The screech of sirens lit a fire under August’s feet as he ran down the alleyway away from the house.
Goddamn had it felt good to remove the threat to Gigi’s life once and for all. He would’ve preferred more time with Alvarez. If the idea weren’t so revolting, cutting out the sonofabitch’s tongue would’ve been a great start. August shuddered at the thought of how many people had suffered that fate at Alvarez’s hands.
Not anymore.
The lunatic’s brains were all over the bedroom. Of course, August had beaten the shit out of him first. He’d shattered his femur and some other important bones and organs with bullets before putting him out of his misery. All details he’d spare Gigi. All she needed to know was that Alvarez was currently burning in hell. And right now, getting to the SUV before the cops reached the house was paramount.
Rami and Ghost hopped in Ghost’s vehicle with the dog in tow. August hadn’t wanted to adopt the animal, but he also hadn’t wanted to leave her with Marko only for her to end up back in the cartel. Thankfully, Rami had offered to foster her. The pit bull had protected Gigi, so the pup deserved a second chance and a loving home.
August leapt into the back seat of Toth’s Tahoe. Gigi opened her arms, and he slid close to her, wrapping her against his side. “Go, go, go.”
Toth took off. The SUV bumped over the uneven road and the headlights sliced through the darkness.
Gigi gripped his shirt in one hand and his wrist in the other. She was silent, and so was he. All he wanted—no, needed—was to get her somewhere safe. See for himself that she wasn’t hurt. “Take us to my place,” he said.
“Got it,” Toth said. He took backstreets, avoiding the main road, where they’d pass police and emergency vehicles, and within a few minutes they were on the highway and August’s muscles relaxed a fraction. But he wouldn’t truly be at ease until he could look Gigi in the face and tell her everything he needed to say.
She wiggled even closer. “How did you find me?”
He gave her a half smile. “Senator Radcliffe gave me the address.”
She widened her eyes. “I’m surprised he was helpful.”
Toth chortled. “Not without a little nudge.”
Gigi’s head tilted. “Did you do something to the senator?”
“No, just made some threats. Although I got the call from Dana that you were missing when we first met with Radcliffe, to get Todd. I might have punched him then.”
She gasped. “Oh my god. Taschen.” Her eyes shimmered, and he quickly shook his head.
“Don’t worry. I think he’s going to be okay. His sister Dana is at the hospital now, and the last we heard he’d made it out of surgery.”
Her mouth opened and closed. “He was shot in the head and chest.”
August smirked. “It’ll take more than that to bring down a guy like Taschen. Besides, by the sounds of it the bullet only grazed his skull.”
She winced, and her much smaller hand found his and squeezed. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.”
He gripped her fingers. “This is not your fault. It was Todd’s and Alvarez’s. And I should have left more men with you.”
She grew quiet, and he wished he could see into her pretty head. The thought that she could be pulling away from him, or scared of him, made worry crawl up the back of his neck.
“And Alvarez? Is he . . . ?”
He brought his lips to her forehead. “It’s done.” He wouldn’t say more than that. Not right now anyway.
She relaxed a little against his side. Fifteen minutes later, Toth rolled up in front of August’s apartment building. August thanked his friend and got out, pulling Gigi close.
He ushered her into the building, and the trip through the lobby and up the elevator barely registered in his consciousness. She said nothing, but shivers racked her body. He probably should’ve taken her to the hospital. She didn’t have any visible wounds, but what if they’d done something she hadn’t told him about?
The elevator dinged, and he led her down the navy-blue checkered carpet. Reaching his unit, he pushed open the door and swept her inside. After clicking on the lights, he turned off his alarm system and removed his shoes as she did the same. The lemony scent of floor cleaner hung in the air from whenever the house cleaner had last stopped by.
Gigi’s cheeks glowed a little as she glanced around and moved her bare feet over the hardwood floor. He had a top-floor unit with vaulted ceilings and a rustic kitchen that opened into the living room. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.”
He grunted. Too fucking long. But he wouldn’t bother reacquainting her with the space right now. There’d be plenty of time for that later.
