Page 251 of Intense
“Con. Take Arthur. You get to decide if he lives or dies. Give him the opportunity to fight back. Have Declan go with you.”
Conan nods, and Arthur freezes. The chances of him surviving are slim, but so were Jame’s. A shot to live is better than a bullet in the skull.
And he understands that. This is me giving him grace for saving my life. I give him a nod. Behind me, my family parts just enough to let him through, Conan grabbing him by the arm with a snarl. Arthur earned the right to fight for his life tonight. He’s lost everything else; that punishment is heavier than any bullet.
And now, he must fight with everything he has left. But to me, it’s done. My brothers will make their judgments.
I have something far more important.
Stephanie.
My temptress. My wife.
“Grab him,” I order, jerking my chin at James as I cross the room. Frankie and Zara get to work moving him.
Then I’m on my knees in front of her, the world dissolving into static. My hands shake as I tear at the restraints, cursing when the rope bites deeper into her wrists.
“Easy, love. I’ve got you. I’ve got you now.” My voice breaks, but I don’t care.
I’m not a robot. I do have so many emotions when it comes to her. And I’m no longer afraid to show them.
The second she’s free, she launches into me. Her body slams into mine so hard I lose my breath. She clings to me, sobbing into my neck, as though if she lets go I’ll vanish.
“Finn—” Her voice shatters against my ear. “I thought—I thought you were?—”
“I know.” My arms lock around her, crushing her to me. My chest splits wide open as I bury my face in her hair. “I’m here. You hear me? I’m fucking here. I’ll never leave you. I’m sorry.”
Her hands find my face, dragging me back until I’m staring into her eyes—wild, terrified, glistening.
“I can’t lose you,” she cries. “I can’t?—”
“You won’t.” My thumb brushes the tears from her cheek. “Not now. Not ever. You’re mine, Stephanie. Always.”
And when I kiss her, it isn’t desperate. It isn’t frantic.
It’s a vow.
One I’ll burn the entire world to keep.
Chapter 94
STEPHANIE
Song- The Drug In Me Is Reimagined,
Falling In Reverse.
Ishake in Finn's arms as he carries me over to the corner of the room.
That moment the gun went off.
I thought my life was over.
Because when his heart stops beating, so will mine.
“I love you, Stephanie. I love you with every single part of me. I’m sorry I let you down.”
I rest my forehead against his.
