Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

“I thought it was a good place for no one to hear your screams.”

A cold chill spreads across my skin. “Back to plotting my murder? I thought we moved past that plan once we started fake dating.”

“To be fair, you did eat the last Oreos.” He exits the car and grabs something from the trunk.

I clutch onto the door handle to open the door, but Santiago beats me to it. Whoever said chivalry was dead clearly hasn’t met the right man.

My eyes drop to the basket and the backpack Santiago carries in his hand. “A picnic?”

“Hmm.”

I squeal like a freaking schoolgirl because my boyfriend went out of his way to plan a picnic for me. “Oh my God. You’re such a softy.”

“My abs beg to differ.”

I snort. “You planned a picnic! That’s romantic. I thought that was only a thing in movies.”

“I’m committed to recreating some of the movies you love and making them better.”

I almost fall out of my seat from swooning too hard.

Santiago ushers me out of the car. He puts on the backpack and transfers the basket to one hand so he can grab onto mine.

We hike together through a short trail. It’s something out of a fairy tale, with a little creek and trees as far as the eye can see. The trail spits us out into a field.

“Whoa,” I whisper under my breath.

A field of wildflowers stretches on forever. Flowers of every color dance in the wind, swaying together in perfect harmony. There’s not a single soul nearby except for the birds chirping in the distance.

It’s absolutely stunning, and all I want to do is run through them. I resist the urge. “How did you find this place?”

“I have my ways.”

“It’s gorgeous.”

“It’s how I see you.” He looks down at me, his eyes reflecting an array of emotions.

Tears prick my eyes. Never in my life have I felt this loved and cherished. It’s a blessing to feel so damn important to someone, to the point that they make sure I know it every single day. Santiago Alatorre loves me in a way that most people spend their whole lives chasing. And I love him equally as much.

Santiago taught me how there’s a difference between want and need. I need him. Like the trees need sunlight or the ocean needs the tide. Being around him is becoming something fundamental for me.

He plucks a dandelion from the field and holds it up to me. “It might not be your journal, but the wish works just the same.”

My smile wobbles.

I shut my eyes and suck in a breath.

I wish Santiago achieves all his dreams because no one deserves it more than him.

I blow and open my eyes to find the hundreds of dandelion parts floating away. It’s a beautiful sight, like magic spreading across the land.

“Is it illegal for me to ask what you wished for?”

I laugh. “Yes, and don’t bother trying. Did you pack a blanket in that bag?”

He nods his head up and down. “It wouldn’t be a picnic without one according to my friends.”

If he continues to shock me, he might need to nail my jaw shut.