Page 84 of Burn Me Down

“No, don’t. You took on everything for me, and it saved my life. I didn’t understand what it cost you until recently, and it was time I returned the favor. You’ve always been my brother, Derek, and I am sorry for the part I played in making you feel like you weren’t worthy of love.”

Hope and pain gripped my chest and clogged my throat as tears filled my eyes. Asher pulled me into a hug and then stepped back and looked at the two men on the ground.

“We need to cover our tracks.”

“Leave that to me,” I said and held out my gloved hand for the gun. “I know a thing or two about burning evidence.” The corner of his mouth turned up. “You sure you’re going to be okay with this?”

“I honestly don’t know, but I knew that I’d never be okay with you locked up again. I had to make a choice and I choose you,” he said. I gripped my brother’s shoulder. He nodded toward the yells coming from the otherside of the flames. “You better hurry. I’m not sure how much longer Vi is going to be able to hold Beck back.”

I nodded as Asher walked away. Heading over to Adam’s body, I bent down and wiped off the gun before exchanging it for my knife in his hand.

“Things didn’t have to end this way, but I’m glad they did.”

As I stood and looked around, I could see the ghosts of my past. They stood on the edge of the rubble, my father and Wallace among them. I was in control, and they were waiting for me to give the next order. With a smile on my face, I wandered over to the large cans of fuel Adam had graciously provided.

“You’re all free,” I said as I picked up the first can.

THREE WEEKS LATER

Rebecca

“Oh my god,” I panted as I rolled off of Derek and flopped down beside him. “That was incredible.”

He chuckled and pushed himself up, his blue eyes clear and happy. I had never seen him look so carefree. It didn’t mean that there wasn’t shit to work out. As much as Derek wanted to, he couldn’t just snap his fingers, and everything was alright. The strides that he’d made were staggering, and everyday I fell in love with him a little more.

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he said as he cupped my cheek. “I’m never taking a single moment for granted, and that means making you scream my name so the heavens hear you.”

“Really? That’s your big goal?” Not that I minded, but giving him the gears was entertaining.

“Of course it is,” he smirked, the rare dimple showing itself. “How else am I going to make sure you never look at another man?”

“Such a guy.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Like I ever would,” I said as he teasingly nipped at my neck. “Besides, I thought you didn’t believe in God or heaven?”

“I believed that if there was one, that he hated me,” Derek said, resting his head on his hand.

“And you don’t think he hates you now?”

“How could I when he sent me you?” Even though there was still a smile lifting the corner of his mouth, there was no humor in his tone. Derek picked up my hand and laid it over his heart, the thump strong under his warm skin. “You will forever have the keys to my heart. I love you, Beck, and I don’t give a fuck if this sounds cheesy. You are the other half of my soul. I couldn’t live if something happened to you, and I wouldn’t want to.”

“Stop, don’t say that,” I said, but he shook his head.

“No. I’ve already lived a life with nothing but emptiness and anger. My soul came alive when you walked into my world, and I will happily take my last breath when our time comes to an end.” I remembered the Giltberts and how they’d held one another even in death and I now understood.

He amazed me more each day we spent together, and I didn’t think that was possible. My stomach fluttered, and my heart beat faster with him in my life. Many would say that I was crazy for thinking he could be the man written about in novels, but he was to me. I couldn’t picture my life without him in it, and I never would. Cupping his face, I kissed his lips and loved it when he coaxed my mouth open and deepened the kiss.

“Make love to me,” I said, my lips softly touching his. He smiled as he shifted over and moved between my legs.

“Are you sure you’re ready for another round so soon,” he asked, his cock nudging me like it was begging for entrance. We’d already gone two rounds, but it never seemed enough, and the light throbbing and wetness between my legs told me I was very ready.

Lifting my hips, I pushed the tip into my body, and Derek groaned, making my stomach clench tight.

“Is that enough of an answer for you?” Trailing my fingers along his broad shoulders, I marveled at the size and strength of this man who could say the sweetest things and let a butterfly land on his finger.

Instead of answering, he dropped his lips to mine as he smoothly pushed his way in and never stopped kissing me. He took his time pulling out and slowly thrusting in. In and out, his cock rubbed over my G-spot at a steady and rhythmic pace building my orgasm like a slow-burning fire.

Each breath was a little quicker, and yet he never changed pace. His lips touched mine as his eyes stared into my soul. I’d never felt so connected to another person before, and my body soon screamed for the tantalizing release just out of reach, yet right there for the taking.

“Be a good girl and come for me, Cookie,” Derek growled softly in my ear, sending an uncontrollable quaking throughout my body. I tensed, my pussy clenching tight around him, and he groaned again.