Page 181 of Heartbeats & Highways

“I want them both dead,” I seethed. “Ineedto know they’re dead.”

“What do you think we meant when we said you don’t have to worry anymore?” Savage asked softly.

I looked at him. “Really?”

He inclined his head. “I can’t tell you the details, but I promise you, I’m going to kill those motherfuckers myself.”

I reached over and grasped his hand, squeezing it tightly. I laid my head against his shoulder. “I’m so tired, Savage.”

“I know, baby.”

“I just want to go home.”

“Let’s get inside, finish our breakfast, and get home.”

I sighed. “Home. Yeah. I’m ready to go home.”

“Lay down,” Savage said, patting his thigh. “You look like you can barely stay awake.”

“Iamtired,” I admitted. I stretched out and placed my head on Savage’s lap.

“I can turn off the radio,” Duke said.

“It’s fine,” I said. “I don’t mind.”

I closed my eyes, and Savage began running his fingers through my hair. With each mile, I relaxed more and more. Savage had disappeared for a couple of hours before we left town and taken care of Calvin, and now I was determined to leave the past behind me. The Grand Patriarch couldn’t hurt me anymore. The doctor couldn’t hurt me anymore.

No one can hurt me anymore.

Sleep washed over me, and I fell into unconsciousness.

It wasn’t until the car slowed to a stop that I came awake.

“When are you going to tell her?” Duke asked.

“Soon.”

I yawned. “Tell me what?”

“That we’re here,” Savage announced.

I sat up and wiped my eyes. We were at the back of the bakery. It was past business hours and closed for the night.

We climbed out of the car.

“Thanks for everything, brother,” Savage said.

“No thanks needed,” Duke said. His eyes slid to mine. “Glad you’re back with us, Evie.”

I hugged Duke. “Congratulations. I never got to say—I don’t even know her name.”

“Christ, I don’t know her name either,” Savage echoed.

Duke placed a hand on Savage’s shoulder and looked at the man he considered a brother. “We named her Cooper.”

“Fuck, man,” Savage rasped. “I’m honored.”

The two of them had a moment and then Duke slapped Savage on the back.

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