Torn - Cynthia Eden Page 0,97

Jim nodded.

“Right.” She exhaled and blinked quickly. “I’ll be expecting my phone to ring.” And not to get any texts from a dead man. Victoria moved briskly away from the bed, and she found Wade staring at her.

She hadn’t even heard him come back into the room. His gaze was so intent and focused on her. Emotions were burning in that golden stare. Emotions that stole her breath. But Wade didn’t speak, not until they were in the elevator, heading back down to the ground floor.

“You never told me . . .” Wade’s voice was gruff. “That you thought it would have been easier if you died.”

“Guilt is hard to carry. And what I did . . . it wasn’t an easy choice.” Taking a life. But . . . Wade would know that. Wade would understand. Her fingers curled around his. Fit his. “I’m glad you followed me that first night. I’m glad that Gabe made us partners.”

He lifted their locked fingers and pressed a kiss to her hand. “Guess this is where I confess . . .” The elevator doors opened. They walked out of the hospital and toward the parking lot.

“What do you have to confess?”

“I asked Gabe to partner us.”

Now she stopped, truly surprised.

“Ah, baby, you really didn’t see it, did you?” He cocked his head as he studied her. The sunlight poured down on them. And it wasn’t so glaring. Just bright. “After that case in New Orleans . . . when I almost fucking lost you, everything changed for me. There was no more playing around. No more denying. There was only you.”

Her heart was beating too fast in her chest.

“Only you,” he said again, “and that’s how it’s been for me since that day. I asked Gabe to put us together because I wanted to be close to you. I wanted us to have a chance.”

And they did.

A real chance. One that wouldn’t be haunted by ghosts or monsters. One that was just open for them.

She didn’t know if she loved Wade. Didn’t know if she could surrender just yet to that overwhelming emotion, but . . . she couldn’t imagine her life without him. She wanted him close. She was happy when he was near.

One day. Another . . .

And the words she’d spoken to Jim came back to her. And you’ll find that you’re living.

With Wade, she was living. Not just going through the motions. He’d brought her back, and she wouldn’t give that up—­wouldn’t give him up.

She rose onto her toes and pressed her lips to his. “I think you’re the best partner that I’ve ever had.”

When he laughed softly, the last bit of cold she’d felt slipped away.

MATTHEW WATCHED THEM from his window. Lovers, had to be.

Wade and Victoria. He’d suspected as much, considering the way the guy had done a full-­on freak-­out when her life was threatened. A man would do anything for the woman he loved.

Lie.

Cheat.

Steal.

Kill.

Been there, done that.

Matthew picked up his phone. He dialed quickly. The sweet nurse had given him more morphine, and the drug was slipping through his veins, but he had to make this call before he gave in to that dark oblivion.

The call was answered on the second ring.

“Case closed,” Matthew murmured. Debt paid. “Do whatever the hell you want now.”

VICTORIA WASN’T SURE what to make of Asher Young. He was waiting at the B&B when they returned, and his dark brown eyes held no emotion as they seemed to assess her and Wade.

Judging.

She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. After all she’d been through that week, she wasn’t in the mood for anyone’s judgment.

“You were a SEAL with Gabe,” Wade said, nodding at the other man. “If Gabe trusts you, that’s more than good enough for me.” He offered Asher Young his hand. “Welcome to the team.”

No smile curved Asher’s face. Quiet. Intense. His hair was nearly jet-­black, and a thin, white scar slid under his chin. “Gabe said you were one of the good guys,” Asher murmured, his voice deep and tinted with the faintest Texas drawl.

Wade gave a hard laugh. “Then it looks as if Gabe might have lied to you.”

No, he hadn’t.

Wade released the guy’s hand and glanced over at Victoria. Did Asher see the shadows in Wade’s eyes? The pain?

He’d taken a man’s life, and she knew that wasn’t sitting easy on him. She wanted to wrap her arms around him. Hold him tight. But they weren’t alone. Asher had followed them into their little cottage