was really over. Dez pressed her head against his chest and sighed, her whole body relaxing, and it felt... right.
He could still remember the first time he'd seen her in person. She'd walked into the room with a stack of papers and tattoos for armor. Everything about her had screamed that she just wanted the world to fuck off. The moment their eyes had met, he'd recognized the pain she was carrying, and it felt like he'd met a kindred soul. It was the first time in his life he'd felt like he wasn't alone.
He'd also realized that his problems weren't the worst in the world.
That had been what motivated him. So many times, he'd wished for someone to help him. Not even to save him, but just to offer a little aid when he needed it most. And there, right before him, was a woman who needed the same, so Jason had been all in. He didn't care that Chance had hated him, that Bradley had been forced to put him on a leash, or anything else. Jason had just wanted to help someone so he could finally help himself in the process.
Letting Dez go, he stepped back and caught Zara's hand, tugging her to his side. Without thinking, she wrapped her arm around his waist, and it should've been perfect. All of this was closure, but his mind simply refused to accept it. Then again, eight years was a long-ass time.
"So," Chance said from where he sat on the bench, "I want to give you two a wedding present early. Dez is blocking out the name Pantomime in all games for you, and we're making sure that both of you have full access to everything we produce." He flashed a smile at Zara. "No, not developer access. At least, not for you. I'd kinda prefer that you don't crash my games, but you'll be able to see it all. And I'll get in touch with you for the music requirements."
"This feels like a dream I'm about to wake up from," Zara admitted.
Chance murmured as he nodded. "I know what you mean. You, Jason? I'm going to make you an offer. You're going to refuse it, because I know you that well, but hear me out?"
"Ok?" Jason asked.
"We have a spot for you as a lead developer." Chance lifted his hand. "Any time you need a job, regardless of the problems following you, your work history, or anything else. Any time you need a job, you have one here as the head of the virtual privacy development team. I want to make sure we close the loopholes so our clients aren't exposed to people like the Kings of Gaming ever again."
"If the FBI fires me," Jason told him, "there's a good chance I won't be allowed to work online."
"And we have some damned good attorneys to fight that," Chance promised. "I'll also hire Logan Weiss, and you know he'll make sure you win."
Jason crossed the distance and offered Chance his hand. "Thank you. I'm not even going to consider it until this case is not only closed, but that asshole is in jail." Chance accepted, his grip firm, so Jason kept going. "But thank you. You have no idea how tempting that is."
"I kinda do," Chance assured him just as a dark SUV turned around the far side of the building, heading toward them. "And I think your ride is here. Don't be a stranger, Jason. And Zara? We'll be in touch."
She hurried over to hug Chance. "Thank you. I know I got the job because you're helping him, but I'll make sure you don't regret it."
"Already don't," Chance promised.
Then Zara turned to Dez. "Just so you know, your games do help people. They helped me. Please don't ever stop."
By that time, Bradley had stopped the truck and got out to open the back door. "Crysis," he yelled, and Jason's dog hurried to get in.
"That's my ride," Jason told them. "Good luck with Renegade. I'll let you know if there are any problems with the case."
Then he left. Zara claimed the back seat with Crysis, saying it let her lie down for the long drive. Jason ended up in the passenger seat. Bradley dropped behind the wheel with a groan that proved he really wasn't feeling his best, and then they were off. Jason watched the strange building disappear in the side mirror, growing smaller and smaller, and it all felt so final.