Page 96 of Ink

“Yeah, I’m sure,” I whisper, trying my best to keep the anticipation out of my voice.

I underestimated how much this man knows about me because as soon as the words are out of my mouth, he rolls us until I’m flat on my back and he’s staring down as he studies me, looking for any sign of hesitation.

“Zach’s dead.” Ink gives it to me straight, bracing for the breakdown.

But it doesn’t come.

At least not in the way he’s thinking it will.

Tears are pouring down my face, but I’m not upset he’s dead. Not even in the slightest.

All I can feel is relief. Relief because I’m finally free.

Ink does another roll, this time he’s the one on his back with me on top as he holds me to him.

“Let it all out, bunny. I got you,” he murmurs as he rubs my back.

The sobs rock through my body as Ink holds me, allowing me to have a space to release decades of pain I didn’t realize was slowly suffocating me.

“He didn’t deserve to breathe your air,” Ink tells me when the sobs subside. My cheek is wet from laying in a puddle of my own tears. “And he sure as hell doesn’t deserve your tears.”

My sweet man thinks I’m upset he’s dead and is still laying here and holding me through it, taking care of me no matter what.

He’s the first person in my life since my mom passed to show me love.

I know I look like total crap as I lift my head off his chest to look at him. My eyes already feel puffy and red. I can only imagine what they’ll look like in the morning. Ink’s face is filled with concern, hesitation swirling in those gorgeous blue eyes I love getting lost in.

He’s scared.

“I’m not crying because of him,” I whisper, hoping my eyes tell him how much this means to me. They must, because his face softens slightly at the sound of my voice. “I’m crying because the grumpy man who I’ve fallen in love with just set me free. It’s a gift I’m never going to be able to repay you for, Oliver. I don’t need to know the details. Knowing he’s gone is enough for me.”

His eyes are full of understanding as his thumb comes up and wipes away the last few tears trickling out. “We’re even, bunny. You saved me. I was well on my way to doin’ somethin’ stupid. I have somethin’ for you. Let me up,” he says as he lightly taps my ass, making me hiss. It’s still just as raw from when he was dishing out my punishment.

My brow lowers as I look at him, confused as he gets off the bed and goes to his discarded pants, digging around in his pocket.

I don’t have any clothes left on for him to cut off, so why is he doing this now of all times?

He comes back, messing with something in his hand and looking almost… nervous?

No, that can’t be right. The Ink I know has never been nervous in his life. A grumpy butthead? Absolutely. But nervous? No freaking way.

“Are you okay?” I ask because now I’m confused and concerned.

Was it me telling him I love him? It sounded too soon in my head, but it came out as word vomit in the moment. I’m not going to apologize for how I feel.

“I wasn’t able to find your ring,” he blurts out as he lays back down and pulls me over him so I’m lying on top again.

Titling my head, I say, “That’s okay. I’ll get a new one. I just haven’t had time.”

Ink shakes his head. “You won’t be doin’ that.” His hand darts out, snatching mine as he quickly slips something cold on my pointer finger. “I got you one.”

My eyes widen as my mouth parts and my stomach drops.

It’s gorgeous.

Little ravens are engraved on the silver outer band. Spinning it with my thumb, I smile as I feel the outline of a raven.

A part of Ink will always be with me.