“I want to get out of here.”
That was good enough for me.
Sammy packed up his gear while I wrapped my knives in a towel, grabbed everyone’s stuff, and threw the bags into the trunk of the SUV. By the time we were loaded, George had arrived.
“Take Frank to Dr. Silvio’s. It’s closer than going all the way back to Austin.” George nodded and pulled out of the drive with Frank and Sammy in the backseat, Sammy still putting pressure on Frank’s wound. The cleaning service would return Miri’s rental car, so we didn’t have to worry about that.
Miri and I climbed into the SUV and pulled out onto the desolate street. Even in the middle of the day, there wasn’t a single other car in sight. No words were spoken the entire ride back to Austin. None were needed. Miri alternated between leaning against my shoulder, clinging to my arm, and staring blankly out the window while I kept my hand on her thigh so she knew I was there for her. Besides, I didn’t think I could ever stop touching her
My girl was strong, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t worried how she would react to killing someone. Even a bastard as deserving as Cuchillo. We pulled into the drive of the mansion and Miri spoke for the first time since she shot and killed the man.
“I thought we were going to the hotel.”
I slid my hands behind her head and gently kissed her. “No, doll. It’s safe now. He’s gone.”
She exhaled a shaky breath. “Ca
t—”
“Everyone is already inside.” I rested my forehead against hers and her eyes fluttered closed. “You okay to go in?”
Miri swallowed. She met my gaze and nodded. “Yes. I-I think it’s time to start from scratch.”
I leaned back, my brows pulling low. “What do you mean?” Did she want to start over without me? No way would she leave. I wouldn’t allow it.
“I mean, let’s start over. Forget the past and go forward from here.” Miri dropped her gaze and bit her lip. “I don’t want to be a junkie anymore. I want to be Miri Murphy again.”
I released her and slipped out of the SUV. Miri tracked my movements as I circled the front of the vehicle and opened her door. Wordlessly, I gripped her tiny waist and lifted her from her seat, placing her on her feet in front of me. God she was so fucking strong. I was so damn proud of her.
“I don’t want you to be Miri Murphy.” She frowned and her big green eyes shimmered with tears. “Shit, I’m fucking this up.” I took her hands and fell to one knee, ignoring the gravel digging into my skin. “I don’t have a ring. I wasn’t planning… I didn’t expect so soon…” I huffed and shook my head. “How do you feel about becoming Miri Bosman?”
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, but she shook her head. “No.”
“No?” Fuck, had I misread this entire relationship?
“I won’t be Miri Bosman, but I’ll be Miri Sinclair.” I must have looked as confused as I felt, because Miri laughed. “Your new identity, remember?”
Damn, no, I hadn’t remembered. “Jack Sinclair.”
“Yes. So, does the offer still stand?” she asked, the corner of those pink lips twitching.
“Is this because you want to marry me or because you hate your new name?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
She giggled, and it was the sweetest fucking sound I’d ever heard. “Both.”
I stood and crushed her in a hug, whispering in her ear. “I’ll take it. I would hate for you to be stuck with Madeline Grossman.” I tried to hide my amusement and failed, my shoulders vibrating as I chuckled.
Miri gently pushed my chest. “You jerk. I knew you hated it.” She made a face. “Grossman. I mean, really.”
I took her chin between my thumb and forefinger, holding her gaze. “So you’re serious? You’ll really marry me?” I watched her eyes carefully, studying her reaction. They softened and she gave me a shy smile.
“I’d love to marry you, Jag.”
I lowered my mouth, capturing hers in a perfect kiss. Miri slipped her arms around my neck and pulled me down, begging for more. I palmed her ass and picked her up. Miri automatically wrapped her legs around my waist and I turned and held her against the SUV, thrusting my tongue deep into her mouth, letting her know she was mine and I would never let her go. She returned my kiss with just as much enthusiasm, opening for me, allowing me to take charge as I devoured her until we were both gasping for breath.
“Let’s go inside,” I murmured against her lips, my voice raspy with lust.
“Take me to your room, Jag,” she purred, thrusting her hips against my rock-hard dick.