Page 105 of Blake

She gave a shaky laugh. “What does that even mean?”

“It means tonight, you’re here. With me. We have people watching the house, Willow’s currently curled up on a chair, and tomorrow we’re going to keep working.”

“What if they find us again?”

“Then we’ll deal with that, too.”

“How do you do it?” Devon shook her head in disbelief.

“It?”

“How do you face all this without getting scared?”

Blake’s entire demeanor changed just then. His expression grew serious.

“Not scared?” His broad shoulders bounced with a huff. “Sweetheart, I was scared out of my damn mind when I saw Gallagher grab you. And then, I saw the gun.” A visible rush of emotion filled his beautiful stare. “But you know what else I saw?”

Devon shook her head.

“I saw the woman I love refuse to let some bastard decide how her story ends.”

She stopped breathing.

Literally stopped.

The woman I love.

She opened her mouth to respond but never got the chance.

“That’s right, Dev.” He continued quietly. “I love you.”

Her heart seemed to stumble.

“W-what?”

Blake smiled faintly. “I’ve been trying to find the right moment to tell you, but apparently our timing sucks.”

A watery laugh escaped her. “Blake.”

“I mean it. I love your smart mouth, the way you call me out when no one else will . . .” He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I love that incredible brain of yours, and that you challenge me and make me laugh. And after everything you’ve been through, there’s still enough fight in you to scare the hell out of me.”

Devon smiled through her tears.

“I love you,” Blake repeated. “And I’m not going anywhere, no matter what.”

She struggled to believe this was real.

Six months ago, she’d been lying in a hospital bed, wondering whether she’d ever feel normal again. She’d built walls around herself because trusting anyone seemed impossible.

Then Blake Savage had walked into her room. He’d been carrying a giant bouquet and wearing a smile that made her forget, if only briefly, how badly everything hurt.

Since then, he’d never pushed for more than she could give. He’d simply been a friend. And somewhere along the way, he’d become the person she couldn’t imagine living without.

“I love you, too.”

His eyes widened. “Yeah?”

Devon laughed softly. “Yeah, you big nerd.”