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He tucks me a bit closer like he's trying to absorb me into his skin.

"I'm sorry for every time I let fear come out as an order. For when I didn't ask you or include you in a conversation about you."

"Oh, that. Pffffttt. Just don't let it happen again."

His thumb brushes over my cheek, his gaze intent on mine.

"I get it now. How easy it is to tell yourself you're protecting someone when you're living in the fear of losing them. Especially when you haven't officially told them you love them."

I blink up at him and hold my breath until, "Do you?"

"I do."

He lowers his head to mine and winces when our foreheads touch. "Does love hurt?"

His lips quirk up at the corners. "At the moment, yeah. But it's more that you and I both know we're going to have this argument again because I will always put myself between you and danger."

"So long as you know I'll do the same for you."

"Violet."

"Sully."

"Sunshine…"

"Hollywood."

He groans. “There's my stubborn girl.”

I laugh softly again at his disgruntlement even as he kisses me, lightly at first and then harder, drawing catcalls and whistles from the men surrounding us. The friends—our family—cheering us on.

We ignore them but not Havoc. The dog suddenly appears and leans heavily against our legs. We both lower our hands to pet the bully's giant head and wriggling body.

"Thanks, buddy. Remind me to get you a steak."

Havoc snorts and gives us even more of his thick weight. I laugh and go up on tiptoes to kiss Sully again. "My heroes."

"Not me. Havoc guarded me—thanks to you."

He cradles me against him, love shining brightly in his eyes.

"You saved yourself, Violet. You terrified me, but I am so proud of you. I love you.”

I stare up at him, completely blown away by this gorgeous, wonderful man. "I love you, Sully. I've known it forever. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to admit it."

He wraps both his thick arms around me then and kisses me as we stand there in the haze of police lights, EMS, the Saints and the security lights shining down on us. In the alley where more often than not, Sully took me to task for taking the trash out alone.

I know that'll continue. And he'll probably have the Saints stay on to hang out at the bar as my protectors.

But right now?

Nothing else matters but the way we hold each other. Love each other.

And for the first time in what feels like forever, I can breathe.

Chapter 44

Sully