“That’s why I killed him. I’m sorry I scared you. I’m sorry you had to see that. If I could take it away, I would.”
He held me tight, and I buried my face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent and letting it comfort me. I took a few deep breaths, then relaxed against him.
“I’m okay. I really am.” I sat up and met his eyes. “Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I’m glad he’s dead.”
“You have every right to feel that way. You’re safe now. You don’t have to worry about him anymore. You’re free. You can go wherever you want. You don’t have to stay here.”
My heartbeat accelerated again. “Is… is that what you want? Do you want me to leave?”
“No. I want you to stay. I need you here. I love you.”
He kissed me, and the world spun faster and faster, but this time it was a thrilling ride, not a whirlwind ready to toss me to my death.
When Grant pulled back, I cupped his face. “You know I love you too, right?”
“That’s what you said to me, isn’t it? In there with Trey?”
I nodded. “I wanted you to know in case… in case you were trying to sacrifice yourself and one of us didn’t make it.”
“No way in hell was I going to let that fucking bastard kill you. Do you have any idea how much you mean to me?”
“Maybe. I’m so glad I found you.”
“Me too.” He hugged me to him, and I finally let myself hope this really could be permanent, that Paradise Ranch really might be home.
“We need to check on Rogue, and Trey said he had men going after Ghost.”
“I’ll relay the message, but I’m not worried. They won’t catch him. Can you walk?”
I started to respond, but he shook his head. “Never mind.”
He picked me up and carried me down the stairs like I was a princess.
“Oh fuck. Is Jacob okay?” Rogue’s voice sounded far too weak.
Grant glared at TJ. “You said my brother was fine.”
“He is. He’s got a hell of a lump on his head, but his eyes track, he can focus, and he doesn’t seem to have any memory loss,” Rhys said. He was seated on the floor by the couch where Rogue was now lying.
“I’m so sorry, Rogue.”
“It’s not your fault.” He said the words slowly, but the smile he gave Jacob was completely normal.
Grant turned back to Rhys. “Is everything okay in the barn?”
“Perfectly fine.”
“What happened in the barn?” I asked.
“Nothing bad. Don’t worry about it.” Grant’s answer was too hurried to be truthful, but I would ask him again later.
Rhys frowned at me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I looked up at Grant. “Put me down. I promise I can walk.”
I moved closer to Rogue. “What happened here?” I pointed to the bloody bandage wrapped around his arm.
Rhys answered before Rogue could. “We think he cut himself as he fell.”