“We can’t talk about that,” Hunt interjected firmly, closing the distance, wrapping her in his arms.
Matteo laughed softly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I might need a little help relocating, for my safety.”
“Oh,” Lottie said. Then she nodded at Hunt. “Okay, yeah, let’s not talk about that.”
Hunt nodded, chuckling.
Stepping out of Hunt’s arms, Lottie hugged her brother again. “You’ll keep in touch? Once things settle for you. You’ll reach out?”
“I will,” Matteo said, holding her tight. “I want you in my life.”
A pause. Then she sniffed. “I want you in mine too. We can start over. Find a way through all this. Make our family better somehow.”
Hunt stayed back, letting them say a proper goodbye without getting in the way. He only moved to Matteo to shake his hand when they were finished talking. “Take good care of yourself,” he told her brother.
“I plan to,” Matteo said. Then smiled at his sister. “Bye, sis.”
Lottie gave a little wave, tears in her eyes.
With a heavy sigh, Hunt shut the door behind him and locked it, before he turned to her. She was smiling from ear to ear, tears rolling down her cheeks. He chuckled, moving toward her. “What’s that look for?”
“You did all this for me,” she said, grabbing his shirt and tugging him close. “You’re helping him forme.”
He cupped her face. “I’d do anything for you.”
Her loving smile was worth all the hell to get right to this moment. “So, what now for us, Hunt Walker?"
He gathered her in his arms and kissed her gently. “Now, Lottie Harlow, we’re going to get into bed and sleep for the next two days since I feel about ready to fall over.”
“Then?” she whispered.
He pressed his hand against her lower back and brought her close. “Then the next day, and every day after that, I’ll spend loving you.”
“I’m liking this idea already.” She smiled. Then her smile fell. “I still haven’t said it, you know.”
“Said what?” he asked, brushing his mouth across hers.
“I love you.”
Chuckling against her lips, he said, “You don’t have to, Lottie. I have always known you love me.”
“Maybe,” she said, “but I do love you, Hunt. I love you for waiting for me. I love you for fighting for me. I’ll love you forever.”
Happiness soared through him. Before his lips met hers again, he murmured, “And I’ll love you even longer.”
15
One month had flown by—a month of quiet happiness that Lottie never wanted to let go of. She felt her mother’s presence over the last month more than she ever had. All the pain had turned into peace. Leo was in jail awaiting his trial, but no one doubted he’d get life in prison. Especially since Chicago had a few charges they were going to tack on as well. She hadn’t heard from Matteo yet, but Archer had said he got him settled. She hoped he found a wonderful life, just as she had.
A life that led her back into Phoenix. Once she arrived through the underground tunnels and passed security, she felt like a part of her soul was back.
Though, as she entered the changeroom, full of lingerie on steel racks, she felt totally different. Life was different now. Hunt had sold his condo and moved into hers, and with the money from the sale, he’d offered to help put her through vet school. With the money she had already saved, her sights on opening a clinic once school was finished was possible.
With the future so bright ahead of her, she buried Marissa Ricci for good. Elise made sure of it. Her past could never jeopardize Hunt’s career, and for that, Lottie would forever owe all of her friends that helped them get here.
She moved to the red velvet bench where a black vinyl cutout bra, thong, and garter belt were left, along with thigh-high fishnets and black heels. One look at her outfit for the show, and heat simmered through her. She was never disappointed when a member requested her for a BDSM scene.
Only this time the heat came from knowing Hunt was waiting for her to join him. Her first night back in the club felt even more special knowing she’d finally stop fantasizing about Hunt in Phoenix, and she’d actually have him for real.
