Page 48 of Throttle All the Way

“You did good out there, kid.”

Cipher nodded. “Thanks, Prez.”

Looking at Aiyana he frowned. “Ray?”

“Ray’s back at the precinct. I let him have the pleasure of handing over Councilman Lingdale to the FBI. It was hit or miss there for a second with the agents as they accessed the all out war we had out there…

“They believed it?”

“They believed what they wanted,” she shrugged. “Anyway, Sabrina Wellchild seemed to be involved in a lot more than she let on.” Aiyala looked. “I know this sounds wrong, but I’m glad you were at my partner’s mercy and she lost track of you. She would have given you to Volkov eventually.”

“Well, fuck,” Cipher nodded.

“Ray told me to tell you that she’s locked up tight until you get back.”

Cipher nodded. “Good, man.”

“Nog?” Silencer walked over to us and handed us two cups.

Cipher eyed him cautiously. “What’s in it?”

“Trust me, it’ll ease every bone in your body.” Cipher looked at me and we both took a sip. Sure enough there was liquor in the egg nog but we both took a much needed gulp and then laughed.

Cipher reached for my hand, pulling me onto his lap. His eyes, sharp and piercing, softened as he looked at me.

“This is what it means to belong to a Bastard, Mila,” he said, his voice low but firm. “You’re not alone anymore. You never will be.”

Tears welled in my eyes, the weight of his words settling deep in my chest. “I’ve been running for so long,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear. “Then stop. Stay with me.”

I leaned in, my lips capturing his in a kiss filled with every emotion I couldn’t put into words.

For the first time in years, I felt at peace.

And as the snow continued to fall outside, blanketing the world in quiet beauty, I knew this was where I was meant to be. With my new family who wasn’t perfect, but they seemed to know how to love.

And with him.

Forever.