For the rest of the ride, I didn’t take my gaze off her.
Every part of me yearned to yank her close and kiss those lovely lips. Hard and fast. I needed to plunge my tongue into her mouth. But the focus was making sure there was no more damage to her. I heard her scream before running into the church. She shouldn’t have been in the water for too long. But only God knew what had truly happened to her.
Did Pastor Miller torture her? Pushing her in and out of the water? Had he done more to her—mentally and physically?
Whatever had occurred could take a long time for her to heal—hours, days, weeks, months. It didn’t matter how much time she needed. Not even if it would take her years. I would stand by her side the whole time, loving and protecting her.
Soon the other agents would know about our relationship, even my father. It would be hard to hide with me remaining by her bed in the hospital. Nothing could get me to leave.
I’d told her earlier that we could hide our relationship.
I no longer agreed.
Everyone would know about us if I had to scream it out over and over myself. And then I would let the cards fall where they may.
While it wasn’t against the agency for us to date, it was highly frowned upon.
I no longer cared about any of that.
They can frown and grimace all they want. My father could bitch about it too. I won’t stop being with her. I can’t. I need her.
It could cost us our positions, and I would have no regrets.
Not one.
I fucking love her, and I won’t hide for anyone.
Chapter 37
Peace
Haven
I twisted back and forth, fighting Pastor Miller in my nightmare.
“The Lord is my light.” He shoved me down into the water.
“Fuck you!” I wasn’t tied up this time. I was free and ready to beat his ass. I slapped him.
He laughed and slapped me back. “The Lord is my light!”
“He’s not!”
“Get in that water!” He slammed me down into the baptismal pool.
I screamed in the water. Bubbles swarmed around me. I struggled, kicking my feet and splashing my hands. Fear squeezed her heart, a tight grasp that had me gasping. My heartbeat thudded in my ears.
I shot up in bed. “No!”
“Haven, everything’s all right.” Alexander pulled me close to him and held me. “I’m right here. Don’t worry. I’m right here, baby.”
My chest heaved back and forth. Sweat coated my flesh, making my t-shirt stick to my skin.
“I’m not there,” I whispered. Tears fell from my eyes. I held Alexander closer to me. “Oh my God. Damn it. I woke you again. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t care about that.” He gently lay me back down, but never let me go.
I found comfort in his huge muscular arms. My body sagged into his hardened frame. For the past week, I’d taken strength from his protection and adoration.
As soon as I was allowed out of the hospital, Alexander took me away, put me in the car, and drove me out of Fullbrooke.
I widened my eyes. “Where are we going?”
He kept his grip on the steering wheel. “Far the fuck away from Fullbrooke.”
“But. . .I have to see my mother—”
“She’s at the airport, waiting for us.” He drove us onto the highway.
I put my seat belt on. “She’s at the airport?”
“Yeah. I bought her a plane ticket too.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Where are we going?”
“To a beach. Stein and I always go to an island after we finish a big case.”
“So, we’re going to the Caribbean?”
“No, that’s not far enough from Fullbrooke.”
I laughed. “Then, where?”
“Bali.”
“Wow.” I shook my head.
We flew out of Georgia and landed in Bali twenty hours later. It was a long flight, but the first-class area was filled with nothing but fun. Tina and Brett came along. In between sleeping, Mom chatted with them and made me laugh.
That had been a week ago.
Naturally, Bali was very different from Fullbrooke. It was sunshine and beauty. Dancing and fun.
The island was home to an ancient culture known for its warm hospitality. Mom, Brett, Tina, Alexander, and I toured exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural settings. On romantic evenings, Alexander and I dined on exotic, local cuisine. On the beach, we sipped champagne and watched breathtaking sunsets.
One weekend, we met Brett and Tina at a club and jammed it up on the packed dance floor. There, I discovered that Alexander was quite the dancer, twisting and turning me eloquently with the beat. I could barely keep up.
Now it was the second week. We’d already ventured off with my Mom a few times to check out the towering volcanoes and pristine jungles.
Alexander disturbed me from my thoughts. “We should talk about your dream.”
Returning to our bedroom, I lay against his chest. “Oh God. I can’t believe I had the same dream again.”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not.” I frowned. “When will the nightmares stop?”
“It takes time.”
“I want to be done with this.”
“Give it time, Haven.”
In the moonlit darkness, I gazed up at him. “What would I do without you?”
“You’ll never know.” He kissed my forehead and then ran his fingers through my hair. His voice grew intense. “I already told you that I’m never leaving your side. I love you.”
My heart warmed. “I love you too.”
And I meant every word.
So much had happened.
We’d shared things that others hadn’t.
Will we ever get over it all?
Pastor Miller had died from Alexander’s bullet. The agency was still investigating the situation and had placed Alexander on leave until further notice. His father told him that it was more a formality.
