Page 136 of Shattered By the Currents

She sat her chin on his chest, her smile watery. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Yes, but you can tell me again and again and it won’t be enough.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Raven.” He lowered his head and kissed her lips, the feel of them soft and warm and everything he needed right now.

When she settled her head on his chest, he stroked her back and whispered, “Sleep.”

And she did. He listened as her breaths evened out. Held her as her back began to move up and down at a steady rhythm. For the first time in hours, tension finally began to seep out of his body.

Raven was safe. She was in his house, his arms, and she was uninjured.

He closed his eyes, but sleep didn’t come. He hadn’t expected it to, though.

When his phone vibrated, he pulled it from his pocket to see the team chat.

Joel: Connor, you and Raven get home okay?

Connor: Yeah. She just fell asleep.

Ethan: How’s she doing?

Connor: She’s not injured.

Ethan: Not what I meant.

Connor: She’s tired, but okay for now.

Zac: Are you?

Connor: Getting back to the vicinity of it. Thanks for the backup today.

Ryan: Wanna hear something that will shine a bit of good on your night?

Connor: Fuck yes.

Ryan: I got a call from Tate, Linc, and Kolby.

Connor: Tell me you’re about to text what I think you are.

Ryan: They’re getting out. They’ve started the process of getting their separation orders approved. And they might come here.

Connor closed his eyes, the first real smile that night stretching his lips. Because fuck, thatwasgood news. They were the last three members of their team who had stayed in the Navy. Knowing they were getting out, that they might come here and join them in Deep River…shit, it was everything.

Ethan: Sure as hell hope they come here. We could use the backup. Trouble seems to find Deep River a bit too easily.

Zac: You’re not wrong.

Connor: I think we’ve all earned a break.

Ryan: Get some sleep, guys. And look after your women.

Connor locked his phone and put it on the side table. He’d planned to just hold Raven for a few minutes. But as each one ticked into the next, he realized he had no desire to get up.

So he closed his eyes, thanking every lucky star he had that Raven was safe. That she was here. That she was his.

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