Page 103 of Secret Mission

Chapter Thirty-Two

The dam inside me collapses. A torrent overcomes me.

I crumble, falling hard and fast into an abyss, knowing she’s on the other side.

I’ve never cried like I do now.

Not even at the funeral. Not even that god awful day.

This is a purge of the demons in my soul. It’s ugly, raw, and twists my muscles into knots.

Tears soak the front of the shirt she’s wearing, my arms band so tight around her, I worry she’ll shatter.

“I’ve got you.”

Gentle,so gentle. She strokes her fingers through my hair as I unpack it all, bit by ugly truth—no words spoken. None needed. Just wracking sobs.

Oceans of tears.

And the sweetest embrace known to the world.

“Fuck, honey. I didn’t mean to melt down on you.”

She kisses the top of my head, murmuring softly, “It’s okay.”

Then, she presses her lips gently to the side of my face. The spot along the side of my neck too. “You’ve seen me unravel, now we’re even.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. But thank you for being my anchor in the storm.”

She leaves me for a few seconds, and I slump, my head in my hands. First, she passes me tissues, followed by a cool damp towel.

“Here, you’ll feel better when you hold this against your eyes. I know from experience.”

It makes me scowl when I think about her crying. But she pulls me up to my feet.

“Come on. Get that shower. I’ll get the door when they deliver the food.”

My neck snaps back. “Sweetheart, not dressed like that.”

She didn’t put on the shorts I left her.

And I know she's got nothing under that. Allison still doesn’t have any panties, and it’s clear she’s not wearing a bra from the slope of her beautiful breasts.

My possessive growl earns me a cute little eye roll. “I’ll tell them to leave the food outside.”

“That’s more like it.” I grab her and haul her up against me for a quick hug. Needing to feel that anchoring comfort one more time. “Don’t open the door for anyone.”

Eyes going solemn, she nods. “Promise.”

Fastest shower of my life.

Little bandages are all over the floor and shower stall when I emerge a minute later.

Haphazardly, I dry off and storm out of the bathroom, crashing into the door casing.

Relief hits when I see her, then vanishes when I realize she’s pacing.

“Hey, you okay?”

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