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I close my eyes and sigh. The anger running through me evaporates and I release Agent Johanson, my arms dropping to my sides.
“Turn around,” Blake says in a hushed tone.
Slowly, I spin, bringing my gaze up to Dresden’s. He shakes his head, defeated.
“Who are you two,” Shannon asks with venom in her voice.
“Show them,” Hyde says, dropping his gaze to the floor.
Dresden slides his gun into his hip holster. With shaking hands, he pulls his wig off, revealing his shaved head. Looking at the floor, he pulls off his sunglasses, sighs, and lifts his gaze, meeting Shannon’s eyes.
She gasps— her hand flying to her mouth. “It can’t be . . .”
“Yeah, baby, it’s me,” he whispers.
She stares at him with stunned eyes. Slowly, every eye turns on me. My hands shake and I turn my gaze to Blake, Sorina nuzzled tightly against his good side.
“Everything we did was to protect you.” I pull the wig from my head, my long hair spilling down my back. Sorina gasps, tears spilling down her cheeks. I take a deep breath, removing the sunglasses from my face.
My eyes lock with Blake’s and his dilate. “You can?
?t be . . .” His voice is barely a whisper.
I take a step toward the bed and hold my left hand up. The engagement ring and bracelet both sparkle as the light catches them. Blake’s chest rises and falls rapidly. The monitor next to him beeps loudly as his heart rate spikes.
“Mom?” Sorina whispers, standing unsteadily.
She’s grown at least a foot in the last year. Her hair’s longer, her skin tan and flawless. Tears sting my eyes, but I can’t think of anything to say.
I nod. She lunges across the room, flying into my arms. I barely catch her and we both fall into the wall as her sobs overtake the room. I press her head to my chest, tears soaking my face. She’s warm and fragile, and I’ve missed her more than I realized.
“Mom, why? Why? We thought . . . you . . . Why?” she cries, pressing herself into me.
“I’m so sorry, Sorina. There wasn’t any other way.” I push her back and place my hands on either side of her face. “I’ve thought about you and Blake every day. Sorry doesn’t begin to tell you how bad I feel. I love you, both of you. I’ve always loved you and hell itself couldn’t keep me away from you forever.”
“Mom.” She pushes into my arms again, wrapping herself around me like a vine.
Sorina finally calms and pushes away from me, standing straight. She turns, meeting Dresden’s gaze and runs to hug him. “Welcome home, Uncle Dresden.”
“Uncle Dresden? When did that happen?” He chuckles, wrapping his arms around her.
I glance at Blake, my eyes moving to his left hand. The ring I gave him is still there.
“Could everyone please let me have a moment alone with my fiancée?” he says in an icy tone.
I sigh, looking at the floor— time to face the music.
†††
Blake sits up in bed, wincing as he moves his shoulder. I want to kiss every inch of his body, but his anger is palpable. Nothing is going to make this easier. No matter how much he loves me, I betrayed him— caused him pain beyond belief, and there’s a price for something like that.
“Say something,” he snaps.
“What do you want me to say, Blake?” I lift my gaze to his.
This isn’t how I envisioned our reunion, but I’ll take what I can get. He’s hurt, but he’s alive and I’m here with him again. It’s been my only thought for the last twelve months.
“Tell me why?”
