by India Kells
Apart from her head, she couldn’t move. Barely able to breathe, she had to stop completely when Owen took possession of her mouth. Lips battling, she didn’t know if it was her mind playing tricks or her body having a hallucination, but she would take it. As dots danced behind her eyelids, Owen retreated and there was some evidence: he was alive and well. His medical report came into her mind with fractured ribs and a broken leg. It couldn’t be. How could he move so fast and feel so strong? Unless …
When she tried to move away from him, his grip tightened.
“Oh, no. You’re not going anywhere. That I can promise you.”
“Owen, what is this all about? I was told you were wounded, in a coma. Almost fatally wounded …”
His familiar blue eyes, which she had missed so much, turned to steel. “The whole setup was a trick, to draw you out. The entire team worked at finding you to convince you to come back, but you hid too well. The only time I was ever fatally wounded was when you fled that night and I found your letter. You had no right not to tell me!”
Pain poured out of her. “And if I did tell you? Look at me and tell me you wouldn’t have followed me. Stayed with me.”
His jaw flexed as he remained silent. Instead, he released her and got to his feet. Dylan pushed herself up, planting herself in front of him.
“See! The risk was too great. Dylan Harris and her alter ego had to remain dead. Forever dead. It’d only be when they were convinced that I laid in the ground that you would all be safe.”
“You tore me to shreds that night!” Owen grabbed her shoulders. “I never believed in my life that there would be a day, a single instant, where I only wanted to die. I haven’t forgiven Beatrice and Gabrielle for helping you disappear. I don’t know if I ever will.”
Cold ice balled in her stomach. “And Mac? She knew, too.”
His face was so implacable, it twisted her inside out. “She’s my sister-in-law. We must forgive family. That’s what Mom had been drilling in my head all my life. What’s eating at me is if I’ll ever be able to trust you again.” His voice lowered, becoming heavy.
He loosened his grip, letting his arms fall, and took a step away. Bereft and shaken, Dylan didn’t know what to do. As he stayed immobile, her shaky legs forced her to sit on the side of the bed.
“I know, Owen. In your position, I don’t know how I would react. But to be totally honest, I would do the same again, if it meant you would be safe. And I will understand if you don’t want to see me anymore. I stand by what I said in my letter.”
Owen towered over her. Not wanting to cower, she stood again, facing him. And for a long time, they remained immobile, sounding each other’s souls.
What Dylan saw was hurt, so much pain and longing, she almost regretted hurting him. And then, he shook his head.
“I don’t think I can ever forgive you, Dylan.”
Everything in her crumbled, the air leaving her lungs in a gasp as she bowed her head. She had gambled and lost, and now had to deal with the consequences. Tears rushed and fell. Unable to speak, Dylan waited for Owen, for the love of her life to leave the room and try to survive through the pain.
Instead, he knelt before her, his eyes, a fiery blue, filled with determination and certainty. “I cannot forgive a stranger. But I can forgive my wife for anything.”
Owen took her hand in his. She blinked, incredulous. Still mute, she waited.
“I lost the love of my life once when Dylan Harris died. I can’t survive it again. So right here and now, I’m asking. Adelia Hamilton, will you marry me?”
Her eyes roamed his face, searching for a trick. But she knew him too well. No more pretending. She smiled, and he followed suit. His rare and unique smile.
“Yes, with everything in me, I accept to be your wife.”
A roar resounded behind the door and Owen winked as he stood up. “I wasn’t the only one who wanted you to come back. The entire team is behind that door.” Owen slid his fingers reverently over her cheek. “Welcome home, Adelia. My Dee.”
Overcome, she slid her arms around his shoulders and hung on tight. She rather liked this new nickname, as well as the new possibilities before her. There would be no games from now on, as she was free and held her most precious possession in her arms.
Owen kissed her and she knew she had finally arrived. She was whole. She was home.
###
About the Author
Writing for me is like being caught in the eye of a storm and loving every single minute of it.
Dear courageous readers, who dared to thread inside my wild imagination, filled with adventures of amazing women and courageous men, welcome to my world. When all seems to be lost, strength, intelligence, and love will help my heroes fight back darkness, and find their way to each other. And you know what? That’s my favorite kind of story!
When I’m not writing about sexy thieves, dashing soldiers, and cunning villains, I am traveling the world to find inspiration for my next story. Human nature is the greatest muse!
If you’ve enjoyed reading this story, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
You haven’t had the chance to read the two previous books of Women of Purgatory? Go to: http://amzn.to/2gF79FI
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Happy reading!
India xx
If you liked this book, you will adore Healing Danger by Maddie Wade
Dealing with the horrific murder of her best friend is more than enough for school teacher Lauren Cassidy, but now a madman has decided that she needs to die for her part in that death. With her life in danger and her past catching up to her, will she stay alive long enough to trust the one man she never forgot with her heart?
With the promise to catch a killer and keep Lauren safe, Dane Bennet must now protect her from the evil in her past and present. A sick cult group with ties to the government and the rich and powerful are determined to use her powers for their own evil gain. Will Dane be able to protect the woman he loves or will he have his chance at happiness snatched away. Dane must use every ounce of his elite special forces training to keep her safe, even if it means breaking her heart.
Determined to stop the evil that threatens the world and avenge the death of a friend, will Lauren and Dane be able to overcome their intense attraction to stop the people determined to end her life and start Armageddon or will their passion blind them.
To purchase:
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