He scooped up her fingers and led her through the living room and down the hall. Swerving to the right, they entered the main bedroom. With the curtains wide open to reveal the dark sky peppered with tiny lights inside buildings, it felt as though they were on top of the world.
“I need to check you over,” he said.
She gave him a hesitant smile. “I’m okay, honest.”
“No, you’re not. They fucking hit you.”
Her throat moved and tears glistened in her eyes. He hated that she’d been scared. Hated that he’d just reminded her of that. He swept his hands over her face, inspecting to make sure she didn’t have a fractured jaw or cheekbone. She winced but nodded for him to keep going when he paused.
After checking her scalp, neck, and spine, he felt a little more at ease. It seemed that no threatening injuries were hiding beneath shock.
Gigi cast her gaze toward the window. “It’s so pretty in here.” She dragged her fingers over his freshly made bed. The graphite-colored comforter was one of the only things he’d picked out for the place. A lot of furnishings had come with the apartment when he bought it, and he hadn’t changed much.
He scoffed. “Don’t think I’m some neat-and-clean gentleman. I have a house cleaner who comes in every week to tidy up my shit and make it look like I’m not a slob.”
Gigi chuckled and turned to face him. “Is that a warning? You’re really messy?”
He grinned. “I’m more than messy. I also don’t put the toilet seat down. You couldn’t fucking pay me to learn that trick.”
Her eyes rounded, and she barked out a laugh. “Oh, boy. You’re actually telling me you’re untrainable?”
His hands went around her slight body. All he wanted to do was hold her. But more than that, he wanted to show her that he was staying this time.
“Untrainable, yeah.” He scratched his head. “I also suck at cooking. I’m worse at keeping the fridge stocked. And I kinda lose everything.”
Her grin spread into a wide smile, and goddamn he loved that look on her. “You trying to scare me away or what?”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. The purplish bruise made angry fire touch his veins, but he wouldn’t ruin the moment. “Just offering full disclosure.”
“Well,” she drawled demurely. “It just so happens I’m a great cook.”
He lifted one eyebrow as if this were news to him. “And?”
“And I love to grocery shop, so I think I’ve got us covered there. Can’t promise anything about cleaning, but I wouldn’t be opposed to you keeping the house cleaner around.”
“I think we’re golden then.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Nope. The toilet seat’s a deal-breaker. You better figure that out.”
He laughed and lifted her off her feet, holding her chest to his. “Anything for you.” He pressed his lips to hers then carried her into the en-suite bathroom.
Gently, he set her on her feet and caught the hem of the sweater of his she wore. “Let’s get cleaned up.”
She lifted her arms, and he pulled the material over her head. Instantly his gaze dropped to her ripped shirt. Violence streaked crossed his vision. She shrugged out of her top. “It’s okay, August. He didn’t get very far.” She undid her jeans and wiggled them down her thighs.
Dragging his hand over his face, August forced his thumping heart to steady. The men who’d touched her—who would’ve killed her—were dead. Alvarez had sought out Gigi and Todd purely to avenge Fernando’s death. No one was coming after her now.
Finally, it was all over and he could give Gigi a normal life. A life with moments of happiness like this, with joking and teasing. Christ, with fulfillment.
She stood in her bra and panties, her narrow waist and slim legs toned and perfect. He rested his hand on her side and kissed her. “How are you so strong?”
She smiled softly. “Because you’re here. And everything’s okay.”
His chest constricted. “Damn right it is.” He peeled off his shirt and vest then kicked off his pants and briefs. While she finished stripping, he turned on the shower then pulled her into the glassed-in space with him.
The warm spray hit the front of his shoulders. As he held her, trembles took over her body, and she rested her cheek against his sternum. “Ohmigod, this feels so nice.”
“You feel nice.”
He didn’t even try to hide his hard cock. Maybe it was the adrenaline crash, the reassurance of having her in his arms, or just knowing he’d fucking killed her assailants—he wanted her more than he ever had.
But after everything she’d been through, he wouldn’t make a move until he knew she wasn’t hurting anywhere.
