Page 79 of Where He Ended

I know that feeling all too well.

She's crying openly now, her forehead digging into my shirt. “I'm sorry,” she chokes out. “I'm just so sorry.”

“Me too,” I reply seriously.

The river rushes beside us, the gentle, constant roar of it mixing with Kara's cries. Eventually the river is louder. She trembles, sliding from my arms, wiping at her eyes as she gathers herself together. “Laiken is lucky,” she whispers. “She was always so certain that you were a good man. Even after I tried to prove otherwise, she just knew.”

“I'm the lucky one.” Staring into her eyes, I let my voice drop into a solemn baritone. “If you hadn't been watching her back, it would never matter how much I wanted to keep her safe.” I scrub my hand over the back of my neck. “Honestly, even when I knew, I still did it wrong. I fucked up so many times.”

Her chuckle is soft, but real. “If I can be forgiven for my fuckups, I'm sure you'll be okay.”

Studying her half-smile, I let my own grow outwards. “I guess we'll see.”

“We will,” she agrees, scanning the trees over my shoulder. “I really appreciate you helping fix this place up. I don't know if Mom and Dean will stay, I'm sure she wants him back in school. He’s not used to living out in the woods, you know?” She pauses, looking back my way. “Honestly, I'm not sure I am, either.”

“You don't have to stay here. There's no obligation.”

“I know.” She shuts her eyes then smiles at me so brightly I'm stunned. “I'm not used to having all these options. When we were young, Laiken and I knew only this life. Then we only knew how it was to live in captivity. Thing is, both of those left us secluded. I'm curious what else is out there.” Turning, she starts to wander down the river. “I've always wondered what Switzerland is like.”

A sharp, sympathetic pain stabs me. “Kara, if you ever want to knowwhereBernard died—”

“You'll tell me. I know.” With a faint smile still on her lips, she keeps walking away. “Thank you, Dominic. For everything.”

Watching her go, I shield my eyes from the sun. I might be imagining it, but she looks like she's moving lighter. As if what we spoke about has eased her soul. I don't think I deserve any credit for that. I'm just relieved to think she'll be able to sleep easier, now that she's done blaming herself for Bernard's death.

I'm envious. I'm not there, myself. Not entirely.

Starting back towards the cabin, I lift my head and see Laiken approaching. I'm ready to defend myself—I don't want her thinking I was slacking off on the job—but then Iseeher and I just freeze. She's wearing a pair of torn jeans, her shirt loose so that the neck scoops low over her breasts. It's spotted with dirt and sweat and somehow, it makes her even sexier.

Her eyes meet mine. “I wanted to see if you wanted some water. I was bringing bottles to the guys out front and—hey!” She doesn't finish her thought; she can't with my mouth sweeping across hers.

Kissing Laiken is my favorite thing—well, next to holding her. I can never get enough of it. The sensation of her solid body curled against my chest is serene. I touch her constantly. I can't help myself. I wonder if I'll ever get used to the fact I can be with her wherever she is in the world.

Keeping her upper arms wrapped in my large hands, I lean away and take a breath. I wish I didn't need oxygen. It's so damn inconvenient. Laiken's eyes sparkle warmly on me, her lips tempting me with their redness from our kiss. “Wow,” she whispers. She clears her throat. “What was that for?”

I don't need a reason, but one slips out of me. “For being here.” I hesitate. “And for meeting the real me long before I even did.”

Her airy buzz mellows as she studies me. “What?”

The letter “f” in “forget it” is on my tongue. I shove it aside, linking her fingers in mine, holding her hands between us. “I never got a chance to apologize for pushing you away.”

“Which time?” she asks, trying to lighten the mood.

“All of them.”

She squeezes my fingers. “Dominic, you don't have to be sorry for all of that. I know you were doing what you thought was right.”

“That's just it, though,” I say, sweeping my eyes over her face, imploring her to understand a hint of my regret. “So many times I thought I was doing what was right for other people. For my parents . . . for Bernard.” I swallow loudly. “For you, too, Laiken. I was sure I was walking the right path. Then when that road became twisted and bleak, I convinced myself it was what I deserved. I was so set on being in control—making a place for myself in this world—that I let myself ignore the one right in front of me.”

Laiken forces her grip from mine causing pain to wrap around my heart, smothering it. Even a hint of her rejection can undo me. But she isn't rejecting me; she's letting go so she can press her palms to my cheeks, making me look into her crisp, winter-blue eyes. “Do you remember how we first met?”

“Of course I do.”

Her fingers spread, tracing my stubble. “Then you remember how things began for us. You started out protecting me. You didn't know me at all, you didn't have any idea what mattered to me.” I glance at her hair where it drifts loosely by her ears as she says that. “Even then, you stepped forward, going out of your way to keep me safe.”

“Then I let you suffer for years at my parents' hands.” I clench my eyelids shut, scowling. “The night you tried to run, I should have let you. When I was sitting in my car, ready to drive to the Complex and see what was going on, I saw you before you saw me. I had a split second where I thoughtshe's fast enough to make it to the gates and slip out.”

Her lips press together before she speaks. “What made you stop me?”

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