Page 259 of Aaron

“Ronan says Jase blew up a dock in Croatia.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Did he get the girl?”

A faint smile.

“Yeah. But she’s trouble.”

I lean back, watching the horizon.

“So are we.”

His hand finds mine.

Not gripping.

Not holding on.

Choosing.

“You ever regret it?” he asks quietly.

“Burning down a global shadow machine?”

“Yes.”

I look at the ocean.

Then back at him.

“Only that I didn’t meet you first.”

He presses a kiss to my temple.

“We’re not done, you know.”

“I know,” I say.

A small breath.

“But we’re not running anymore.”

He nods.

And for a man who used to live for war—

That’s everything.

That’s peace.

That’s victory.

THE END