re safe now,” he whispered.

And for the first time in a long time, I believed him.

I let myself relax, sinking deeper into the warmth of the fire, the laughter, the feeling of belonging, as the guys headed out.

For a long time, Cyclone and I just sat there. Peace washed over me. I told him everything I had done since I last saw him.

The ocean kept whispering, the fire kept burning, and for the first time in what felt like a lifetime...

I let myself dream about a future that didn’t hurt to imagine.

Maybe healing didn’t come all at once.

Maybe it came in small moments like this.

A touch.

A laugh.

A home you didn’t know you were missing until you walked through the door.

I leaned against Cyclone’s shoulder and closed my eyes, breathing him in.

Yeah, I was finally home.

28

Jude

The night wrapped around us, quiet and full of something heavy and beautiful.

Cyclone shifted in his chair, turning to face me fully.

His hand brushed mine — a touch so light, it would’ve been easy to pretend it didn’t happen.

But I didn’t pull away.

“You okay?” he asked quietly, his voice rough around the edges.

Different from the easy, teasing tone he used with the guys.

This voice was just for me.

I nodded, staring into the dying fire.

“I think so,” I said honestly.

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