Page 79 of Lucky

Her eyes search mine, the tension in her jaw softening just enough to show that she believes me—or at least wants to.

“We’ll bring Jack back,” I say again, my voice firm. “And when he’s home, we’ll make sure he stays safe. No one will touch him—or you—again.”

Her fingers tighten slightly against my chest, her lips parting as if to speak, but instead, she leans forward, resting her forehead against mine.

I press my lips to her temple, her warmth grounding me in the fleeting calm. The weight of the past weeks hangs in the air like the last embers of a dying fire—still dangerous, but no longer consuming.

The city outside feels different now. It isn’t safe, not by a long shot, but it’s quieter. Dante’s message had cut through the chaos, leaving an uneasy lull in its wake. We both know it’s temporary. Peace in our world is always temporary.

She pulls back slightly, her gaze meeting mine, the faintest glimmer of hope softening the storm in her eyes. “Do you think it’s over?”

I hesitate, not wanting to lie. “For now,” I say, my voice steady, though the words feel fragile.

Her fingers trace the edge of my jaw, grounding me. “Then let’s make the most ofnow.”

Her words settle deep in my chest, a simple declaration wrapped in quiet determination. For the first time in weeks, it feels like we’ve reclaimed something—something fragile but ours.

As I shift the car into drive, the sun dips lower, painting the city in hues of gold and shadow. Whatever’s waiting for us tomorrow, it’ll have to wait. Today, we have this.

And for now, that’s enough.