Page 172 of Corrupt Me

Dressed impeccably in a structured, long-sleeved blue gown with a draped bow and red diamonds, she strides over to Felix like a supermodel on the runway—elegant, self-assured, captivating, and oozing power.

“I’m sorry. I know how much you wanted to kill him, but his death is mine alone,” she says. “Rot in hell, asshole.”

Then she pulls out the gun strapped to her exposed thigh and shoots Felix between the eyes. The bullet rips through the air with finality as we all stare at her in muted shock.

Dane comes out of the cabin just in time to see the entire scene. He quickly ushers us to a safe distance before everything explodes. Cement and wood splinter, raining down around us along with body parts.

Cassandra sweeps her gaze over us when the carnage settles. “You did a fantastic job. I am very proud of all of you.”

Looking from Dane and back to the flames, she continues, “My mother told me about your penchant for setting things on fire. Impressive. Now head back home. We’ll meet you at the estate after taking care of this.”

Hunter takes my hand, and the group and I start walking toward the forest until we come to another van. The others jump inside first, and I am about to follow when Hunter pulls me back. The group eyes him quizzically, but he just shuts the door in their faces. Turning me around, he stretches out his hand for me. I take it, having no idea where this is going.

Right then, the sky opens, and rain drizzles on us as if baptizing us for a new life.

“Will you dance with me?” he asks, his voice filled with emotion.

“But we don’t have music.” Not that it would matter. Elation makes me giddy.

He snakes his hands around my back, pulling me closer to his chest. As I lock my arms around his neck, he begins to softly sing “Wicked Game.” His raspy, deep voice carries the soulful melody, and I listen, completely entranced.

“I didn’t know you could sing.” I am in awe, and so in love with him that I feel like I might burst.

“I’ve never sung for anyone before.”

“I love your voice,” I say as he twirls me around. I can’t believe we’ve made it. And to top it off, I am having the most romantic moment of my life—dancing with my man under the moonlight and rain while he sings to me.

“Then I’ll sing to you all the songs in the world. I’ll dance with you until the end of time.”

I sigh dreamily, contentment settling deep in my soul. “I’ll only ever dance with you,” I vow softly.

Placing my cheek against his chest, the rest of the world fades away. It’s just us, wrapped in our little world.

Our eyes lock when I lift my chin, and I see my entire future playing out in his. “Those eyes of yours…” I inhale deeply, trying to form coherent sentences when it feels like I am high on endless love and pure joy. “Those silver eyes that peer right into my soul and devour my heart, they make me want—”

“What, Bailey?” he asks, his features drenched in determination as if he lives to make all my wishes come true.

“To have their entire attention, be the center of their focus… that they see only me and no one else…”

Cupping my cheek and neck with both hands, he lowers his forehead to mine, his voice as soft as balm but firm like steel. “They do. Ever since I laid eyes on you for the first time and until I close them forever. I love you, Bailey. And I will never stop.”

“I love you, Hunter. Until there’s no trace of me left.”

We seal our promises with a deep kiss before climbing into the van to join our friends.

A collective sigh of relief fills the air as we sit together. The emotions are high, evident in the exchange of glances.

We did it. We won. We’re free. As we hold on to the people we love, we can finally move away from the corrupt legacy and the threat to our lives.

“We made it,” Kaden says, clearly relieved.

“We made it,” we all echo in unison.

I lean my head on Hunter’s arm, and he caresses my side.

“You’re mine now. Forever, kitten,” he whispers in my ear, and butterflies swarm in my belly.

“I am. But so are you.”

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