Not only that, but Ryker had petitioned the Chancellor to remove Victor, her torturer, and his sadistic friends from prison duty. He had assured Brynleigh that not only would they not hurt anyone else, but she’d never have to see them again. That meant more to her than any gift he could have ever given her.
Was this what it meant to be happy?
She must’ve said the last question out loud because Ryker chuckled as he opened the car door for her.
“Yes, love.” He kissed her as she ducked inside the vehicle.
He walked to the other side and slid into the driver’s seat. He turned on the car, expertly backed out of the space, and took her hand.
“This is exactly what happiness feels like.”
Like warmth and sunlight and butterflies all mixed together.
Brynleigh had never known she’d been living in frigid darkness until Ryker cracked open her heart and showed her just how much she was missing.
She wouldn’t have it any other way.
Buckling in, she pulled off her heels and beamed at her husband.
“So, my surprise.” She wiggled her toes, grateful to be freed from the confines of horrible footwear. “Will you tell me what it is now? Another chess board?”
Since the rebels’ attack, she and Ryker had played several chess matches together. She was currently winning by one game, but she wanted to extend her lead.
Ryker flashed her a grin as he navigated the car onto the highway.
“No, this is bigger than that.”
He refused to say anything else, though. She tried to get information out of him, asking question after question, but he was skilled at evasiveness.
Eventually, Brynleigh gave up and stared out the windows. Like the apartment, the car had vampire-safe glass, and she admired the sun. The skyline slowly shifted, the industrial metropolis of Golden City giving way to sprawling golden fields and, eventually, sun-kissed forests. A companionable silence filled the vehicle, and Ryker’s thumb stroked the back of her hand.
Peace as silent as a winter’s night and as comforting as a heavy blanket settled between them.
Thiswas right. This was where they were always meant to be. Just the two of them.
Eventually, Brynleigh’s eyes grew heavy. She drifted off to sleep, anchored to reality by Ryker’s fingers laced through hers.
She’d never let him go.
Lips brushed Brynleigh’s forehead.“We’re here, sweetheart.”
She smiled as she woke, leaving a quiet, nightmare-free sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting Ryker’s.
“Where are we?”
They were parked in front of a single-story log cabin with a wooden wrap-around porch. In many ways, it reminded her of the small bungalow where he’d brought her after The Pit. Tall trees reached for the night sky, pine needles dusted the ground, and a still, blue lake was off in the distance.
“This is my cabin.” The corner of Ryker’s mouth tugged up as he reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Well,ourcabin.”
“It’s beautiful.” She returned her gaze to him. “Is this my surprise?”
He shook his head. “No, your surprise is inside.”
Intrigued, she followed him out of the car. She considered putting her shoes back on, but she took one look at the discarded heels and decided to leave them. The cold winter wind howled through the trees. There was no snow on the ground, but if the heavy clouds were any indication, a white blanket would cover the land come sunrise. She’d enjoy her bare feet while she could.
Ryker offered Brynleigh his hand and helped her up the steps. It was unnecessary but also ridiculously sweet, so she allowed him to assist her.
She thought he’d unlock the door, but instead, he knocked.