She was wearing a T-shirt and panties. His shirt, and it smelled like his citrusy cologne.
“Madison?”
“Ramsey?” Tears filled her eyes. He saved her life tonight. And if she ever doubted her feelings before, seeing him in the doorway reminded her why she loved him.
“How do you feel?” He didn’t move.
“Exhausted, but so happy to see you.”
“The EMT just left. I hope you don’t mind being here. I thought you’d prefer my place over the hospital.”
She nodded. “Thank you. F-for everything.”
They met in the middle of the room, desperate for contact. He lifted her into his arms, kissing her face over and over again. She melted against him, feeling safe and wanted.
“Sweetest, Madison. I almost lost you tonight.” His arms tightened around her. “It will never happen again.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I arrived at the club minutes after you left. Anzio told me you were taking the bus home.”
Her knees buckled, but he swept her off her feet and carried her to the leather loveseat in front of the fireplace. She curled up on his lap, her head resting on his shoulder. “What were you doing at the bar?”
He gazed down at her. “Anzio called.”
Oh no.
“Do you love me, Madison?” His dark eyes pierced her heart like an arrow.
“Yes.”
“I love you, too,” he said without hesitation.
Was she still asleep and dreaming? Or had she died in that ally and this was her version of heaven? “But you’re a De Wolfe.”
“I am,” he said in a gravelly voice. “But that doesn’t change anything. I’ve waited for you all my life. And until tonight, I thought it was impossible to ever love someone. But when Anzio told me what you said to him, all the loneliness and pain I’ve carried with me lifted. You’re the key to breaking the curse, Madison. You rescued me from a meaningless life.”
She fisted her hand in his shirt and pulled his face close enough to kiss. Their lips pressed together in tender need. “I’ve loved you since I was a teenager I think. And I can’t believe I’m here in your arms.”
“Believe it, Madison, because I’ll never let you go.”
Epilogue
Six weeks later…
Madison smiled at Ramsey as he left the table. Claire had invited them to lunch at her favorite café.
“Show me that diamond again,” Claire said.
Madison lifted her left hand, gazing at the princess cut stone with as much fascination as Ramsey’s mother. “I still can’t believe it,” she said.
“Remember what I told you, dear? Always follow your heart.”
“But the curse…”
Claire squeezed her hand affectionately, then looked down at her tummy. “Since you’re engaged to my son and carrying my grandchild, I think it’s safe to share the secret.”
“What broke the curse?”
She nodded. “True love, Madison. As simple as that.”
“But didn’t you love Ramsey’s biological father?”
“With all my heart.”
“So why didn’t it work for you?”
“Because he never loved me back.”
Madison didn’t know what to say. She felt so blessed and happy. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Claire said. “My husband is everything I ever wanted.”
Madison’s hand slipped to her stomach. Her greatest joy was growing inside her, Ramsey’s son or daughter. “What if we have a boy?”
“Teach him better than I did.”
Ramsey rejoined them, looking grim. “I have news.”
“What is it?” Madison pulled his chair out.
“It can wait until later.”
“No,” she said. “We share everything, remember?”
He reached for her hand and kissed it. “Carl Gentry hung himself in his cell today. He left a suicide note confessing to all the murders.”
A moment of silence passed.
“Better for all of us,” Claire commented.
“Yes.” Madison shivered, the memory of the assault still fresh.
Ramsey squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, baby. No one will ever hurt you again. I promise.”
“I love you, Ramsey.” And as long as she had her De Wolfe at her side, she knew life would be perfect.
About Violetta Rand
Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science and policy as an undergraduate before attending graduate school. Violetta then spent nearly a decade working as an environmental scientist, specializing in soil and water contamination and environmental assessments.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska and spends her days writing evocative New Adult romance and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, and ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers.
Where to contact Violetta Rand:
Author website: Violetta Rand Website
Email: [email protected]
I’d love to hear from you; please contact me with any suggestions or just to say hello.
Series by Violetta Rand:
All titles are available on Amazon.com
Violetta Rand on Amazon
The Blind Series – Viking Romance
Blind Allegiance
Blind Mercy
Blind Redemption
Blind Confession
Devil’s Den Series – Contemporary Romance
Surrender
Seduction Sin
Lies and Leather Series – Contemporary Romance
Loving Lucas
Winning Mason
Sons of Odin MC Series – Contemporary Romance
Persuasion
Possession
Property of JT
Never Cry De Wolfe--World of de Wolfe Pack Page 8