He poured a handful of shampoo into his palm and worked it into her hair.
She chuckled and massaged some of her strands. “You don’t have to wash my hair.”
He dragged his soapy fingers over her cheek. “I want to take care of you.”
Her eyes turned misty, and goddammit that made his heart lurch. “What, babe?”
She sniffed. The tip of her nose had turned red. “Nothing. I’m happy. I just—” She shook her head and swallowed. “It’s a lot. Part of me is in disbelief. Do you really think it’s all over now?”
He threaded his hands into her thick mane, rubbing her scalp. He hated that she’d been so scared. So alone. Hated that it’d taken so long to find her. That he almost hadn’t.
“It’s over,” he said, holding her gaze and gripping her hips as if doing so would prevent her from drifting away. “Done.”
Her hazel eyes went from soft to hard. A hateful glint flashed in them. “How did you do it?”
He flinched. The gritty details of Alvarez’s death were too dark. Maybe one day she’d find solace in hearing about the cartel leader’s suffering, but today it might freak her out. “Bullets, hon.”
She wet her lips. “Good. And Marko?”
“The young guy?” He worked his jaw. “I let him go.”
Her expression became thoughtful. “That was the right decision. He wanted Alvarez dead. Alvarez killed his mother and brother. I think he was too scared to defy him and leave the cartel.”
“Yeah, well maybe he’ll turn his life around.” Probably not, but August didn’t say the words aloud. Better to let Gigi feel the kid had a shot at a better life. Either way, August didn’t give a flying fuck about Marko. All he cared about was the woman right in front of him.
“Maybe.” She tilted back her head under the spray. “Oh my god,” she said, popping back up. “Micha. What happened to her?” Worry flashed in her glassy eyes.
“The dog? She’s fine. Actually, Rami took her home. We didn’t want her ending up back with the cartel.”
“Is he going to keep her?”
“We’ll have to see. Depends if she’s trainable. Hopefully not too aggressive. It really depends on her upbringing. But if not, we’ll find her a good home.”
She nodded. “What about Taschen? Will he be okay? I feel so bad he was almost killed.”
August blew out a breath. “Honestly, he would’ve died if it weren’t for Dana. She went by the safe house because she noticed Taschen had left his laptop at the office and might need it. She walked in and found him bleeding out.”
Gigi’s sharp intake of breath was like a knife in his heart. “Ohmigod, that must have been awful for her.”
August lifted a shoulder. “Probably, but Dana’s a skilled FBI agent. She’s used to dealing with shock and trauma. She acted quickly and saved his life. He’s on the road to recovery, don’t worry about it. He wouldn’t want you to feel bad. He probably feels worse that Alvarez’s men got through him.”
Gigi explained that Taschen had made sure it was the grocery order when he opened the door. What she and Taschen hadn’t realized was that Alvarez’s men had hijacked the order.
August didn’t resent his friend for what had happened. Considering how things had gone down and the lack of manpower at the safe house, August knew it was his own fault and no one else’s. And as soon as he got to the hospital tomorrow, he’d tell Taschen that.
Gigi worked conditioner through her long strands. “It’s all so wild.”
His mouth watered as he watched her sleek naked form. He kept his hands on her hips because he couldn’t let go of her. Didn’t want to let her slip through his fingers or to wake up and find out this moment had been a dream.
“Are you okay?”
He planted his hand on her cheek. “Never better, babe. Never better.”
She smiled and brought her lips to his, and he forgot the fear of losing her.
* * *
Gigi stretched in the cool sheets. The firm mattress and the light streaming into the room through the window assured her she wasn’t in the dilapidated house anymore. That nightmare was over. Nevertheless, her brain had had a hard time understanding that during the night.
After she and August had made love, she’d cuddled up in his arms expecting to feel safe until morning. But every time she drifted off, she woke with a start. Sometimes she cried out, other times her body would jump or tense. On and on it went until, halfway through the night, August pulled her on top of his chest. Heart to heart with him, she’d slept deeply.
And now, the light filtering in brought peace and excitement for a new day—a day she’d spend with August and her family. Despite the late hour, she’d called Ivy at her parents’ house last night and spoken to everyone, confirming that she was alive and safe.
