Page 137 of Make Them Cry

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And it’s about us.

As we lay in bed,the moonlight spilling across the sheets, Gage pulls me close and whispers against my temple.

“I used to think I’d never deserve this,” he says. “You. Love. Something real.”

I tilt my face up to meet his gaze. “And I used to think I’d never have a voice.”

“You do now,” he murmurs. “And it’s beautiful.”

So we fall asleep wrapped around each other, our bodies tangled, our futures wide open.

No more secrets.

No more shadows.

Just love.

Real, honest, once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.

And for the first time in my life…

I believe I’ve won.

EPILOGUE

GAGE

I always thought war rooms were supposed to feel colder. Sterile. Quiet.

But Maddox HQ?

This placehums.

Even this early in the morning, the building feels alive. Sleek glass, exposed concrete, metal accents—it’s part high-tech fortress, part industrial dream. The large digital wall near the elevator flashes with a rotating security feed, while the Maddox Security emblem glows with understated dominance above reception.

River’s hand is in mine as we step off the elevator, our matching clearance badges clipped to our collars.

BRAVO TEAM.

“Still surreal?” I ask.

She grins. “Beyond. I feel like we’re about to enter some top-level video game DLC we never unlocked before.”

We follow the corridor past the training bay and gym, then through the glass double doors markedOPERATIONS.This floor’s known as “the tank.”

Sawyer is already there, standing at the head of the long table with his arms crossed. Dark hair. Sharp eyes. Military posture that never quite fades. His expression softens when he sees us.

“You’re early,” he says.

“We like to make a good impression,” River chirps, earning a proud grin from me.

“Good. Maddox doesn’t bring people on lightly. You impressed him.”

River flushes. I squeeze her hand. Sawyer smiles and tosses a pack of Misfit chewing gum onto the table.

River’s eyes widen as she smiles.

“Dean’s got connections. Owner of Misfits is a client. Enjoy.” He tosses a few more packs onto the table before stepping away from the table.

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