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Vanessa’s eyes filled as well. She squeezed Opal one more time before standing to fall into Hunter’s arms. They shared a kiss that didn’t last nearly long enough, but held all the passion and desire they were both feeling. When they were alone, they’d resume what they started.
She gave Mari a long hug, then turned back to Opal. She knelt down to talk to her and hug her again.
“We’ll be a family now. You, me, and Hunter. All together and all safe. Daddy can’t hurt us anymore.”
# # #
They walked out to the parking lot, Vanessa holding Opal’s hand, and wrapping her other arm around Hunter’s waist as he held her. When they reached Mari’s car, they stopped to say goodbye. Mari began crying.
“It’s okay. We’re all okay now,” Vanessa said.
Mari shook her head. “I don’t think anyone told you…”
Vanessa looked to Hunter, whose expression was sad. “Tell me what?”
“My—my—” Mari couldn’t continue.
“Jeremy’s thugs killed her parents,” Hunter said.
Vanessa gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “No, no, no. Oh Mari. Oh, oh…”
The tears filled her eyes again and the shock of it washed through her. How could he do such a thing? They were innocent. Not part of this in any way. And he’d had them killed in cold blood. It was her fault. She’d taken Opal there, and that was why they were now dead.
“I’m so sorry, Mari. This is all my fault,” she cried as she hugged her friend.
“No, no.” Mari squeezed back, trying to speak through her tears. “We knew it was dangerous. They knew the risk. It was Jeremy’s fault.”
After they stood crying together for a long while, Hunter put his arm around Vanessa. “Why don’t we all get home so we can rest? Maybe Mari can stay with us for a while so she’s not alone.”
“Yes, please,” Vanessa said, wiping her eyes.
Mari nodded and they climbed into Hunter’s car. Once they reached Vanessa’s, she made tea, and they sat in the living room while Opal played quietly. No one spoke much. They sat and sipped, trying to let the misery of the experience form into something more concrete in their minds. To find a way to heal and move on now that it was over.
That night, Mari slept in Opal’s bed. It was the best arrangement, because it made Vanessa feel like Opal was safer that way and had someone to comfort her, and Mari would be comforted by her presence as well. And that meant she and Hunter could finally be alone. She desperately needed him.
Once they said good night to Opal and Mari, Hunter took her into the bedroom. He held her for a long time.
“I love you,” he said. “I’m glad we made it through this alive.”
“I love you.” She put her face into his shoulder to let a few more tears loose. She was happy they were alive, sure, but she was heartbroken over Mari’s parents and worn out from all they’d been through.
Hunter scooped her into his arms and lay her gently on the bed. Then, he slowly undressed her, taking care not to pull too hard or yank. When she was naked on the bed, he covered her with the blanket and took off his own clothing to slip in beside her.
“Are you hurt at all?” she asked. “Bruised or anything?”
He shook his head. “Nothing a little Tylenol can’t handle. You?”
“I’m not sure. I feel achey and strange.”
“Probably all the drugs and fighting back. Adrenaline does weird things to a body.”
He ran his fingers down her cheeks, smoothing away the tear tracks. Every touch was gentle and soothing. He caressed her breasts and kissed slowly down her body. He flicked his tongue across her clit, but didn’t push his finger inside her.
They kissed for a long while, him over her like a protective covering. When she was hot and ready for him, she reached down and took hold of his erection. He moaned in response, and Vanessa guided him inside her.
He gently pushed in until he filled her completely. He moved slowly, sending waves of pleasure over her in a steady, soothing rhythm. When she came close to orgasm, she pushed her hips up and into him, sending him in deeper. Their thrusts sped up slightly, and they both moaned as they came together.
Afterward they lay wrapped together and drifted off to sleep.