She rolled to a sitting position. Every muscle screamed, and a pitiful groan escaped her lips. Thankfully August wasn’t around to hear how pathetic she sounded. Pain seared across her face, and she brought her fingertips to her cheekbone to prod the swollen flesh. She didn’t need a mirror to know it probably looked worse than it had last night after their shower.
The sound of bacon sizzling drew her out of bed. Since she had no clothes other than the nasty ones she’d been rescued in, she put on one of August’s T-shirts and nothing else. Making her way to the kitchen, she rubbed her sleepy eyes then winced as she touched a tender spot.
August turned, and his gaze immediately went to her battered face. A muscle in his jaw jumped. “Morning.”
“Morning. How long have you been up?”
“Not long. An hour, maybe. Sit, I’ll get you coffee.” Shaky and sore, she did as he asked. He pulled down a mug, filled it, and slid it over the counter. Once again, his eyes hardened as he looked at her face. “That must hurt.”
She shrugged. “Only when I touch it,” she said with a smile, then grimaced. “And apparently when I smile.” She scooped out some sugar and added cream. The sight of the scrambled eggs and bacon made her stomach growl. “You didn’t have to make breakfast. But I’m glad you did.”
“I suggest you take all the breakfasts I make. It’s one of the few meals I’ve mastered.” He filled a plate and passed it to her. After filling his own, he came around the island and took the stool next to her. “Did you sleep okay?”
She made a face. “I’m sorry about that.”
His intense green eyes pinned hers. “Don’t be.”
“I just . . . couldn’t get it out of my head, you know?”
He exhaled and stabbed his eggs with his fork. “Same. I think I was running on fumes all night. My mind just kept turning.” He offered her a weak grin. “It’ll wear off. I promise.”
The weight of his words reminded her of his past. Of his days in black ops and the mission that’d almost killed him. “I hate that all this happened.”
Chomping into his toast, he covered her hand with his. “It’s over now. I mean it. We can talk about it as much as you need to. I’m always here for that. But you need to know the threat is gone—and I wouldn’t tell you that unless I was sure.”
She nodded. Of course she trusted and believed him, but she’d lived in fear for months. Her feelings wouldn’t change overnight.
August must have picked up on her unspoken words. “Like I said, it’ll take time. But you’re safe. I heard from Rami this morning. Ghost discovered Alvarez was a problem for the cartel. I don’t know all the details, but it seems his death has made way for a more suitable leader.” His eyes held hers, unwavering. “You’re safe. The new leader won’t want anything to do with Alvarez’s drama. At least that’s what Ghost said. We can move on with our life now.”
Relief filled her. It was really over. A tentative smile curved her lips, and her belly warmed. “Our life?”
He blinked. “Yeah, I mean . . .” He cleared his throat. “I should have said everything I wanted to say last night. I just wanted you to rest and—”
The flutters in her stomach curdled. “What do you mean?”
His stool screeched on the wood as he pushed back and faced her. “I meant what I said last night. I love you. Two years ago, I fucking lost you. And those two years were the longest, hardest years of my life. You need to know that I never want to experience your absence again.”
Tears rushed to her eyes, and she sniffled. He clasped her hands with both of his. “I don’t have a ring right now.” He slipped off the stool and landed on one knee. “But I’m asking you to marry me. Spend your life with me, Georgia, and I promise I’ll make you as happy as you’ve made me.”
All the moisture left her mouth. She clapped her hand over her lips. “You’re asking me to marry you?” The shriek was ridiculous. Over-the-top girly, dammit. But she couldn’t have stopped it if she’d tried.
He chuckled. “Baby, I just did.” His face turned somber. “Will you be my wife?”
Tears rushed down her cheeks and she nodded. “Yes. Oh, god. Yes.”
He scooped his arms under her and lifted her off her seat. “August!” she said with a laugh.
He was laughing, too. His kisses rained down gently, touching her tears.
He was right. She had a long road of recovery ahead, but it’d be a walk in the park with the man she loved.