Page 167 of Possession

I trace his square, stubbled jaw with the tip of my finger. “Is there a chance you still could?”

He shakes his head, and his eyes are filled with regret. “No. I found out too late that it was an initiation and ran out of time.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I know how important that was to you.”

“It was. A year ago, the thought of leaving there without knowing who took Brian from us would have done me in.” His fingers brush the hair from my face and his dark eyes roam my features. “But I’m okay now. My work will put a lot of people in prison. A shit ton of drugs won’t touch the streets. And if Carson does his thing, the Marino Cartel will be no more. We also got the Jackals, the Deckers,” he pauses, “and your father.”

“It’s all a tribute to your brother.”

He shakes his head. “That’s not why I’m at peace with it. The only reason I can sleep at night is because of you.”

I blink. “Me?”

“In the end, I got you. I might’ve lost my brother who was more like a father after I lost my own, but I ended up with you. Brian would want me to be at peace, and be happy with you.”

He leans in and takes my mouth for a slow, deep kiss—morning breath and all. Tears sting my senses. I hang onto his bare body and ignore the fact he’s leaking from me.

When he lets go of my mouth, he tips his forehead to mine. “You’re coming home with me.”

I give him a small smile and try not to be sad about him not finding out who killed Brian. “Try to keep me away. When do we leave?”

“The day after tomorrow. I’ll be writing reports on this case for weeks. I can do that from New York. I’ll have to come back for court, but that won’t be for a while.”

I catch my lip between my teeth and admit, “My father’s attorney is a shark, Brax. He’s gotten him out of one predicament after another my entire life.”

He rolls to his back and pulls me with him, framing my face with his big hands. “You let me worry about your father. You don’t even need to testify to the deal he made with the Marinos if you don’t want to. We have the whole thing recorded. He might as well be testifying against himself.”

I’m steadfast in my answer. “I’m more than happy to testify against him. I want to, Brax.”

He pulls me in for a soft kiss. “You can always change your mind. You might feel differently when the time comes.”

“Can I go home before we leave? I have nothing besides the few things Micah brought us from Damian’s house last night. That will only last me a few days, and I hate wearing the clothes that were purchased by Damian.”

“I think I can make that happen.”

“Thank you.”

A slow smile creeps over his face.

“What?” I ask.

“I’m bringing you home with me. After the last two years, it’s hard to believe. I can’t wait.”

I smile. “I can’t wait either. But we’re making a mess. You’re leaking out of me.”

“I love you messy. I’m tempted to see just how messy I can make you, but we need to get to the office. Go get in the shower—I’ll clean you up.”

“Yes. Rocco’s twenty-four hours will be up soon. I want to be the one to talk to him.”

“You know, it’s not customary for non-law enforcement to question people we detain.”

“Oh, I’m not going to question anyone.” I say as I lean down to kiss him fast before climbing out of bed. “I plan to talk some sense into him.”

* * *

Brax

“Wait.He’s gone? We didn’t have to release him until later this afternoon. What the hell happened?” I demand.

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