Page 139 of Allegiant

“No.” I lean back and cup his face. “You’re my happy place. So long as I have you, I’m happy. You’re all I need.”

He kisses me again, and then we turn toward the Buckingham family. We step forward, and they meet us halfway, arms engulfing us as we cling to one another. I haven’t had a family in so long, not really.

And I think this may be the first time in many years that I’m truly a part of one.

35

ROWAN

We ride alone to the Buckingham mansion. Which is a good thing considering Samson and I can’t keep our hands off each other.

“Are you sure the driver can’t hear us?” I ask even as I throw a leg over Samson’s lap.

“No, we’re fine. Privacy screen is up and everything.”

I kiss him again, luxuriating in the sensation. There’s no need to rush. We have all the time in the world.

When I pull back, I don’t go far, just rest my forehead against his. “You were beautiful on stage tonight.”

He smirks. “You don’t need to flatter me. I’m a sure deal.”

I nip at the end of his nose, grinning when he hisses. “Stop that. I mean it. The most beautiful of dancers do it for the love of it. That’s what everyone saw tonight. You dance because you love it, and that makes it beautiful. Not timing, talent, or choreography. Love. Joy. You were so brave to share that with everyone. I’m so proud of you.”

His eyes turn a little misty. “I did it for you. You told us in class that dancing on stage is about love. That’s what that was—my love letter to you.”

“It was perfect,” I whisper. “I’m sorry I was so stubborn. I was just…scared. So fucking scared.”

“Of what?”

“Losing you. Everything that makes me happy gets taken away from me eventually. I didn’t want to let you in again and get hurt. Not after the pain of the first time.”

He winces. “I’m sorry about that. About everything.”

“I know,” I breathe, leaning into him, letting him ground me. “I’m sorry too.”

“How about we both stop apologizing and move forward instead?”

My lips bloom into the most real smile I’ve had in weeks. “That sounds wonderful.”

“I’m going to show you that it’s safe to be happy,” Samson vows. “I’m not going anywhere. Even if you end things again, I’ll just keep showing up until you give me another chance.”

I giggle. “Oh, I’m well aware of that. But don’t worry, that won’t be happening again. I’m never, ever letting you go.”

“You won’t lose the dance studio either. I told a little white lie tonight—the Buckinghams might’ve purchased the studio, but it’s in your name.”

I jolt, my eyes wide. “What? Why? Why would you do that?”

He shrugs, self-conscious. “Didn’t want you thinking you had to stay with me because you’d risk the studio otherwise. Besides, it’s yours. It should’ve been yours for a long time. All we’ve done is right a few wrongs.”

I blink away more tears. I must be dehydrated given how much I’ve cried tonight. “I can’t believe you did that for me. How can I ever thank you?”

“By letting me love you,” Samson says. “That’s all I ask.”

“Done. Easiest deal I’ve ever made in my life.”

He kisses me again until I’m breathless. I’m tempted to test just how soundproof the car is, but another question occurs to me. “What happened to the developers who’d already bought it?”

Samson smirks. “No one says no to the Buckinghams. You better get used to it.”