Our relationship came up. The higher ups had a lot of unease with it. I’d been told that I may not return to the unit due to the relationship. While I knew the position might have been temporary anyway, I enjoyed working with Alexander, Brett, and Tina. For now, I remained on thirty-day sick leave. I had no idea what would happen when I returned.
I hope they let me stay with the unit.
Meanwhile, Vernon pled guilty to kidnapping and suffocating the Fullbrooke Six. For now, he sat in jail. Soon he would have a sentencing in court.
I’d called Mrs. Mable a few times to check on how the church was doing. She was so brokenhearted she retired from the church. Attendance had weakened too. No one could enter the building without thinking of the monsters.
Mrs. Mable caught me up on other things. She told me that Vernon’s mother went to visit him in jail each week, but he always refused to see her. He only took visits from his grandmother. Poor Mrs. Miller remained in the house most of the time. Mrs. Mable said she only came out to shop for groceries or go see Vernon.
Additionally, many of the Fullbrooke Six’s parents moved out of the state. I’d heard Melody Luther’s mother had gone to New York and began a nonprofit to help parents with missing children. There were even whispers that she’d gotten engaged to a Manhattan lawyer with kids.
Meanwhile, the sad news of Pastor Miller and Vernon spread across town and the State. Due to the scandal, the Colors of Love was taken off air. Ratings had been lowering anyway. Perhaps, they thought it was due to the serial killings in the town where it was filmed. Or maybe, the world was tired of unrealistic love stories about slaves and their masters.
Weeks ago, Sean visited me in the hospital twice. It had been awkward moments. Alexander remained by my side, holding my hand. Sean barely stayed for a few minutes. Granted, he probably didn’t want his family knowing he was coming to see me anyway. But I knew that he saw the love in Alexander’s eyes and the fierce way he held my hand, tel
ling all to stand back.
I never saw Sean again.
Sheriff Michaelson and Sheriff Bran faced their own problems too. Once the Angel Maker had been dealt with, an investigation opened up into the dead Deputy Martelle. With a search warrant, the FBI hacked into the Tipsy Pig owner’s cloud. There, they discovered footage of both sheriffs discussing drug trafficking. They had even laundered close to a million dollars for a local biker gang in Colesville. Some of those money drops had occurred right at the Tipsy Pig’s bar. The dead deputy had also carried out many of those exchanges. Sheriff Michaelson, Sheriff Bran, and several of their deputies now sat in jail, awaiting their days in court.
Jesus. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down.
Noise sounded from the first level of our new island home.
I sniffed the air. “Is that bacon?”
“Yes.” Alexander grinned. “My mother is up cooking early.”
“Your mother? Really?”
“She will be my mother-in-law. She tells me that all the time. I might as well get used to it. Either way, she’s been down there for a while.”
I grinned. “Mom is still doing the most.”
“She’s amazing.”
“True, but Mom has enjoyed her time in Bali so much that she’s spoiling the shit out of you.”
“Do you think she likes her villa?”
Alexander had rented her one for a month. It sat twenty feet behind our house. It was luxury to the key and even provided a cleaning lady that came by her place twice a week. At the moment, Mom was living her best life, snapping selfies on the beach, and bragging to all her friends back in Fullbrooke.
And just in case she felt a little lonely, Alexander gave her keys to our place to let her know she was always welcome. She took that invitation and made us breakfast every morning. The whole time she hinted that she wanted grandbabies and that spring was a great time for a wedding.
I raised my head to check the clock. “She’s here super early. It’s six in the morning.”
“Because it’s Wednesday.”
“What?” I giggled. “Why does that matter?”
“She has an early yoga class on Wednesday. It’s at 6:30. She’ll be heading out soon.”
“How do you know that?”
With a wicked smile, he shrugged. “Sometimes, I sneak out of bed and chat it up with her.”
“Oh God. You two are quite the little pair these days.”
“She’s so much fun.”
I laughed. “I’m glad you both like each other.”
“Me too. Especially since she’ll be my mother-in-law one day.”
“Will she?”
“Yes. You don’t have much of a choice, Agent Barron. I told you before; I’m not going anywhere.”
“Wow. You’re lucky that I’m fine with that decision.”
“No.” He kissed my lips. “You’re lucky that I don’t have to chase you because I always catch the person that’s running.”
“You sure do.”
I stretched and left his hold. “I should go down and thank her.”
“No. She usually leaves in a minute.” Before I knew it, he gathered me back in his arms. “Let’s talk about that nightmare.”
I frowned. “We’re not talking about it.”
He ran his fingers through my hair. “I told you that you had to talk about your nightmares, so they would go away.”
“Well, we’ve talked about them and they haven’t left.”
“You want a counselor?”
I groaned. “No, but I probably should.”
“I’ve gone many times after tough cases. It’s completely normal.”
“I feel broken.”
“Parts are broken. That’s a fact.”
My frown deepened. “Did you have to say that parts of me are broken?”
“Yes. I say that so you will focus on healing them instead of pushing it all to the back of your head and moving forward.” He ran his fingers through my hair some more. “What was the dream about?”
