Page 61 of Bittersweet Redemption

When they finally break apart, Willa thanks Riley for staying with him and walks Roman back to the guest room. I’ve already told her she’s staying here tonight. One, because her house is still an active crime scene, and two, because I’m never letting her out of my sight again, especially while she has a concussion. I don’t care if Jake is locked up. Who knows what could happen. Someone else could break into her house. She could get stung by another bee. Her house could explode. I don’t know; I just want her here with me. Obviously, we’ll have to have a more serious conversation about that. But I already know what I want—her and Roman. They’re it for me.

And I can’t wait to tell her.

Once Willa has slipped into the guest room with Roman, I sink down onto my couch, blowing out a long breath. “Jesus Christ, what a day.”

“How do you think she’s doing?” Riley asks, taking a seat next to me.

I run my hand through my hair, which is shorter than I’m used to since I got it cut this morning. Shit. I can’t believe that was just this morning, even if it’s past midnight. “I don’t know. She’s been quiet, but she’s just trying to process everything. Physically, I think she’s ok, but we haven’t had a chance to talk about anything else yet. I don’t want to push her.”

“That’s probably a good idea.” She puts her hand on my shoulder. “And how are you doing?”

“I’m fucking exhausted.” I let out a sad little laugh. “And I’m freaking out about everything. I never want to let her out of my sight again, but I know I can’t realistically do that. I just, I don’t know. It killed me to see her hurt.”

Riley rubs my shoulder. “Yeah, I can’t imagine.”

“I’ve never been so scared as when I saw the blood on her front porch. And I’ve never felt so relieved as when she ran straight into my arms. I feel like I’ve been through every emotion all in one day.”

She gives me a sad smile. “Listen, you’ll probably get calls from local news stations wanting comments on the story. It’s best if you keep everything as vague as possible. Just something simple like, “We’re glad she’s home safe.” If this goes to trial, anything you say can be used by either side.”

“Got it. Thanks, Riley. Thank you both for staying with Roman. It means a lot, and I know it made Willa feel better that he was safe.”

“We’d do anything for you, Kai. You know that,” Kellan tells me.

“I know. Just. . . thank you.”

He nods, and I stand to give them both a hug as they leave. After I lock the door and double-check that all the cameras are working correctly tonight, I head down the hallway.

Willa is coming out of Roman’s room. I hold out my hand for her. She takes it without hesitation, and I take her to bed.

Chapter 31

Willa

The hot shower is exactly what I need after the day I had. The water washes the blood and dirt away, but more importantly, the feel of Jake’s kiss and what he said to me. It’s hard knowing he’s been watching me and planning out a life with me in his head. It makes me shiver just thinking about it.

Kai doesn’t miss it. “Are you ok?” he asks, rubbing body wash over my skin.

I nod. “Yeah, just. . . you know.”

His lips purse. “Yeah.”

He finishes washing me before wrapping me in one of his soft towels, brushing my hair, lotioning me up, and pulling one of his shirts over my head.

He tucks me into my side of his bed and crawls over me to his side, which makes me giggle. He pulls me as close to him as he can so I can feel his heart beating against my cheek.

“Thank you for being there today and making sure Roman was ok.”

“I’ve never been so scared in my life,” he whispers against my head.

“Really? After all you’ve been through?” I’ve never been to prison, but I imagine I’d be pretty scared if I had to go.

“Abso-fucking-lutely. I was worried I lost you. I was worried I would never get to wake up next to you or kiss you again. Watch you scrunch up your nose when you hear something you don’t like or listen to the ridiculous car noises you make when you play with Roman.” I laugh into his chest. “You’re my girl, Willa. Forever and always.”

I swallow. There’s something I need to tell him. Something I should’ve told him a while ago. “I need to tell you something.”

His arms tense around me. “Alright.”

“That night. . . with the jewelry store.” I close my eyes like that’ll somehow make this easier to say. “I told the police it was you when I knew it wasn’t.”