The creaky wooden stairs groan under my feet as I descend into the dimly-lit basement. The cool, damp air prickles my skin and the earthy scent of soil fills my nose. I’m used to blood, screams, the occasional pool of vomit—but this is different. What is Brick up to down here?
My eyes adjust to the shadows and I spot him hunched over a makeshift table, intensely focused on the containers and tubes spread out before him.
"What are you doing?" I ask, sidling up behind him and placing my hand on his lower back.
He glances up, a devilish grin spreading across his rugged face. "Oh this? Just a little worm farm I'm experimenting with. Something Dom inspired me to do."
I peer closer at the writhing creatures in the soil. "Slade said you were up to something." I nudge him playfully. “But worms?” I quirk a brow.
"They really are remarkable creatures," he says, clearly enthused. "They can take shit, actual crap, and convert it into fuel to keep on living. Meanwhile, the rest of us can barely handle a little criticism."
I have to laugh. Only Brick could find beauty in a pile of worms. But that's what I love about him—he sees potential where others only see garbage.
"So what's the grand plan for these wriggly little guys then?" I ask, leaning in close to meet his glittering eyes.
"Who knows? But if worms can turn crap into something useful..." He pauses, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Maybe we can take the shitty hand life's dealt us and turn it into something beautiful, too."
Myheart swells, overflowing with admiration for this brilliant, unpredictable man. No matter how dark things seem, Brick always finds the light.
I'm lost in thought as Brick gazes at me, his eyes full of warmth despite the cool basement air. There's always more swirling beneath that rugged exterior than anyone realizes.
"You really think we can turn all this around?" I ask softly.
He brushes his thumb across my cheek. "With you by my side? We can do anything, my Valkyrie. I know things have been difficult lately, and we’re about to take some huge risks. But I really believe we’ve got this."
I raise my eyebrows. "Oh yeah? How so?"
Brick grins. "I say we take all the bullshit Tane's put us through and turn it into power. Use it as fuel to destroy that handsome gargoyle once and for all. If worms can thrive on shit, we can take whatever Tane dishes out and come back stronger."
A smile spreads across my face. Trust Brick to find inspiration in the unlikeliest place. But he's right. We've turned garbage into gold before. We can do it again, no matter how deep of a hole Tane's dug for us.
Brick pulls me close, his breath warm on my skin. "As long as we stick together, we can handle anything. Together, we’re pretty fucking unstoppable."
I laugh, squeezing him tight. Leaning into his embrace, I’m comforted by his solid strength. This man has been my rock through countless storms. No matter how chaotic life gets, I can always count on him to be my anchor. My insane, ruggedly handsome anchor.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," I murmur into his massive chest.
He strokes my hair gently. "You'll never have to find out. I'm not going anywhere, my Valkyrie. Whatever that snake throws our way, we'll power through it together." He pauses. “Don’t tell Skyler and the guys I called him that. Oops.”
I look up at him, my eyes tracing the rugged lines of his face. Even in the dim light of the basement, he takes my breath away.
"Promise me it'll always be like this," I whisper. "Just you and me and Aidan and Slade and Roman against the world."
Brick tilts my chin up, his piercing gaze meeting mine. "I promise. No matter what happens, we've got your back. Partners in crime, now and always."
His lips find mine in a searing kiss that steals the air from my lungs.
My hands grip his muscular shoulders, pulling him closer until no space remains between us.
The rest of the world fades away. In this moment, it's only me and my rock, my anchor, my everything.
When we finally break apart, both gasping for air, Brick rests his forehead against mine.
"We should get back upstairs before the others send out a search party," he says with a roguish grin.
I roll my eyes playfully. "Alright, but we're continuing this later."
Brick smacks my ass as I turn to leave. "Yes ma'am. I'll be ready and waiting."