Page 140 of Ruthless Rebel

“Morning.” I stand and look her over. She’s changed into one of her little dresses. It’s a good sign.

“Hi. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

“Never.”

She comes closer and stops a breath away.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fragile but I had to come down to thank you.Again.For saving me again.” she gives me a weak smile. “I wonder if the day will come when I stop needing to be rescued in some form of way. I’m sure it must be exhausting.”

“Not so much. It gives me something to do.” I grin back at her.

She gives me a little laugh, but the distress is still in her eyes.

“I’m grateful.”

“I know.” I touch her cheek and she rests against my hand.

“Were Gina and Eden okay?”

“They were fine. More worried about you. I told Gina you’d call her, or see her today. I wasn’t sure… if you wanted to stay with her. I didn’t want to be presumptuous.”

She gazes back at me. Despite the distress I find the light I’ve always loved in her eyes.

“I’m home,” she states with reflection.

“Home?” I search her eyes hoping she means that she’s coming back to me.

“Home.” She nods. “With you. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been more supportive when you told me what happened.” A tear slides down her cheek.

I shake my head and cup her face. “No. I don’t want you to be sorry about that. Ever.”

“I was so torn.”

“It’s understandable. I’m sorry we broke up in the first place.”

“I’m here now.”

“Let’s start over.” I kiss her quickly and she smiles against my lips.

“From which part? There are good things I don’t want to do over.”

“But they could be even better if we start at the beginning,” I suggest.

She giggles. “I like that.”

“Alright, let’s do it. Hi, my name is Jericho Grayson and I want you to be my girl. I want to show you off to the world so everyone will know you're mine.”

She smiles wider. “Hi, my name is River, I will happily be yours, if you promise to be mine.”

“Always, Mermaid.”

We fall into a kiss and I never want to be without her ever again.

Chapter36

River

---