Page 97 of Great White

It’s just her and me.

Boundless, whole, and free.

Epilogue

Dove

More than just myidentity died with me on the table that day.

So did all the demons and terror and afflictions that plagued me. That held me under until I couldn’t breathe.

It all seemed to be gone when I woke up in that hospital bed and I wasn’t alone.

I felt new.

I felt light.

I feltlove.

I haven’t been able to recognize myself since Tate came into my life. From the very first moment. And now I wonder if I was ever really that person at all.

I once wished I was stronger, a fighter, had courage. Wished I was more.

And I’ve become all those things.

And like Fallon, March, and Stefania before, Tate became yet another thread that strung all those attributes together.

As I look at the black diamond sitting on my finger, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I’m where I’m meant to be.

I’m secure in being alone, but life is much richer with a man who understands me. Who fights for me. Who loves me.

Stefania always knew that. It’s why she fought so hard to be with Marco.

I wish their end were as happy as ours.

It’s all so bittersweet.

But I know I can’t look back at the past and still move forward into the future. So, I will always carry her in my heart and hope she’s found peace.

I know I have.

Tate and I make love late into the night.

I ride him slowly, savoring every touch, feeling treasured with every caress, and blissfully enduring every spine-tingling sensation.

“Damn, you feel so fucking good.” Tate falls to pieces beneath me. “I love you, darlin’.”

I lean in and kiss him. Swirling my tongue roughly against his, clamping my teeth down on his lower lip just like a shark.

“Don’t call me darlin’,” I purr, smirking in the darkness.

The End