“No more blood.”
Roman took it. They shook.
They released and Darren stepped back. He left his gun on the table.
“Well, that was fun,” Roza said. “Should I type up my notes, or?”
Cassie laughed. I grinned, unable to help myself.
Roman rolled his eyes. “I wonder why I bring you along sometimes.”
“I’m charming.” Roza nodded at me. “Lovely to see you again, Winter.” She walked away, toward the other side of the barn.
Cassie followed her. “Call me!” she said.
I grinned and waved.
Roman lingered. He watched Darren then looked at Anthony. His face softened.
“It’ll be okay. Be strong. You’ve got two brothers, if you want them.” Then he walked away.
Darren sighed and went to Anthony. He said something quiet and put an arm around his shoulders. They walked together back the way we came. I followed, casting a look over my shoulder.
This was the end.
Darren had no reason to keep this fight going. Even if he didn’t get the perfect deal from Roman, he’d still make peace. I watched the heart of his anger slowly break down then fade right before my eyes, and I knew he wouldn’t rekindle the hatred ever again.
Fear drove him, but fear didn’t matter anymore.
Roman wasn’t a threat. Roman didn’t care about killing Anthony or anyone else in Darren’s family, and now Darren had the proof he needed to accept it.
Hope took hold of my chest.
Hope that maybe I’d see Cassie again and things might not always be so terrible.
Hope was dangerous, but right now, I didn’t care.
“What are you smiling about?” Darren asked outside of the cars.
“Nothing. Just happy.” I kissed him gently. “You should ride with Anthony and make sure he’s okay. I bet you two have a lot to talk about.”
He nodded and brushed my cheek with a knuckle. “Don’t run away.”
“I don’t plan on it.”
“Then I’ll see you at home, love.” He emphasized the last word, and for the first time it sounded like more than just a teasing nickname.
I flushed with pride.
He walked off, put an arm around Anthony, and they climbed into the back of an SUV together.
I got into my car, leaned my head back against the seat and closed my eyes.
Maybe I’d get some sleep. Maybe I’d dream.
I could dream again.
33
Winter
Fall at the manor was different from fall down the shore. Back at Sea Isle, I could smell the bay and hear the gulls and the constant low-level hum of the ocean rolling against the sand, but out here in the middle of a fortress tucked away in the outskirts of a dying town, I didn’t miss any of that.
The trees began to turn. Just a few at first—bright, golden orange, a rich amber brown—but more would follow. I wondered if the reality of my new life would ever set in, and hoped the answer was no.
Reality was for suckers.
I stood on the driveway halfway down. I heard the car before I saw it and practically ran down to meet it. The driver had to stop suddenly to avoid killing me, and good thing he did—Darren didn’t tolerate people that ran over his wife.
Cassie jumped out of the back. I barreled into her and wrapped her in a tight bear hug.
“You’re here,” I said, biting back tears.
“I’m here.”
I hugged her for a long while.
I don’t know where any of us would be without Cassie. She was the catalyst for everything, and she worked hard behind the scenes to keep Roman from indulging in his most sinister desires. If it weren’t for her, our men would’ve murdered each other a long time ago.
“So this is it, huh?” Cassie looked around, frowning. “Lots of trees.”
I laughed and tugged her along behind me. “Come on. There’s a lot to see.”
“Roman said the Servant Manor is like a giant maze. Is that true?”
“Very true. I still don’t know it all.” Even though I had full freedom to wander as I pleased, I still found new little surprises all the time. Penny tried to give me directions but even she seemed to get lost.
“Roman’s bunker was like that. You know, until your husband flooded it.”
I grinned sheepishly. “That was before my time.”
“Don’t worry, Roman has more money than he knows what to do with. The place is already nearly done.”
“So you’re going to live underground with him then? Become mole people forever?”
“Mole people with lots of mole babies.” She stopped and pressed a hand against her belly.
I gasped and covered my mouth. “Shut the fuck up.”
She laughed. “I planned on waiting to tell you but I couldn’t do it.”
“You’re pregnant?”
“Knocked up. With child. Yep, definitely.”
“Oh my god, Cassie! Congratulations!” I pulled her into another hug.
“It’s still early so don’t get too excited, but I found out right before I left. Roman doesn’t even know yet.”
“He’ll be so happy. He wants a family, right?”
She nodded and looked so happy. “A big one.”