Claim - Page 97

Both of us were wrecked. He rolled to the side, pulling me close. Our skin was slick with perspiration, our chests rising and falling fast.

“My angel.”

I snuggled into his strength. I’d come hard, twice. I was being held by Beau. Carr was gone.

I smiled. I was free.

Tingles of excitement filled me. I was free to do whatever I wanted. To see my mom, finish college, whatever felt right.

And Beau. I knew I wanted him. I knew that we could make something special together.

“Sleep now,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of my head.

My eyelids fluttered, exhaustion dragging me under. Yes, tomorrow, we’d talk and plan the future.

37

BEAU

Ilistened to the familiar sounds of the gym—the slap of gloves, the grunts and chatter, theclunkof weights.

It was just like any other day.

But so much had changed.

Bell—sweet, strong, vulnerable Bell—had entered my world and changed it.

Now, she was finally safe.

Simon had called. Carr had lost too much blood, and hadn’t survived his injuries. I felt nothing. The man had been a monster, and I wasn’t sorry he was dead. Allie, Karina, and his other victims could now rest in peace.

Bell could live in peace.

I’d left her in my bed—rumpled and exhausted. I should be ashamed of how often I’d taken her during the night. I’d been desperate for her.

Each time, she’d welcomed me with hungry eagerness.

She was safe. She was free.

Now, it was time for me to set her free.

Gio appeared, giving me a look. “You okay?”

“Never better.” I leaned back in my office chair. “A serial killer is off the streets and Bell is safe.”

The older man nodded. “Good. That girl deserves nothing but good.” He slapped the doorframe and disappeared back into the gym.

On that, we could agree.

And despite what my brothers thought, I wasn’t good for Bell. I was a tattooed former merc who was good with his fists. Who’d fought and clawed his way through life. Who came from people whose DNA shouldn’t be shared.

“Hey, Gio.” Bell’s voice just outside my office.

She sounded light, happy. I heard them talking, and heard her laugh. Under the desk, my hands curled into fists. I looked down at them and saw how nicked and scarred they were.

Bell appeared in the doorway. Her dark hair was loose, and her smile was big. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” I replied.