Page 102 of Savage Ruin
Thiago crosses his arms. “What are you thinking?”
It would need to be something that represents both Marcos and me. The one thing that pops into my mind seems kind of silly, but we shared the two spaces. “NT Labs.”
Puzzled, they wait for me to explain.
“We created a lab in the metaverse where we worked on our projects together. After a long day of work, we’d go to Nacho Tequila for a drink. Those are our two places. They belong to Marcos and me. It seems fitting to carry on with a name representing both of us. Something belonging only to us,” I proclaim with certainty.
“He would love it,” Thiago affirms.
Both Grayson and Mateo agree.
“So, are you stating your intent to run the company?” Thiago presses for an answer. “If you’re serious, we’ll get things moving to start up a new subsidiary.”
I bite my lip nervous to bring up my concern. “What about us?” I wave a hand to indicate all four of us. “I’m not asking for a declaration of love or forever, but we haven’t talked about anything. I’ve been living temporarily in your house. Do I move out when this is over? Get a place in Miami? What?”
Mateo interjects before the other two can get their words out. “What do you want? Do you want to live on your own?” Thiago snarls. “Or move out of Miami?” Grayson cusses. “Or live here? What do you want?”
I think about my answer for a second. “I want to love and be loved. I want to continue doing meaningful work—both the product development and rescues. I want to travel—everywhere. I want to have kids someday.”
Mateo clears his throat. “Do you see yourself doing any of that with us?”
I hesitate, then throw caution to the wind. “When I chose to stay and fight a few weeks ago, I promised myself I would find a life and grab it with both hands. This is me fulfilling that promise. I’m crazy about you. All three of you. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without you in it, but if you don’t feel the same way, I need to leave and find a life without you. It’s too important to me. I’m tired of living my life alone. I want more.”
“Henley, I love you. I’ve known it for weeks, but I didn’t want to say anything because I knew you weren’t ready. If you leave, I’ll follow you,” Mateo states passionately, his voice full of love.
I pull him toward me and kiss him until we’re both breathless. “I love you, too,” I tell him shyly.
Thiago brings my hand up and kisses the palm. “Querida, você é meu. Sweetheart, you are mine. And I am yours. It’s as simple and complicated as those words. I want you to stay. Forever. And hopefully, one day, have my child.”
Thiago doesn’t wait for me to lean over. He pulls me into his lap and takes control with a fierce kiss that leaves no doubt as to the way he feels.
“I love you, too, Thiago,” I assure him, watching his eyes close as if he’s savoring the words.
I hesitantly look at Grayson, but the darkness he’s been carrying with him is gone. I move over to him and smile.
“It’s taken me so long to get to this point,” Grayson begins. “I could jump out of an airplane, but I couldn’t take a leap of faith with you. When I read Kira’s diary and looked at the madness in Kathleen’s eyes, I realized I was letting fear hold me back. My mind is my own worst enemy. Our path might be rockier, but my heart is yours, without condition.”
Tears slip down my cheeks knowing how much this took for him to bet on us. He’s all in. “I love you, Grayson, and I won’t give up,” I promise him. My lips find his, letting the heat sweep us away for a minute.
I look around. This is the life I’m grabbing with both hands. The one with these three men. “NT Labs, Miami, here in our home with you. I guess there’s only one thing left to settle,” I drawl, turning to stare at Thiago. “Who gets the office? And the couch?”
EPILOGUE
HENLEY
Six months later…
Mateo walksinto my office and gives me a devilish grin. I motion for him to sit while I finalize the details of our new deal. A robotics engineer in Nigeria has developed a smart bra capable of detecting early breast cancer. The bra utilizes ultrasound technology allowing women to safely use the device in the comfort of their own homes without relying on costly medical tests.
It's ready for the market, but unfortunately, the lifesaving wearable has been held up by lack of materials and funding. Not anymore. The Juliana Silva Santos Foundation is going to fund the entire production. Based on our research, the bra is a better, and more accessible, solution than Marcos’ vest. Using the foundation to fund it allows us to follow his last wishes and honor his wife’s battle with breast cancer.
With a satisfied sigh, I hang up and tilt my head at the handsome man in front of me. “What are you up to?” He’s always surprising me with something, but not at work. Unfortunately, we’re all so busy during the day we rarely even see each other.
He stands and holds his hand out. “It’s a surprise. Come with me.”
I don’t even hesitate. Placing my hand in his, I follow him out the door and into the elevator. When the doors open, Thiago and Grayson are waiting for us.
“Hmm, all three of you. Should I be worried?” I tease them.
