Just then, she turned into me, placing her head on my chest. I wrapped my free arm around her and she burrowed into my side. Her arm wrapped around my waist. Her eyes were still closed and her breathing still steady. Her body and soul sensed I was here.
I ran my fingers up and down her arms softly. Trying to force my body to relax, I concentrated on the positive and left the rest of that shit outside. She was safe, she was here, and she was healthy. Well, minus drugs in her system.
Waking up, I found an empty, cold spot where Jules had been. Just as I started to panic, she walked out of the bathroom.
She smiled. “Hey. You were sound asleep, so I didn’t want to wake you.”
I pushed myself up. “I didn’t even realize I was that exhausted until I laid down next to you.” I rolled over, pulling her down onto the bed and into my arms.
She was quiet for a minute and picked at the comforter. “Will you tell me?”
“Tell you what?” I knew what she wanted, but I wasn’t really sure how much to share. I’d checked my phone and read the long text from Viper earlier.
The guys had definitely taken care of business.
Jules frowned. “What happened to Gia?”
Taking a deep breath and glancing at the phone again, I opened my mouth but she interrupted me.
“She’s dead, isn’t she?” Tears gathered in her eyes.
“Yes.” I sighed and pulled away so I could look in her eyes. “Gia and Ernie were behind everything with John. I knew she was angry, but I didn’t think it was enough to hurt you.”
“Because my dad is her dad?” I gave a quick nod. “Did you know?” she whispered.
I wouldn’t lie to her. “Yes, I did. I had to make a choice, Jules. It was her or you. She wasn’t going to leave you alive. Her end game was to kill you.” I pulled her face to mine, touching our foreheads. “That, I couldn’t handle. So, I did what I had to and I told the guys to eliminate the threat.” I watched to see her reaction, but she just stared at me. “Jules, I would say I’m sorry, I know she was your best friend. But you are my life, and I would choose you every time, no matter what or who is on the other end.”
I prayed she understood, because I couldn’t stand the thought of her hating me or resenting me. I did what I had to. For her. It was always for her.
Jules
Over the next few days, I thought about asking exactly what happened with Gia, but deep in my heart I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I knew what she did, and I knew I hated her. After all, she was behind it all. At least, in a way. My kidnapping and the trafficking. The photos of me. All the stalking Ernie did for her and not just what John ordered him to do. She’d played it like some sick and twisted game. In the end she didn’t win. I tried not to think about the fact that John was still on the run.
It was hard to wrap my head around. The Gia I knew was supposed to be my best friend. We grew up together. Somehow, some way, the world twisted her into something dark and dangerous.
Walking through the compound, I looked around at my family, relaxing and finally taking a breather after the last few months. I knew we all needed one. Even though we hadn’t found John, we would.
I noticed my mom and Locke talking in hushed tones in the corner of the kitchen. The look of anger and annoyance on her face told me I didn’t want to be a part of that conversation. Grace, Ezra, Faith, Mac, and Viper were playing pool while Leah was reading in the chair next to the table. Those two were never too far apart from one another.
Arms wrapped around me and I froze momentarily. I knew who it was, but I couldn’t help it. I was getting better and better every day, but I still had a ways to go. Leaning back into him, I smiled as he kissed my temple.
Dom whispered in my ear. “Go get ready. I have a surprise for you.”
I spun around and smiled. “What do you have planned and what should I wear?”
“I’m not telling you. And wear some girlie shit,” he said with a smirk.
“Fine, I’ll go put on some girlie shit.” I placed a chaste kiss on his lips. He growled low and a tingle hit me right in my core.
I was unsure where we were heading until he pulled up to the lighthouse. He took my hand and led me up to the top of the lighthouse, just like before. He held me tight as we looked at the spectacular sunset.
Then he turned me in his arms. “Jules, when I almost lost you, it nearly killed me not knowing if I’d ever get to truly love you the way you deserved to be loved. I never thought I’d find someone so special. Someone I couldn’t breathe without. But I was wrong. You walked into my life and destroyed every thought I ever had about not needing to love someone. I thank God every day that I get one more chance with you, and I will never let one day go by without letting you know that this Prince Charming is nothing without his Cinderella.”
Getting down on one knee, he pulled out a small velvet box. Opening it, he took out a beautiful princess cut diamond ring. My hands flew to my mouth as my heart flipped and raced.
His beautiful eyes, full of love, looked deep into mine. “Juliane Isabella Galenti, will you please be my Cinderella and love me forever?” He took my hand and slid the ring on my finger.
I couldn’t stop
