20. Rebel

It wassix in the morning, a week since we rescued Kylie. Marcus showed up just as I poured myself a cup of coffee. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" I asked as he sat down.

"Yes, black, thank you. I suppose you are wondering why I'm here this early," Marcus said, grinning.

"That did cross my mind. What's happening?" I said, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Ruben Hernandez is dead. He and twenty of his cartel men were shot and killed at his compound. No one knows who did it. Do you have any idea?"

"No, but that is the best news for Kylie. She won't have to worry about him anymore. That's great news. I wonder who killed them. Not that I care, but I'd like to thank them."

"Good morning," Evie said, walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning," both Marcus and I said at the same time.

"What's going on?" Evie asked.

"Ruben Hernandez and his men are all dead."

"Oh my God, that's wonderful. That means he can't come after Kylie. Doesn't it? She asked.

"Yes, that is exactly what it means," I said.

"So, we can leave and go home to New York," she murmured almost to herself.

Reaper stood behind her. "That is great news, but you don't have to hurry and leave. We still haven't found Cinder," he said.

I remained silent. I hadn't made love with Evie since before she was taken. It was damn hard to stay away from her. But I didn't want her to be hurt when it was time for her to leave. I knew she was beginning to have strong feelings for me, and I knew it would be hard for her when it was time for her to return home.

She poured herself some coffee and went back to her room. I glanced at Reaper. "Aren't you going to tell her you want her to stay?" he demanded.

"No, why would I tell her that? She knows I never get serious about any one woman. I will never get serious about anyone. You know why."

"You are a damn liar, and you know it. Why are you hurting both of you?" he hissed. "You'll regret it if you don't do something right now. Why are you so fixated on Trina and that damned fireman? He ended up getting back with his wife. You need to get over that crap, it was so many years ago. Didn't you like being in love?"

"What do you think? Why would I want to let a woman have control over my heart?" I growled.

"But we are talking about Evie. She's different from most women we know. I know you have feelings for her. Don't let her go; you'll regret it," Reaper urged.

"I'll see you two later, and I agree with Reaper. You'll regret it," Marcus said as he left.

I got up and walked in to check on Hannah. Evie was already in there, holding her; Hannah was changed, dressed, and kissing Evie. I watched them for a moment before letting them know I was there.

"Hey, you two. I see my baby girl is awake."

"Dada."

"We were going to surprise you," Evie said, handing Hannah over to me. "She's ready for her day and breakfast. I've got some packing to do. I'll see you two later."

"You don't have to leave this soon," I said, regretting the words as soon as they left my mouth. I didn't want her to think there was more between us than there was.

"My parents are already packing, and Kylie is anxious to get home. I don't know how we will ever be able to repay you. You and the others have done so much for our family. We wouldn't have Kylie back with us if it weren't for all of you. If we ever hit the lottery, I promise we'll pay you for everything," Evie said, smiling, before returning to her room.

Fuck, what should I do? I didn't want her to leave, but Evie was the type you marry, not just someone for casual sex. Isn't that what you did, Rebel? She's a music teacher, for crying out loud. I wished she lived around here so I could see her every day.

Two hours later, a taxi showed up, and Hannah and I watched as they loaded their things into it. We had already said our goodbyes, but when Evie turned and looked at us, I couldn't stop myself from walking to her and kissing her again. She kissed me back, and then she kissed Hannah.

"I'm going to miss you two. My life will never be the same. Goodbye," she whispered.

"Goodbye, Evie. Take care of yourself," she nodded, and that was the last I saw of her as the taxi drove away.

"You're an idiot," Reaper said as he turned around and returned to the house.

"I agree," Ghost said, following him. As I walked in behind them with Hannah, my heart hurt—it actually hurt—not like when Trina ran off with the fireman. It hurt like I wanted to cry from the pain. I couldn't breathe. God, do I love Evie? I knew I would end up hurting her. I couldn't ask her to stay. Our time was running out; we had already gone longer than my two-month rule.

"I can't believe you let her go," Allison said later that day. "I, for one, thought you loved her. She loves you and Hannah. My heart hurts for her and Hannah."

"Why don't any of you understand that I'm saving Evie's heartache by letting her go? It's better that I let her go now than be together for a year and then tell her. That would break both Hannah and Evie's hearts."

"That makes no sense. What does it even mean?" Allison demanded.

"It means nothing lasts. I'm done talking about Evie," I said, getting up and leaving the room.

"You're mistaken. If you truly love someone, it will last a lifetime," Allison called out loud enough for me to hear her.