My words sound ominous because we both know what she’s risking with this story.
It will expose the inner workings of one of the most powerful crime families in the United States. One that has already proven the lengths they’re willing to go to in order to silence anyone who might stand in their way or have enough information to hurt them.
And what Raven has is enough to destroy them.
To bring down their entire criminal empire in a blaze of fiery glory.
Which means that’s exactly what they’re going to try to do to her and everyone she loves.
Her soft fingertips trail over my lips. “Thank you for telling me everything.”
It wasn’t everything.
I didn’t describe how it sounded to hear that blade entering his head. Or how nauseating it was to listen to those men choking on their own blood before I fired the kill shots. I didn’t tell her how I retched several times that night, how my knees were torn and bloody from falling to the ground to do that. Or that I’ve done it so many times since then. I didn’t tell her how I can still smell the blood and see it staining my hands…
There are some things I can’t say out loud.
Some things I won’t.
“Do you have everything you need to know?”
She purses her lips together. “I don’t know. I’ll go back and work on it. I might need a few clarifications or details.” Her gaze softens again. “I’m sorry?—”
“Don’t apologize, Firefly.” I press my forehead to hers again. “I’ll give you whatever you need. Always.”
15
ONE WEEK LATER
RAVEN
Staring at the screen, my heart lodges in my throat and tears begin to well in my eyes.
I’ve never been a crier, but in the last few weeks, I’ve found myself more emotional than I ever have been in my entire life. Whether it’s this place or the circumstances under which I’ve found myself here, something has shifted inside me in a way I’m not sure I like.
The emotions seem more real. Closer to the surface and harder to keep buried. Like this one that I absolutely shouldn’t be feeling right now.
Knock it off.
Stop it with the fucking waterworks, Raven.
I don’t know why I’m so emotional over this.
It should be a happy moment. One I’ve been working so damn hard for, that I have spent months pouring all my time and effort into making a reality. It is something to be celebrated.
But these aren’t happy tears.
They’re filled with frustration, uncertainty, fear, and maybe a hint of regret I didn’t think I would feel when this time finally came. Because even though it’s the end I’ve been working toward, it also feels like the beginning of the end of something I never even knew I might want.
The story’s done.
Finally, after all this time.
After all the phone calls made behind buildings to ensure no one would overhear. After all the clandestine meetings with sources made in back corners of dive bars and sitting on ripped benches at shitty diner tables. After all the looking over my shoulder, the worry about what I might be bringing down on the mountain…
It’s finally time to actually unleash the beast I’ve so carefully created.
I draw in a deep breath and blink away the moisture in my eyes. No matter how twisted up my emotions might be about completing the story, I refuse to let it be something bad.
