Page 130 of Breaking Point

I nearly jerk as the words knock into me. So much has happened the past few days that I let myself forget reality.

“Shit,” I say as it all slowly starts coming back to me.

“What?” he asks suddenly.

Today’s Friday… Which means-

“I have a wedding tonight.”

For a second, he scans my face as his thumb sweeps the side of my neck.He suddenly breaks out in a laugh. “Not even being kidnapped stops you, huh?”

“It’s not funny!” I insist, but the more he laughs, the more I realize I can’t stop my own smile from taking over. "Wait- where's Ricky?? I haven't seen him-"

"Easy," he tells me. "He's back at the apartment. I think he's had enough of all the excitement. He's watching Chesna."

I feel myself relax again, but I still have the pressing urge to call and make sure he's okay. It's the least I can do after everything he did.

Without him...

I don't allow myself to consider the thought.

Crew's hands tighten around my waist, his eyes flickering with something devious. “Just wait until you see the mess Chesna made of the apartment.”

At the look on my face, Crew Warden laughs again. I can’t find it in myself not to laugh with him.

Epilogue

Liv

...Nearly One Year Later...

I check my watch for the third time, sighing when I realize it's been almost 20 minutes since he was supposed to be here. I'm practically shaking with anticipation, and as I set the last plate of dessert on the table inside the kitchen, I smile as the arrangement comes together.

Whiskey and cinnamon are strong in the air, and I smile as I straighten the vase of green lilies and button poms that decorates the center. Outside, streaks of orange and purple paint the sky and fade into the cerulean water of the Drumstone river. The open patio doors allow a chill breeze to dance inside, and when I hear someone yell my name, I call back,

"Just a sec! Don't come in yet!"

I shoot off a quick text before grabbing my bag and resting it on the hook in the foyer. Aleks' cane clacks against thehardwood floors, and I twist in time to see him descend the stairs.

His eyes widen as he takes in the scene, grinningas I stand in the middle of it. "Shit- I should've dressed up a bit more."

His slacks and knit sweater are perfect for the occasion, but I know he's complimenting me more than anything. Skar and Charlotte deserve a proper wedding shower- one they got a say in. Plus... planning tonight has been the most fun I've had in ages.

I smile, propping a hand on my hip as I stand beside him and admire my handy work. Skar and Charlotte's home in Venine is stunning- and I've gone all out with twinkling lights and brass candelabras. Even the dock outside is clad with gorgeous mix-matched tables and lanterns dangling from the trees. It helps that there's enough food to feed an army.

"I did a pretty good job, if I say so myself."

He nods. "Never seen so many flowers. It's perfect."

"Think they'll love it?" I ask. He hums softly. "Even Skar?" I quiz again.

"Doyoulove it?" he turns to look at me, and I can't help but admire the space again.

It's perfect.

The exact image I imagined in my head. I had the creative freedom to do anything I wanted. And I did.

"I do. I love all the green," I comment as I check my watch and look for any new text messages.

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