“I was in that church again. Pastor Miller was pushing me down into the water.”
I quirked his brows. “What did you do?”
“I fought back.”
“Hmmm. You weren’t tied to the chair this time?”
“No.”
“Good. That’s proof that you’re healing.”
“I was fighting him.”
“Even better.”
I sighed. “But he still shoved me down into the water.”
“That’s fine. One day, you’ll shove him into the water.”
My expression brightened. “And then the dreams will stop?”
“Maybe.”
I let out a long breath.
“When your car isn’t working, who do you go to?”
“A mechanic.”
“And when you’re sick, where do you go?”
“To a doctor.” I stuck my tongue out, knowing what he was trying to say.
“So, when your mental state is not what it usually is, where do you go?”
I smirked. “To the kitchen to get bacon.”
“Not funny, Agent Barron. Where do you go when your mind isn’t working?”
“Fine. I’ll book an appointment with a doctor on the island.”
“Good. My father was wondering—”
“Your father.”
“He asked about you.”
My nerves flared. “Did he tell you his decision yet about my position in the unit?”
“He’s going to keep you with me. In the end, he knows that I will leave and go wherever you are being positioned.”
“But did he confirm that, crazy man?”
“No.” Alexander frowned. “But Mom and he will be visiting next week. They’re intrigued.”
“With what?”
“With my love for you.” He landed a soft kiss on my forehead. “My father called and told me this last night. And then my mother jumped on the phone and discussed how her friends all have grandkids. That was all she said. Nothing else, but. . .I got the message. Grandkids.”
I laughed. “Get ready for more hints.”
“I’m ready for them. In fact. . .” He pulled my shirt up. “I’m starting to agree with both of our mothers.”
“Wow. You’re going to unite with them on the baby issue?”
He stripped me of my shirt and slung it on the ground. “I at least like the process of making babies.”
“But, Alexander, how am I going to chase after serial killers with a big belly?”
“We’ll find ways that you can help.”
“I bet we will. You’ll have me chained to a desk.”
“Not chained, but with two guards that won’t let you up.”
“If I have to be at a desk, then you will too.”
“Is that the deal?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmm.” He devoured my mouth, feasting on my tongue.
My skin tingled from his lips. His touch continued to thrill my body.
“Haven, I really do love you.” He left kisses down my neck. “And I really want us to be together forever.”
My breath left me. I tried to catch it.
“Haven. . .”
Tension filled me, but it was the good sort. The kind that came when everything was going better than I could imagine and I was worried it would stop. I let go of my tiny panic and enjoyed the moment.
“Yes. I mean. I love you too, Alexander. I want this forever. I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else.”
He raised his head and hit me with an intense stare. “Then, say it.”
I widened my eyes. “Say what?”
“Will you marry me?”
“Um. . .so. . .we’re going to do this right now?”
He moved his hand under his pillow and pulled a small velvet box out. “I’ve been carrying this around with me the whole time we’ve been here, trying to find the best moment to pop the question. Two days ago, I thought the volcano might be an inte
resting spot, but Tina and you started drinking and rapping.”
“Oh God. How embarrassing that was? Those cocktails.” I shook my head.
“Then, we were on the beach for a sunset and I said. . .this is the perfect moment. So, I checked my pocket and realized I left it in the car.”
I smiled.
“I thought the palace would have been nice, but Brett and Tina kept directing the tour and making jokes. I realized that I needed to do this when we were both alone.” He rose from me, left the bed, and got on his knees.
I sat up. “Oh, baby.”
“Will you marry me?”
I parted my lips.
“I know we’re still new. We can have a long engagement and continue to get to know each other.” He opened the box. A lovely diamond ring greeted my eyes. “But, I don’t want to wait to put a ring on your finger. Will you marry me?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure, Agent Barron?”
“I am sure.” I dove down to him.
He fell back with me in his arms. The ring fell to the floor. I laughed and kissed him.
“You’ll be Agent King soon.” He rolled me over, picked up the ring, and hovered over me. “Are you ready for that?”
“I am.”
“I promise you won’t have any regrets.”
“I know.” I bit my bottom lip.
“Give me your hand, my sexy fiancé.”
I lifted it up.
He placed the ring on my finger. “Maybe, this will hush our mothers for now.”
“I doubt it, but good try.”
“You think they’ll still bother us about grandkids?”
“Yes, but the louder pleas will be about a wedding. Once that’s done, then talk of grandbabies will come.”
He groaned. “My mother has been planning my wedding since I was a kid. No matter how many times my father has told her that my fiancé may want to have some say in the matter.”
“Oh God. And my mother will surely think that the wedding will be in Fullbrooke.”
Horror covered his face. “I was hoping to never see that place again.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I’ve even talked to your mother about moving her close to Quantico.”
“If you could do it, I would be impressed.”
“She told me that she would do it to be close to her grandkids.”
I rolled my eyes. “You see. She’s crazy.”
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