Page 57 of Raven's Curse
That would have been him if she hadn’t stuck by him. Refused to let him drown. And that simple truth had changed everything. Brought it all into sharp focus. He’d meant what he’d said. He couldn’t see a future without her in it. He’d already wasted months treading water — looking for forgiveness only he could give. Now that he’d stopped sabotaging their relationship, he knew exactly how he wanted it to play out.
And failure wasn’t an option.
He closed his eyes, content to lie there, holding her, watching the shadows dance across the room when his cell buzzed, the vibration shaking the nightstand. Greer startled, jumping awake before groaning — snuggling back against his chest.
He chuckled. “Easy, sweetheart. It’s probably just Foster.”
She sighed, drawing her thumb across his chest. “What time is it?”
“Not quite seven.”
Another groan. “You should’ve woken me hours ago.”
“Why? So you could fall on your face from sheer exhaustion? It’s only been five hours. Barely enough to qualify as rest.”
“Everyone’s tired.”
“But not everyone’s had to face what you have.”
Greer pushed onto her elbow. “Other than you.”
Chase reached up — brushed back some of her wild hair. “And you made sure I didn’t fall through the cracks. I’m simply trying to return the favor.”
Greer smiled down at him, and his damn heart stopped. Just froze in his chest for a moment before kicking back up. Leaving him breathless as he tugged her close — slanted his mouth over hers.
Definitely forever.
Greer smoothed her hand across his chest, tracing each band, looking as if she had something wicked in mind, when his damn phone buzzed, again. She laughed, snagged it off the nightstand, then handed it to him. “Looks like Foster’s pissed you didn’t answer his first one.”
“Foster’s gonna get my boot up his ass.” Chase read the texts, all that heat cooling.
“Judging by the slight frown, I’d say it’s not just a proof of life request.”
“Bodie needs to talk to us. He’s up at the main house.”
Her smiled dropped, all the light in her eyes dimming. As if hinting at last night’s events had flipped a switch. Taken her to the edge of the abyss, again.
Chase typed a quick reply, stopping her from rolling off the bed with an arm around her waist. He pushed up, holding her captive as he leaned in. “We’ll figure this out.”
“Before or after I have more blood on my hands?”
“Greer…”
He let the rest of the words fade. She didn’t need a pep talk. Or reassurances. She needed action. Results. Something tangible to put her faith in, and token promises weren’t going to cut it.
Instead, he drew her in, dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “No more playing by the rules. We’ve got more… questionable contacts. It’s time we went off-script.”
“Whoa, easy there, slugger. Before you go all John Wick, maybe we should hear what Bodie has to say.”
“Fine. But I mean it. I’m not letting this fucker hurt you.”
That earned him a small smile. “I know.” Another kiss, then she scooted off the side. “I don’t suppose you’ve got some sweats I can borrow? I really don’t want to put those scrubs back on.”
“They’ll be big, but…” He rummaged through his closet and tossed her some clothes, pausing to watch her slip into them. “You really are stunning.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, giving him a long slow sweep. “Says the man who looks like he just walked off a movie set. Not that I’m complaining.”
Chase tugged on some clothes, met her at the door. “You sure you’re okay?”
