Page 71 of Rampage

"They really can't hurt me anymore," I murmur, the realization settling into my bones like warm honey. "Any of them."

Reid shifts, propping himself on one elbow to look down at me. His eyes are serious, searching my face with that intensity that makes me feel completely seen.

"No, they can't," he confirms. "But healing takes time, Lily. Don't expect the fear to disappear overnight."

I nod, appreciating his honesty. "I know. But for the first time, I can imagine a future where I'm not constantly looking over my shoulder." My fingers trace the strong line of his jaw, the slight stubble rough against my fingertips. "A future with you."

Something flashes in his eyes—fierce, protective, possessive—before softening into tenderness. He captures my hand, bringing it to his lips to press a kiss against my palm.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promises. "Whatever comes next, we face it together."

The simple declaration makes my chest tight with emotion. Reid continues to study my face, his expression thoughtful.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask, suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny.

"I'm worried about giving you everything you deserve," he says gently. "Including normal experiences that weren't possible before."

The thoughtfulness behind his words touches me deeply. For so long, my life has been defined by survival, by lurking in shadows and avoiding attention. The idea of simple normalcy—of being able to go to a restaurant, see a movie, walk down the street without fear—felt almost unimaginable.

"I'd like that," I admit. "Though I might need some practice at being normal."

Reid's expression turns tender. "We'll practice together."

He pulls me closer, tucking me against his chest where I can hear the steady rhythm of his heart. We lie in comfortable silence for a while, his fingers tracing patterns on my back, my breath syncing with his.

“Together.”

ten

Lily

I wake with the sun streaming through the curtains, feeling strangely buoyant. The events of the past few days—Frank's arrest, the dismantling of his network, the freedom I never thought possible—have left me with an unfamiliar lightness.

Reid is already up, the smell of coffee drifting from the kitchen. I stretch languidly, marveling at how different everything feels. Today I return to the diner, back to my normal life—except nothing is normal anymore. Everything has changed.

"Morning," Reid says as I pad into the kitchen. He's standing at the counter in just his sweatpants, hair still damp from the shower. "How are you feeling about today?"

"Good," I reply, surprised to find it's true. "Ready to get back to some routine."

He hands me a mug of coffee, studying my face. "I wish I could drive you, but I have that hospital orientation I can't miss again."

"I know. It's fine." I take a sip, savoring the rich flavor. "Mason already offered to take me."

Reid nods, though I can see the reluctance in his eyes. He's been my constant protector for days; letting me out of his sight, even with his brother, doesn't come easy.

"I'll be fine," I assure him, stepping closer to rest my hand on his chest. "The diner is safe. Frank is in custody. I need this—to start living my life again."

His expression softens, and he bends to press a kiss to my forehead. "I know you do. I'm proud of you, Lily."

Mason arrives right on time, his truck rumbling in the driveway as I finish getting ready. Reid walks me to the door, pulling me into one last embrace.

"Call me if you need anything," he murmurs against my hair. "Anything at all."

"I will," I promise, rising on tiptoes to kiss him goodbye.

The morning air is crisp as I climb into Mason's truck. He greets me with a nod and a small smile, this one less intense than Reid's but no less genuine.

"Ready for the real world?" he asks, pulling onto the road.

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