“Holy shit,” Honey breathes with a wide smile across her face. I get it. I know the feeling.
Freedom.
No ties. No legacy to fulfill.
Just us.
She glances up at me, and asks, “Did we actually do that?”
“No.” I lean against the wall, my legs barely holding me. “We didn’t.Youdid. I was ready to crawl back and beg.”
“No, you weren't.” She looks at me, and there are tears in her eyes. “You were ready to sacrifice everything for two people who are more important to you than anything else in this world. I just gave you an out.”
“They're going to fight back,” I say. “Find some loophole, some way to—”
“Let them try.” Her jaw sets. “I have enough evidence to bury them ten times over. They know it. That's why they barely fought back. Bet they never thought little Hunniford would have the balls to stand up to them for once.”
When we’re finally outside, I'm hit with fresh air that feels like the first real breath I've taken in hours.
“Well, well.” Asher's voice drawls from beside his sleek, black car. He dips his sunglasses down to take us in. “Look who survived. with myself that they'd kill you.”
“Maybe we should've let them,” Honey mutters, stalking toward the car. “Then I wouldn't have to suffer through another four-hour flight with you.”
Asher laughs, pushing off the car to open the back door. “Aww, come on. I know I’m not as hot as your quarterback boyfriend, but I have my strengths.”
“HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!” Honey shrieks from inside the car, and I can see her face has gone bright red.
Asher's grin widens. “Works every time.” He gestures to the open door. “Come on, man. Let's get you home.”
Home.
My home.
Finally.
I hesitate. “You sure? We can grab a commercial flight—”
“And use the last few dollars you have left? Please.” Asher shakes his head. “Get in. Besides, someone needs to protect me since I doubt Honey and I are about to turn this into an enemies-to-lovers thing.” He jerks his thumb toward the car where Honey is already glaring at him through the window.
I climb into the back seat next to Honey, and Asher slides into the front passenger seat while his driver pulls away from the curb.
“So,” Asher says, turning around to look at us over the seat. “How badly did you destroy them?”
“Completely,” Honey says with grim satisfaction.
“That's my girl.” Asher grins. “Though, I still think you should've let me come up with you. I would've loved to see their faces.”
“You would’ve made us lose,” Honey mutters. “In the same way you lost the only girl you have any real interest in.”
Asher takes in a sharp breath. “Damn, you know how to hit someone hard, don’t you?”
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a text from Tiff.
Tiff:Please tell me you're okay. Please tell me you're coming back.
Finally, I can respond to her and not feel like I’m lying. My hands shake as I type.
Jamie:I'm okay. I'm coming home. Should be there in a few hours. I love you so much.