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“You’re right,” she says, her voice steady. “It’s time I cut ties for good.”
She walks to the door and yanks it open. Her parents hover on the steps, probably hoping we’d cave. Tessa stands tall.
“Leave. And don’t come back,” she says.
Her mom starts to protest but Tessa cuts her off.
“No. You’ve put me through hell my whole life. I won’t be your ATM anymore. If you want help, get clean. Otherwise, stay away.”
She slams the door in their shocked faces. When she turns back to me, her eyes shine with unshed tears. I pull her into a crushing hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper against her soft hair.
She clings to me, finally free.
Tessa pulls back, wiping her eyes.
“Thank you for being here, Grizz. I don’t know if I could have done that without you.”
I brush my knuckles over her cheek. “You’re stronger than you know, Tessa. But you’ll never have to fight alone again.”
She gives me a watery smile.
I tip her chin up. “Listen to me. My parents and brothers will fucking adore you.”
Tessa’s eyes widen. “Really? You want me to meet your family?”
I roll my eyes. “Babe. There’s nothing I want more than to make you officially part of the Malek clan.” I grin. “Fair warning though, we’re a loud, nosy bunch. But we take care of our own. And you’re one of us now.” I press a soft kiss to her lips.
Fresh tears spill down Tessa’s cheeks. But this time, she’s smiling.
“I don’t know what to say,” she whispers.
“You don’t have to say anything,” I tell her. “Just know I’ll always be here to love and protect you.”
Tessa throws her arms around me, holding me tight. I stroke her hair, savoring the feel of her in my arms. My girl, my family.
Seven
EPILOGUE
SIX MONTHS LATER
Tessa
His fingers thread through my hair, massaging my scalp. I lean into his touch, melting against his strong, warm chest.
“Missed this,” Grizz murmurs, full lips brushing the curve of my neck. His voice rumbles against me, deep and gravelly, making me shiver all over.
I hum, eyes drifting shut. The familiar scent of him envelops me—woodsy cologne, and magical male pheromones. “You were gone too long,” I pout.
“I know, baby. I’m sorry.” His other arm wraps around my waist, pulling me tighter against his broad chest.
Warmth floods my chest at his words. Even after all these months together, he still makes me feel cherished. Special. Grizz’s love is my anchor.
The skyline glimmers before us, the streets lit up in neon against the night sky. In the distance, the bay is a sheet of black silk dotted with golden light.
“So beautiful,” I whisper.
