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“Just for a year. Then he served in the Italian Army during World War I and now is considered a hero there.”
“That’s crazy.”
“My mom’s penchant for stealing is one of the reasons she and my dad divorced. Problem is she was so damn good at it. And, of course, she taught Addie everything she knew. So, I guess you could say my sister is carrying on her legacy.”
“I’d like to meet her,” Harper said with no hesitation. “After we defeat The Agency.”
We.She made it sound like she was staying with him. Was that even a possibility? He couldn’t think about it. “Even though she’s a thief?” Ryland asked, voice skeptical.
“Sure, why not? You’re an assassin and I think we get along pretty well,” she teased.
The corner of Ryland’s mouth edged up. “God, what am I going to do without you?”
“We don’t have to worry about that because I’m coming with you.”
“Harper…” But hope lit his heart. Maybe—just maybe—she could come. But it was asking so much of her. Even so, he felt his resolve crumbling because he wanted it just as badly as she did.
“I’ve made up my mind.”
Stubborn, little thing.He released a pent-up breath, caving to her. And to his own selfish wants and desires. “You have to be sure. And I’m talking one-hundred and ten percent fucking positive because there’s no going back. You understand it means you would have to die with the rest of us?”
“I understand.” She clutched his hand. “I’d like to say goodbye to Savannah, though. If that’s possible.”
His heart stuttered. She was fucking choosing him. Choosing a future together despite the danger. A warmth spread through Ryland’s chest and he laced his fingers through hers. “You’ll stay with me?” When was the last time someone had chosen him? His heart clenched.
Never.
She tilted her head and gave him a small smile. “You think you can just fake your own death and get rid of me? No way, mister. I’m not letting you go that easily.”
“I don’t want to get rid of you, sweetheart. But I also can’t ask you to give up a normal life and go into hiding with us for God knows how long.”
“You’re right. You don’t have to ask because I’ll gladly do it. As long as Savannah knows I’m okay, that’s all I care about.”
For a moment, Ryland mulled over her words, considering every angle. The Agency wanted Ex Nihilo dead. And once that happened, or they believed it had happened, they would have no need for Harper, her sister, or any of their family and friends.
Ryland knew he should send Harper home. Let her go. But the self-serving bastard inside him wanted to keep her close and never let her go. And what better way to do that than to make it permanent? Make it forever. If she was going to take a leap of faith, then so would he.
He could make Harper his wife. Something that he’d been thinking about since the moment she started breathing again after he pulled her out of the water. Because even though he was aware that he was doing the same thing his father had done years ago, Ryland wanted to handle it differently.
“I’m thinking some things right now,” he said slowly. “Maybe crazy things.”
“I’m in,” Harper said with zero hesitation.
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”
“If it involves you and me, I’m saying yes.”
He lifted her hand and asked, “What about if it involves you, me and forever?”
“Forever?” she echoed.
Ryland pressed a kiss to the ring finger of her left hand. “Yeah, forever.”
“I’d say the forever stories are the best ones. And I’d like a forever story with you, Ryland.”
Holy shit, she’s saying yes.Ryland’s throat closed as he slid off the bed, dropped down onto his knee and pulled her closer.
“I’m going to do this right. Or, at least semi-right since we’re both naked and it’s the middle of the night.”
