Page 120 of Double the Redemption

Ice contemplated for another moment, then looked at Simba. “I’ll do it.”

Simba glanced at Glitch, who gave a barely perceptible nod, and Jag, who also agreed. “Alright, then we’ll do that. We’re going to need to work with you to make sure this is flawless.” He looked at Savage. “I’m going to need you to send him to us for a couple of weeks.”

“Done. We’ll figure things out here while he’s gone.”

Ice nodded.

Naomi sank into Ink. They were almost finished. She had to die first, but then she would be free.

The question was, what was she going to do with her freedom when it was all done?

44

INK

The silence of the apartment was deafening. He paced, unable to sit. Naomi had gone to check on Asher, who was still fast asleep, and he was grateful for the moment alone.

He’d had to sit for the last hour and listen to the plan be made. The plan to murder his woman in broad daylight when he couldn’t be there to protect her.

Sure, it wasn’t real, but that didn’t make him feel too much better.

And he felt guilty about asking Ice to do this for him, to put himself through that stress, but he couldn’t take it back. Wouldn’t. His brother and friend meant a lot to him, but Naomi was his world. He couldn’t trust just anyone with her. He’d have to talk to him later, knowing his history, but he’d never been so grateful to have someone willing to do this.

Ice would make sure she came home to him in one piece.

But would this always be home for her? Or when this was all over and she was free, would she want to take Asher and leave? He’d meant it when he said he’d go Nomad, but maybe she wouldn’t want him to go along. Would he be left here to wonder and wait if she’d ever come back to him?

“Ink?” Naomi’s voice was soft, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

He spun around and looked at her. Really looked at her.

She was everything. She was his everything. This slip of a woman came into his life when he wasn’t looking for anything or anyone. So content with the way things had been going.

Instead, she’d shattered his walls, shattered any illusions he clung to about what he wanted or thought he needed.

Her and Asher. That’s what he needed. Only them.

He moved toward her, determination in every step. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t try to stop him when he scooped her up and carried her to their room. He needed her alone. He needed her.

He needed to make her want to stay with him.

Shutting the door, he didn’t lock it in case Asher wanted them. Naomi had already put the monitor in here so they’d hear him, which meant he had time.

“Ink, honey, what’s wrong?” she soothed when he climbed over her. She played with his hair. “I know you’re worried about everything, but we have time to make sure every detail is right. Don’t stress yourself out over it.”

“I’m going to stress out about it until the day this is finished, Naomi. You’re going to be shot, and I don’t know that you’ve thought this through. The vest is going to save your life, but you’re still going to be in pain. You’ll be lucky if you don’t have broken ribs.”

“I’ve had them before when Diego was in a particularly foul mood. I can handle it. And you’ll be here to help this time.”

He stared at her. “And what about after your ribs heal, Naomi?” he muttered. His heart pounded, equally terrified and hopeful of her answer. “What are you going to do after all this is over?”

She stilled, her eyes widening. “Ink, that’s what this is about?” Her tone gentle, she cupped his cheek. “You’re worried that when this is over I’m going to want to leave?”

“Of course I am, Naomi. And the logical part of me knows that I have no right to ask you to stay. To build a life with me here. You’ve already had so much taken from you, and you’re going to want to do that. You’re going to want to see everything you’ve missed while under Diego’s thumb. And you should, you definitely should, but I’m selfish and want those plans to include me. To experience them with you.”

Her thumb brushed his cheek as she looked at him. It felt like she was staring directly into his soul, but he had nothing to hide from her. Let her see it all, to show he was hers. That he was ready to give up everything for him.

Finally, she whispered, “Ink, do you know what I felt and thought today when I saw my father and sister on those cameras near you and Asher? I was terrified, and I screamed that I had to get to you both. Not just Asher, but you too. Because I was terrified of losing you too. I was terrified that I would lose my son and the man I love in one moment. It nearly broke me. Then I saw you clutching Asher, protecting him even as you ran for me, and I’ve never been so relieved. Not just because Asher was okay, but because you were too. I love you, Ink, and everything snapped into place for me about how much I need you.”