by Cole Lepley
I shrug at no one and drop my hands to my sides. Suddenly, my mouth gets very dry and I have difficulty swallowing. I never plan to come back here and I know these will be my last words to him.
“Most of all, I hope you find peace, Sean.” My voice is breaking and I can’t stop it. Too many emotions are running through me at once. “I hope you find it in you to forgive yourself. I don’t know what happens after we leave this world, but if you find yourself with a second chance, I hope that you take it. I know there’s a good man in there somewhere. I hope you find him.”
When I turn and walk down the winding cobblestone paths that weave through the cemetery, I don’t look back. That’s as close to closure as I’m ever going to get with Sean, and for me, it’s enough.
I take an Uber from the airport even though Judah wanted to pick me up. It’s been almost a month since I’ve been back and that was only to finish my finals and see Judah play in his last game. I also got to meet Elliot. She’s not at all what I expected. She’s sweet and I’m glad Judah has her as a friend. She seems to really care about him and his happiness and I can’t hate anyone for that. He’s a good man and I’m lucky to have him.
When the car pulls up to the apartment complex, Judah is standing in the parking lot waiting. The smile on his face melts my heart and I tear off my seatbelt to get to him. After paying the driver I bolt from the car and jump into his arms. He hugs me back, obviously still afraid to break me.
“It’s okay, Judah. I’m all better,” I whisper between kisses to his neck.
He pulls back a little and cups my face, my legs are still wrapped around him like a vise grip.
His eyes search mine for moment—and then he says it.
“I love you.”
The chaos in my chest feels like all the broken pieces of my heart are trying to fuse back together at once. I kiss him once and don’t waste another breath until I whisper back, “I love you, too.”
Judah smiles wide and set me down on my feet. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
He grabs my face and kisses me once more before grabbing my bags from the back. As the car pulls away, I can’t stop staring at Judah. He has both duffle’s over one arm and is dragging my suitcase behind me, with a smile. He’s everything I ever wanted and I’m so thankful I didn’t allow myself to ruin it.
He nods to my luggage. “You won’t have to unpack too much. London is only two weeks away.”
I walk over to him and kiss his cheek. “And Rome is only a twelve-hour train ride away.”
Judah shrugs. “What’s six months long-distance when we have the rest of our life to be close.”
I almost break down and cry again, but I keep it together. Zander is upstairs and I still haven’t told him I plan on living with Judah when I get back. We make our way up the stairs and Judah insists I don’t carry anything. It’s cute, but he also looks like he might hurt himself.
When I open the door, Zander lifts me into a hug. “Oh my god!” He shouts into my ear. “I missed you so much.” He sets me down and plants his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t ever leave me for that long again.”
I tilt my head and shoot him a look.
“Except for London. That will be fucking amazing.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
Judah carries my things back to my bedroom and then rejoins us in the living room. He pulls me against his side and I wrap my arms around his waist.
His lips brush against my temple. “You feel good, babe?”
“I feel perfect. I’m just really glad to be home.”
Judah leans down to my ear and whispers so only I can hear. “You are my home, Mack.”
I tilt my head to meet his lips and kiss him. He opens his mouth, deepening the kiss, and we get lost in each other for a moment. Zander must have taken his cue and walked into the kitchen, because when I open my eyes, we’re alone.
Judah brushes the hair from my face and kisses my forehead. “I’ve wanted to tell you how I felt for so long. I was so terrified to say the words and have you not feel the same.” He takes a breath. “But I realized that whether I told you or not, it didn’t change anything. I loved you no matter what.”
My hands clutch his waist, keeping him close to me. “I loved you for a long time, too. That’s something I thought I would never be able to do, and you changed that for me.” I kiss him once more. “You saved me, Judah.”
He laughs against my lips. “No, babe. I think it’s the other way around.”
THE END
Acknowledgments
This book was one of my favorites to write. Judah was supposed to written out after chapter three of Tragic, but I loved him too much to let him go. I hope you did, too.
First of all, I want to thank Wendy Million. You are the first person who ever reads what I write and you deal with all of my insecurities and outbursts along the way. You’re a strong women and an amazing friend. I could never write without you.
To my betas, Amy Halter, Stephanie Howes, and Kirsten Moore. You guys are awesome. I can’t wait to work on the next one.
Sarah Hansen, thank you once again for a swoon-worthy cover. You’re the best for a reason.
Shaley Clemens, thank you so much for the gorgeous promotional images you made me. I’m so in love with them. I can’t wait to see what you do for my next release. Everyone needs to check her out. I’ll drop a link here.
Ena and Amanda, thank you for expert PR services. I love working with you!
A Note From The Author
Thank you for reading, Torn. I hope you enjoyed the story. I realize there was some subject matter that may have been triggering to some readers. Due to the sensitive nature of these topics, I posted some links below with resources for anyone who is struggling. It’s important to remember, you’re never alone. Someone is always there to listen.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
About the Author
Stalking is encouraged. Check out Cole’s website for release dates and upcoming projects.
www.colelepley.com
Follow her on social media. She loves to hear from fans!
Also by Cole Lepley
Cherry Groves Series
Tragic
Tamed
Torn
Tortured
Did you like Perry? His story , Tortured, is coming September 2020.
Pre-order here.
