A Matter Of Justice (Grey Justice #4)(77)

Grey nodded, his understanding complete now. “And then Hill Reed exploded back into our lives.”

“Yes. It kind of spiraled out of control after that.”

“I’m sorry, Irelyn. I never want you to doubt me or my commitment to you, to us. In fact…” Using his uninjured hand, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the token of their long, complicated relationship.

They both looked down at the fragile silver ring she’d returned to him in Dublin.

“Oh, Grey,” she breathed. “You went back for it?”

“You’re damn right I did.”

“I’m so glad. It broke my heart to leave it there.”

“No more broken hearts for either of us. We’ve been through a lot together, Irelyn, but there’s never been anyone but you. So, will you marry me?”

“Yes, oh, yes.” She pressed her cheek against his chest and spoke the words he’d always longed for to her say, “I love you, Grey. So very much.”

He closed his eyes. He had almost messed this up, but dammit, this time he would get it right.

“I love you, too. Never forget that.”

She smiled up at him. “Irelyn and Grey, together again.”

“Forever.”





Chapter Thirty-Two





Twelve hours later, they sat together in the small hangar attached to the airport. Grey had managed to contact the local authorities and have the bodies taken care of with a minimum of fuss. Years ago, when they’d first built the house, she and Grey had made a point of getting to know local law enforcement. A mutual respect for each other had helped ease their way today. There would still likely be more questions, but thankfully, they had been allowed to leave.

Both she and Grey had been sewn up and bandaged at a small clinic. Most of their injuries had been superficial, but the gash on her thigh had required eleven stitches, and the cut on Grey’s hand had required seven. All in all, considering what might have happened, she knew they’d gotten out quite well.

Lily, their pilot, was due to land in Colorado within the hour. They would then fly to England, where they would confront Sebastian Dark one final time. He would know by now that his plan hadn’t worked.

Grey’s eyes roamed over her. “How are you feeling?”

“Not too bad, considering.”

“Lily should be here soon.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to fly out of here?”

A monster snowstorm was imminent for half of the state. Though they were in a small area specified for private air travel, a large group of corporate executives and their families were flying back from a retreat. Dozens of travelers milled around the terminal, their expressions varying from weariness to frustration. Parents, looking both harried and exhausted, tried to entertain young children as they waited to hear word about their flight. Getting out before the blizzard struck was a concern for everyone.

“If we can’t, no worries. I’ve already booked a hotel room just in case. Lily’s grandmother lives about fifteen miles from here. She’ll relish being able to spend time with her.”

“But—”

He squeezed her hand. “I know you want to go after him, but if he was going to rabbit, he’s already done so. A delay because of this storm isn’t going to make a difference.”

He was right. Dark had to know that if she and Grey survived his siege, they’d come after him. If he went into hiding, it would be immediately after he learned his men had not been successful.

“You’re right. Guess I just want it over with.”

“Believe me, I do, too.” He turned her to face him. “We’ll get through this, just like we have before. We’ll bring him to an end. And then we’ll destroy Hill House.”

“He’ll be prepared for us.”

“We’ll be prepared for him, too. Trust me.”

“I do.”

A smile spread across his face. “Thank you. I won’t ever take your trust for granted again.”

“I think we’ve both learned a hard lesson.”

“We’ve got sixty or so years to get it right.”

That was the second time he’d mentioned the sixty-year time span. Waking up with Grey Justice beside her for the next sixty or so years sounded like heaven.

Feeling more at ease, she stood and worked the stiffness out of her neck and shoulders.

“How the hell can someone look sexy after what you’ve been through today?”

She glanced down at herself. They hadn’t wanted to delay their departure, so she had thrown on the first thing she’d come to in the closet. A long-sleeved red dress and black boots.

“I don’t look like Santa?”

He gave a crack of laughter. “The sexiest Santa I’ve ever seen.”

Grey, on the other hand, looked both sophisticated and as hard as nails. Dressed in jeans and a black turtleneck sweater, he would fit in at the most elegant of restaurants and yet looked tough enough to take down an army of killers. He was the epitome of stylishly lethal.

An odd, dark, ominous feeling washed over her. Suddenly feeling chilled, she shivered.

“You’re cold. Want some coffee?”

“Sounds perfect.”

He stood and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Coffee light with two sugars coming up.”