Page 80 of To Steal a Heart

“Thanks to you,” she squeaked. “You saved the day.”

Grandmother grinned. “I suppose I did. Not bad for an old woman.”

“Not bad at all. In fact, I might just have to write you into one of my books.”

“As the villain, I’m sure,” Grandmother smirked.

“Nah, as the antihero.”

She harrumphed. “You and your silly terms.”

“Actually, that’s a literary term.”

Grandmother waved a hand in irritation before pointing at Garrett. “How’s your boy?”

“He loves me.” A wave of emotion swelled in Arden’s breast as her voice quivered. “Just like you said. Right again,” she chimed. She blinked to stay the tears pressing against her eyes.

“I know true love when I see it,” Grandmother uttered. “Don’t stand here dawdling. Go talk to him while you can.”

Arden’s heart squeezed. Precious time was ticking away. In a few minutes, the agents would arrive and haul Garrett away. She turned to face him. He was hanging back as if to give her time alone with Grandmother. She moved to him in quick, determined steps. “Can we talk?”

“I’d like that,” he said.

She glanced at Katia, who was still sitting against the wall, watching them with a murderous expression. A shiver ran through her as she hugged her arms. Garrett draped an arm around her and pulled her close. “What’ll happen to her?” she asked in a low tone.

“She’ll be put away where she belongs,” Garrett said with conviction.

Arden saw something flick in his eyes and wondered if he was talking about himself. He navigated her through the suite and out onto the balcony, where the darkness of the night enveloped them.

He gathered her in his arms. “I’m so sorry.”

She pressed a finger to his lips. “I know.” She traced the lines of his chiseled features, committing every facet to memory. “What’s gonna happen to you?” she asked hoarsely.

He glanced into the room before shifting his focus back to her. “Let’s not talk about that right now,” he said gruffly. He cupped her face. “I’ve missed you so much.” The ache in his voice caused tears to roll down her cheeks.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Hey.” His voice was tender. “It’ll be okay.” He looked her in the eyes. “I meant what I said about you making me want to be a better man.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple zipping up and down in his throat. “After this is over, I want to build a life with you.”

“I’d like that.” It was all she could do to contain her emotion. A future with Garrett was a beautiful dream that would soon be shattered when the agents arrived on the scene.

His voice gathered energy. “I wanna get a boat and sail wherever the wind takes us.” He searched her face. “Are you with me?”

“Of course.” She gulped to push down the sob crawling up her throat.

He touched her cheek as he chuckled softly. “I fell in love with you that first night when you pummeled Asa. So much fire and passion.” Pain masked his handsome face. “You know my demons, Arden. Every awful one.” His voice caught. “Can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course.” As she spoke the words, something incredible happened. A weight was lifted off her chest. She felt the kiss of heaven descend over her like a refreshing dew. Just like that, all of the resentment and anger were gone. She did forgive him for everything. “You shielded my body with yours.”

“Nothing is as important to me as keeping you safe.” A tender smile softened his lips as he grew teary-eyed. “I finally understand what it’s like to love someone heart and soul.” His eyes grew shadowed. “I’m damaged goods, and yet you claim to want me anyway.”

She jutted out her chin. “I do,” she asserted with all the torque she had in her. The significance of her next words circled around them before floating up into the balmy air. “You are my match in every way.”

A look of understanding passed between them. “I’m so sorry for all the heartache that I’ve caused you.” He clenched his jaw, eyes burning with sincerity. “I’m done with gambling and the criminal life. All of it,” he said fiercely. A beautiful smile ruffled his lips. “What can I say? You did the impossible. You made me into a standup guy.”

Laughter rippled through her throat. “Garrett, you’ll always be a rebel at heart, but I love you for it.” The thought of him being incarcerated sickened her. She grabbed hold of his shirt, urgency pumping through her as she spoke words she never dreamt she’d say. “Run!” she urged. “Don’t let them take you.”

His eyes widened before narrowing into slits. “No! I’m done running. After we sail the world, I want to build a life with you, Arden. I want the house, the picket fence, the dog, the whole shebang.” His expression softened as he touched her hair. “I want auburn-haired daughters with jade eyes and sassy tongues.”