43. Talon

43

TALON

F inally, after a long drive, I pull into the parking lot of our new apartment complex in Austin, stretching after the long drive. The building's beige exterior and simple landscaping won't win any beauty contests. Still, it's far from Boston, and that's what matters.

"Home sweet home," I say, helping Lena grab her bag from the trunk. The Texas heat hits differently than Massachusetts—more intense, like it's trying to burn away our past.

Our second-floor unit has basic furnishings—a worn couch, kitchen table, and queen bed. The AC unit rattles but pumps out cold air. The walls need a fresh coat of paint, and the carpet's seen better days, but it's ours. No one knows us here.

"I need to head to UT," Lena says, pulling out her acceptance letter. Her eyes sparkle with determination despite the exhaustion from our three-day journey. "The sooner I get enrolled, the better."

I nod, grabbing my keys again. "I'll drive you." The campus isn't far—another reason I chose this location. I can keep watch over her between job shifts once I find one.

The university sprawls across downtown Austin, its limestone buildings gleaming under the brutal sun. Students mill about, wrapped up in their normal lives. They have no idea what darkness Lena and I carry.

I park near the admissions office. "Want me to come in?"

"I've got this," Lena says, squeezing my hand. She steps out into the heat, the acceptance letter clutched to her chest. I watch her walk away, her shoulders straight and head high. Even after everything, she still carries herself with that quiet grace that first drew me to her.

I'll wait here until she's done, scanning the crowds for any signs of trouble. Old habits die hard. But for now, we're safe. We made it.

I watch Lena practically skip back to the car, her face lit up with that radiant smile that makes my chest tighten. She slides into the passenger seat, clutching a stack of papers.

"They're letting me transfer!" She bounces in her seat. "I can start next week. The admissions officer said my grades from MIT were exceptional."

"Of course they were." I brush my thumb across her cheek, pride swelling in my chest. My brilliant girl, already carving out her place here.

"What about you?" She turns those hazel eyes on me. "Have you thought about where you'll work?"

"Got a few leads." I start the car, letting the AC blast away the Texas heat. "There's a construction company hiring near downtown. Manual labor pays well, and they don't ask many questions." The less attention we draw, the better. "Also spotted a warehouse looking for night shift workers."

"You should apply to both." Lena reaches over, squeezing my thigh. "The sooner we get settled, the safer we'll be."

I cover her hand with mine. She's right—we need to establish ourselves quickly and build a routine that looks normal to anyone watching. The construction job would let me keep my nights free to spend with Lena, while warehouse work would give me the days to watch over her.

"I'll head over to the construction site first now," I say, pulling onto the main road. "Then check out the warehouse. One of them's bound to work out."

Lena nods, already flipping through her university paperwork. The sunlight catches her hair, highlighting those natural waves I love running my fingers through. Everything I've done—everything I'll continue to—is to keep her safe, to give her this chance at a real life. Even if that life will always be shadowed by my darkness.

I pull into the dusty construction site, gravel crunching under my tires. Workers in hard hats and reflective vests mill around a half-finished apartment complex. The site manager's trailer sits near the entrance, its metal walls reflecting the harsh Texas sun.

Inside, the AC barely takes the edge off the heat. A burly man with salt-and-pepper hair looks up from his paperwork.

"Can I help you?"

"Looking for work," I say, relaxed but confident. "Got experience with heavy lifting, concrete, basic carpentry."

He leans back in his chair. "We might have something. When can you start?"

"Next week. My girlfriend and I just moved here from Boston. Pretty desperate for steady work."

"Boston?" He raises an eyebrow. "Long way from home."

I shrug. "Needed a change of scenery."

"Well, we're always short-handed in this heat. Pay's eighteen an hour, overtime available. Show up Monday at six a.m., and we'll get your paperwork sorted."

"Appreciate it." I shake his hand, relieved at how easy that was. A normal day job means I can keep my nights free for Lena.

But when I return to the car, my heart stops. The passenger seat is empty. My pulse spikes as I scan the lot, fighting down panic. Where is she? Did someone?—

Then, I spot her sitting on a low concrete wall near the site entrance. She's gazing at the Austin skyline, her hair catching the sunlight. My racing heart steadies.

"Got the job," I call out, walking over to her. "Start Monday."

She turns, flashing that smile that makes everything else fade away. "I knew you would."

I pull Lena into my arms, breathing in her familiar scent. She fits perfectly against me, her head tucked under my chin. The construction site's noise fades away as I focus on her warmth, her steady heartbeat.

"I love you," she whispers against my chest. Her fingers trace patterns on my back, sending shivers down my spine despite the Texas heat.

"Love you more." I kiss the top of her head, savoring this peaceful moment. After everything we've been through, these simple touches mean everything.

Lena tilts her face up, those hazel eyes sparkling. "Show me."

I capture her lips, pouring all my devotion into the kiss. She melts against me, her hands sliding to tangle in my hair. The rest of the world disappears—there's only us, only this.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. "Let's head home."

She nods, a soft smile playing on her lips. I keep her hand in mine as we walk back to the car, unwilling to break contact. The afternoon sun bathes everything in golden light, making Lena's skin glow.

Opening her door first, I help her before sliding behind the wheel. The AC hits us with blessed relief from the heat. Lena immediately reaches for my hand again, lacing our fingers over the center console.

"We have the whole weekend to get settled," she says, squeezing my hand. "Just us."

"Just us," I echo, bringing her hand to my lips. The promise of uninterrupted time together makes my heart race. No more running or looking over our shoulders.

I pull out of the construction site, heading toward our new apartment. Lena hums along to the radio, her thumb stroking my palm. This is what peace feels like, I realize. This is what I've fought so hard for.