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It was time I let go of my anger. It was time for me to move forward. And it was time to let my father’s spirit rest in peace.
My revenge was not worth losing the woman I loved.
Hazel smoothed out my rough edges and made me whole. I’d never be good enough for her, but I’d try my best to be who she believed me to be every damn day.
Without bothering to look at Terri, I shielded Hazel from his body and walked out of the room with her. The police would be here soon, and my contacts would figure out a way to make it look like I shot Terri in self-defense.
We stepped outside the back door, and Hazel stopped me. She pressed her lips to mine. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“I’ll always find you, no matter where you are.”
She grinned. “I believe that. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Hazel,” I responded.
Her eyes rounded. “Say it again,” she demanded in a breathless whisper.
“I love you more than life itself, Hazel Finley. And I want to spend the rest of our existence proving it to you.” I wrapped my arms loosely around her waist. “I will never put anything above you ever again. You are my priority and forever will be.”
CHAPTER 34
Hazel
Being in Jareth’s arms was now my favorite place to be.
We were lazing around in bed after getting home late last night. The police hadn’t kept us long after we gave our statements about what happened. Terri was in custody while he was being treated at the hospital for the bullet wounds inflicted by Jareth, but he wasn’t dead. They’d also found Tony a few blocks from the warehouse trying to get away.
I snuggled in closer, loving how his arm tightened around me.
“Good morning, Sunshine.” He placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head. The normal everyday moments like this were what I loved most.
I trailed my fingers across his abs, the stark white material of the bandage wound around my raw wrist a sobering reminder of Terri’s betrayal. “Morning.”
Jareth tilted my chin, his gaze narrowed in concern. “How are you doing?”
“Okay, I guess.” I released a soft sigh, not quite sure how to voice my feelings. “Is it weird that none of this seems real?”
“No. Everyone deals with stress differently. And what you went through last night will likely surprise you in ways you’re not aware of yet.” His jaw tightened and anger flashed in his eyes. “You’ll be okay, though. Because your safety and well-being is my number one priority. I will fight to the death for you, Hazel, if it comes to that.” His gaze pierced mine like a deadly spear as his words hung in the air between us.
My breath caught and I swallowed the lump that had begun to form. “I know, and having you here with me makes it all easier to deal with.” I held back a shudder, knowing that if Jareth hadn’t been able to find the strength to walk away from his revenge, I wouldn’t be in his arms right now.
He nodded.
“Last night wasn’t your fault,” I reminded him.
“It was my fault,” he growled. “But I assure you that I will never allow anything like that to happen again.”
I sat up straighter so we were at eye level. “I repeat: None of this was your fault. This is all Terri’s. He’s the one to blame.”
Jareth’s silence spoke louder than his protest.
“You came for me,” I reminded him.
“I’ll always come for you.” He gently picked up my hand, his eyes settling on the bandage, the fire of rage growing with each second. “I hate that he hurt you,” he ground out.
I didn’t brush away his anger or tell him to let it go. It would be a long time before he was able to do that. “I know.”
We sat in silence, each lost in our own thoughts.
