Page 117 of Reins

“I’m fine with you being my stalker.” What would my life look like if it wasn’t for him?

Would I even be alive?

A shudder runs through me. I’m so far from that mindset now I don’t recognize it.

His arm tightens, then he pats my hip. “Let me call Wade. I need to know if Sophia is okay. That fucking blast was big enough to take out half the bleachers.”

I unfold from his lap. “I’m going to shower while you do that.” I’m hesitant to let him out of my sight.

What if this part is the dream and I wake up to find out that I’m back in that horrible house, trapped with the monsters again?

Seeking out the bracelet on my wrist, I rub it while he stands stiffly.

“Ugh, too bad there isn’t a tub in this apartment. A good soak with you in it with me would cure everything that ails me.” He grips my neck, kissing my temple, then focuses on my twitching hand making his eyes narrow. “Ros, how about I call, then we can get in there together?”

Biting my lip, I nod. “Yes, please?”

When Wade answers, Cade hits the button and holds his phone out flat between us. “Wade, you’re on speaker with Ros. How’s Sophia?”

“She’s good. Oliver took the brunt of it,” he grunts. “He’s pretty fu-I mean, he’s in bad shape. They aren’t sure if he’s gonna make it.”

“Damn it.” Cade closes his eyes and clenches his jaw. “I tried to get them away.”

“I know. I’m catching all kinds of shit from the feds. They’re pushing to have this labeled as a terrorist attack. We were there and still couldn’t stop it.” Wade’s exhale whistles against the speaker.

“I had him, Wade. I had Eli on the fucking ground with the detonator in his hand.” Cade lets out a grumble. “John had some woman grab Ros. Eli made me choose.”

“Hell, I would have done the same thing if it was Elena. If Rosalyn is up for it, I’ll be over to Pete’s tomorrow, say around noon. There might be a link with who that mystery gal is and where in the hell they’re hiding.” He pauses. “I have to go. We’ll talk more then.”

Cade tosses his cell on the table. “I can’t imagine the pain that Sophia is going through.” He stares down at the black screen, then raises his dark eyes. Pain deepens the crow’s feet hemming them as he reaches for me. “Losing you on our wedding day would have been my villain origin story.”

I rush to him, forcing myself to be gentle as I wrap my arms around his waist. “I’m sorry I made you take me. I should have just stayed here.”

“Ros, there’s no way to know it would have turned out different. It could have been worse.” His palms flatten over my back in long slow strokes. “That truck was aimed for the main exit. They were probably gonna drive through the whole damn crowd gathering to cheer them on.” His chest expands against my cheek, then he lets it out in a warm wash. “Maybe it had to happen this way so a lot more people didn’t die.”

I hadn’t thought of that possibility.

There were so many children. Families.

The thought of the devastation sinks like a stone in my belly.

He tugs me with him, his voice dropping into that irresistible syrup of command. “Come on, baby. Let’s go wash away today.”

Chapter 56 - Cade

When Wade shows up, he has an unexpected surprise with him.

“Howdy all.” His smile lifts his thick handlebar mustache. “I was telling Elena about Rosalyn. She said they used to be friends and insisted on joining me.” He steps to the side, motioning for her to move up.

Rosalyn stands from the chair, rushing to the door. “Oh my gosh! Elena? From the ice cream place?”

I’ve never seen her get so excited to see anyone else.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I raise my palm in a wave but it’s obvious she isn’t here for me.

“I’m glad you remember me.” Elena’s smile towards my wife is broad and genuine. “This is Boone.” She lifts the tiny bundle in her arms.

“He’s just over two months,” Wade says proudly. “Waiting to see if he’s cursed with the red hair.”