Page 33 of Devil’s Torture

As the three of us go from house to house for trick-or-treating while feeling like a real family, my heart clenches tight in my chest. Rune is scowling, but his eyes are dancing with excitement in a way I don’t think I saw even years ago. He was always so serious and focused on protecting me.

At the time I never wondered how much of the end of his childhood he was giving up by worrying about me. Now, I can’t help but think about it.

I have to bite my lip to stop from smiling because right now he looks out of place and a little nervous.

It’s the same look that was on his face when we stepped into Bexley’s school. He was carrying the tray of orange and black cupcakes like they were a bomb he wasn’t sure if he could defuse in time or not.

Walking down the hall, considering there were a lot of parents milling around with so many parties going on, Rune garnered a lot of attention. From students, from their younger siblings, and especially from parents and staff. No one dared say a word, but their wide eyes along with the clear curiosity on their faces was more than enough.

Rune didn’t seem bothered by the attention. He was more worried about making a good impression on Dawn. He barely even glanced around as he followed me to the classroom. Then he set down the cupcakes like he expected the class to erupt into a standing ovation.

They did not.

The moment Dawn looked over and saw him, she exploded out of her chair and shouted, “Dad, you came.”

The look on his face was priceless.

Even though he looked uncomfortable, and far too big for the chairs in the room, it didn’t stop Rune from sitting next to Dawn while they decorated a canvas bag for trick-or-treating with fabric markers and stencils. He paid attention to his daughter with a focus that made a little more of my resolve melt away.

The other kids circled him like they were testing his defenses. He kept his face carefully neutral and tried not to scowl even though I could see it wasn’t easy for him to manage. Dawn was practically floating by the time the party was over and she was signed out for the day.

Maybe I was feeling especially generous because on the way out of the school, I led my little group to the front office where I filled out a form to add Rune as an emergency contact and a pick-up person. I swear I saw my big biker’s eyes well up with tears when I asked the person at the desk for the form.

He whispered, “Are you sure?”

I looked at him for a long moment, and time seemed to stand still. I knew right then I was making the right decision. Because he would have let me back out and not held it against me. It was obvious in the way he was looking at me.

“I’m sure,” my voice was firm when I finally answered. “You’re back and you’re her father.”

Rune was in a daze as he took us home. He didn’t talk much, but he hung on every word Dawn said. The moment we got inside, Dawn chirped, “Don’t be late for trick-or-treating tomorrow, Dad.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll be early.”

She gave him a wide grin and ran off. Rune’s eyes found mine quickly and he closed the distance between us. He was close. Too close.

He smelled exactly the same—pine and amber. Before I could even think about it, his lips slammed down on mine. My fingers curled around the edges of his cut as I held onto him. When his tongue slid along my bottom lip, I opened for him.

Without thinking.

Instinctually.

I let myself fall into kissing him and feel all of it. What we used to be. What we could become if I gave it half a chance.

Because no matter the hurt, and there’s plenty, the pull between us didn’t disappear. Not even a little bit.

He only pulled away when my lungs were screaming for air. I sucked in a sharp breath, and he rested his forehead against mine. His voice was rough when he asked, “Do I have to wear a costume to trick-or-treating?”

I couldn’t help but giggle and shake my head. “No, I think badass biker will be enough.” I paused and tried to tease him by parroting Dawn, “Don’t be late.”

I must not have hidden all of the worry I was trying to ignore because the look on his face turned serious. “Of course, Bex,” he vowed. “For you and Dawn I’ll be there. From now on.”

Regret wrapped around him and all I could do was nod. He kissed me again and made sure to say goodbye to Dawn before he left.

Now he’s surrounded by kids who have already had too much sugar and believe that anonymity and costumes are synonymous. I’ve been enjoying watching the show.

“What are you thinking about, Bex?” Rune rumbles the question close to my ear and pulls me out of my thoughts.

I look at him with wide eyes and hiss, “You shouldn’t scare people by sneaking up on them.”