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Finally I pull back, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. "Let's get you out of here."
I keep an arm around her as I guide her from that dark alley. I radio my men, and they have the cops come apprehend the fucker.
Willow presses close, still shaken. But the tremors slowly subside as we leave that place behind.
As we reach the car, Willow turns to me, her eyes filled with emotion. "I was so scared tonight. But you saved me."
She steps closer, her hands coming to rest on my chest. My heart pounds against her palm.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," she whispers.
Her lips part slightly as she gazes up at me. Unable to resist, I bring my hand to her cheek, caressing it gently. She leans into my touch, eyelids fluttering closed.
Slowly, I lower my head until our lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss. Willow melts against me, her body molding to mine. The kiss deepens, our suppressed passion finally finding release.
I've never wanted anything as much as I want her in this moment. My fierce, beautiful songbird. I vow now to never let her go. To stay by her side and keep her safe, no matter the cost.
We break apart, breathless. Willow's eyes shine like emeralds as she smiles up at me.
"I love you," she whispers.
My heart swells. "I love you too. With everything that I am."
I pull her close once more, more determined than ever to never let this precious girl out of my sight again. She is my light, my reason for being. And I will move heaven and earth to protect her.
Always.
EPILOGUE
Willow
My heart thudsagainst my ribs as Maverick's piercing blue eyes meet mine. We sit facing each other on the plush hotel sofa, our knees nearly touching.
"I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for me," I say, my voice low and earnest. "You've been my rock this past year. My protector."
Maverick reaches across the narrow space between us and takes my hand in his. "It's been my privilege to keep you safe, Willow. But you're not a job to me anymore. You haven't been for a long time."
His thumb traces slow circles over my knuckles. I shiver, desire coiling hot and low in my belly. We've been dancing around this for months, neither brave enough to cross the line between client and bodyguard. But that line has blurred beyond recognition.
"I want to be with you," I whisper. "As partners. In all things."
Maverick's eyes darken, his grip on my hand tightening. "I'll always protect you, Willow. Nothing will change that. We'll face the future together."
My heart swells. This formidable man has seen me at my most vulnerable, yet he looks at me now with such tenderness. I lean in close, breathing him in, willing him to close the distance between us.
Maverick's breath catches as I press closer, our lips just inches apart.
"This won't be easy," he says, his voice rough. "Your life is complicated. Dangerous. There are more Vincents out there. Freaks who would become obsessed with you."
I brush my fingers along his stubbled jaw. "I know. But I'm not afraid, not with you by my side."
Maverick closes his eyes briefly, a pained expression flickering across his face. When he opens them again, I see a tempest of emotion in those blue depths.
"I'll never stop protecting you. No matter what comes at us, I swear it. You are my everything, Willow. I hope you know that. I am obsessed with you."
His solemn vow sends a shiver down my spine. I know he means every word. Maverick has never let me down before.
I smile softly. "Then I have nothing to fear. As long as we're together, we can weather any storm."
