Page 61 of Absolution

“I’m ready to go home now. Please.”

Without another glance behind me, he led me out of the house. I never even flinched when the muffled screams sounded behind us. It was over. I would never have to worry about Gideon tormenting me again. Now, it was time to move forward with my life. With Leo.

Epilogue

“Hey Gina, do you have a minute?”

I turned back to see Kara, a young girl around the age I’d been when I’d gotten clean, standing shyly next to Sonia.

“Sure, what’s up?” I smiled to put her at ease.

“You don’t have to decide today, but I—I was wondering if you’d be willing to be my sponsor?”

“Oh, Kara, I’m honored you asked. I’m more than happy to be.”

It had been two years since Gideon’s death, and my return to sobriety. To this day, I still had nightmares reliving that moment he’d shoved those pills down my throat. I shuddered in remembrance of the utter helplessness at being violated that way, and then I relished the fact he was more than likely burning in hell.

“Call me anytime, day or night, if you need to talk. If you need someone to go to a meeting with you, call me.” We exchanged phone numbers and she waved bye over her shoulder, leaving me standing with Sonia.

“I’m proud of you, girl.” She pulled me against her in a one-armed hug.

“If I can help someone even half as much as you helped me, then I’ll be satisfied.”

After that horrific day, I’d vowed to do whatever I could to stay clean and help anyone that needed it. I’d started volunteering at the local homeless shelter, and I started classes to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor.

Leo had been with me every step of the way, and was my biggest supporter. He still attended open NA meetings with me. He’d also gotten a promotion at work. In fact, that’s where we were headed tonight. Connor was throwing a big private party at Eden to celebrate. Well, it was more like Bridget was throwing the party, but she was giving all the credit to her husband.

“I’ll give you a call in a few days,” Sonia said to me before I headed out the door of the rec center.

I squealed when a pair of strong arms wrapped around my middle and lifted me off the ground.

“Damn it, Leo, put me down,” I giggled when he nuzzled my neck, his beard lightly scratching my skin.

He lowered me and spun me around. Before I could catch my breath, he pulled me in for a kiss. I never got tired of kissing him either. Each one still felt like that very first one. The way it took my breath away. He stole my heart again each time his lips met mine.

“How’s it going, doll?” Leo threaded our fingers together and led me to the car.

“Wonderful. I was asked to be a young girl’s sponsor today.”

He looked over at me from the driver’s seat, his gray eyes bursting with pride. “Baby, I’m so proud of you.”

“Me too. I know how hard it is to ask for help, so I was honored she chose me.”

“You’re going to be amazing.” He brushed his lips over my knuckles.

Finally, we arrived at our destination.

It wasn’t often that Eden was used for a private engagement. Last year, we’d had a surprise birthday party for my friend Livvie, but that was the last time until now. The hallway leading to the public room was quiet when usually it pulsed with the beat of the music playing. It was funny how the place looked and smelled different when it wasn’t filled with Doms and subs playing and fucking. Bridget was the first person who spotted us.

“Yay, you guys made it.” She squealed and kissed my cheek before almost squeezing the life out of me.

Leo was bombarded with congratulations and eventually pulled away to no doubt talk work with the guys, while I hung with Bridget and a few other submissives. Throughout the evening, he caught my eye several times, and each time I had trouble deciphering his expression. I kept wondering what was going through his head.

I jumped when someone grabbed my hand. When I turned, it was to discover everyone had formed a circle around the room. My gaze darted downward, and I sucked in a breath to see Leo on bended knee holding up an open ring box. Nestled in the satin was the most gorgeous ring: a simple band with a row of diamonds across.

“You’ve been a part of my life for fifteen years. Even when we weren’t together, you lived in my heart. I’ve watched you claw through hell to get where you are today. Every day you amaze me, and I want nothing more than to be amazed by you every day for the rest of my life. I fucking love you. Gina Elizabeth Castillo, will you marry me?”

Cheers surrounded us, but I barely heard them. My entire focus was on this man before me. First we were friends, then enemies. Now, he was the love of my life. I’d been given a second chance at not only life, but at love, and I had every intention of grabbing it and never letting it go.

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