I doubled over laughing. The chaos waschef’s kiss, and I could only imagine the satisfaction Sierra and my brother were feeling right now.
Helping them felt good. Hell, Ilivedto make the people I loved happy. And if you messed with my family? You messed with me. Simple as that.
Switching to my messages, I texted Hunter.
Ella: You’re a menace.
Hunter: You’re welcome.
A grin stretched my lips. Even though he barely spoke, I quite enjoyed my interactions with Hunter. He was interesting and just soreal. I’d never met anyone like him, and I doubted I ever would again.
***
Sierra
The lights were low, and soft music was playing in the background, but neither of us was paying attention to it. We were curled up together on the couch, my laptop open between us.
Another alert dinged.
“Two senior members under formal review. Treasurer suspended from all leadership roles pending investigation.” Dom read quietly.
“It’s really happening.” I said after a beat. I didn’t feel giddy. Nor smug. This just felt …final. Like the closing of a chapter that tried too hard to erase me from its pages.
“You did it.”
I looked at him, returning his gaze — warm, steady, safe. “Wedid.”
There was a pause, the silence only lasting for a moment, before the hum of a phone buzzed on the table.
Another notification. Another nail in their coffin, another step closer to the grave they dug themselves.
And I didn’t give a singular fuck.
My fingers curled into Dom’s shirt as I exhaled. It wasn’t quite relief, but something deeper.
Like I was finally standing on ground that wouldn’t give out underneath me. Like I was finally where I was supposed to be.
“I’m done with this chapter of my life.”
“Good. The next one is already waiting for us.” His fingers grazed over my arm.
I watched the screen go dark. Not everything was fixed, but a huge load had just been taken off my shoulders.
The lies. The leverage. The loneliness.
I leaned against his chest, basking in his warmth and scent.
“Feels weird,” I murmured.
“What does?” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“Being okay.”
There was a long pause, and I almost thought he wouldn’t say anything. Then—
“Get used to it, Darlin’.”
Instead of answering, I just let my hand come to rest over his heart, anchoring the two of us here, in this moment, as the world outside went up in flames.
