Time, the only enemy I had, the only thing that we as humans continuously worked against, seemed to control my every move. Timing could be cruel or brilliant. Timing created love or made wars. At that moment, timing left me alone in my darkness, without a clue of what the future held. I became a slave to the ticking seconds, as Finnley lay on the cold concrete, lifeless and bleeding.

Luke rushed to his brother with horror in his eyes. Muffled words, and screams left him. Shock mixed with fear and I couldn't move. Strong hands lifted me, and everything went black. The disbelief of what had happened physically overtook me at the wrong time. I needed to know that the only man I loved was alive and okay. The world dripped away to nothing as we climbed the stairs and exited onto the street.

The cool breeze hummed through the open window and woke me from my dreams. Stark white walls blinded me, and I squinted as my eyes adjusted. My back ached from lying in the same place, but I didn't know how much time had passed.

I moved from under the fluffy blanket and closed the window. The mountains stood strong in the distance as the clouds swept across the pink-hued sky.

"Still in Vegas," I whispered. Still in Vegas.

Bruises lined my arms, and the thought of Finnley almost brought me to my knees. The memory of him being stabbed, and his body falling slack in the dark hallway, replayed itself. I covered my mouth to stop the screams. My heart raced and I had to find him.

I opened the door and the blond-haired man that had killed to protect Finnley stood, patiently. He shot a man, I watched him do it, and I had no doubt in my mind that he would do it again.

"Sleeping beauty has awoke. I'm Abbot." He stretched his hand toward me, and I took it. Abbot had a firm grasp with dry hands. Vegas seemed to do that to people.

"Jennifer. And you should really get some lotion."

He smirked at me then smiled.

"They told me you were outspoken. You'd have to be, to be able to put up with Finnley's bullshit. And I saw the look on your face when you opened the door. Prince Charming is fine."

"Where is he?"

Abbot leaned against the wall and pointed at the door at the end of the hall. I didn't stand around for chitchat.

I ran to the end of the hall, and before opening the door, I sucked in a deep breath. What if he didn't look well? Horrible thoughts coursed through me. Then I thought back to the first time I met Finnley, really met him, at The Elite office. It seemed like so long ago, like decades had passed since that day when I called him Finnley instead of Mr. Felton. I knew then that he'd be dangerous for me when I first laid eyes on him and then after I heard that sexy accent. But under that danger was something more, something caring and loving, still assholish, but I loved it.

With anger blazing, Finnley Felton saved me from the pits of hell and risked his life for me. For me? Who was I? Jennifer Downs. Most likely to succeed. Prude. No, those descriptors were no longer me. I was Jennifer Downs. Smart-ass Texan who was in love with a smart-ass man.

I opened the door.

Finnley lay in bed with his hands tucked under his pillow, sleeping on his side. Messy hair lay flat on his forehead, and his lips parted as he lightly breathed.

My breath hitched as I walked forward. Why was I so nervous about this? Maybe because I had never seen him so vulnerable.

An empty chair next to the bed coaxed me forward, and I sat. I couldn’t stop staring at him, and all the while, I felt like all of it was my fault. If I hadn’t have come to Vegas, then I wouldn’t have met him, and all of this wouldn’t have happened. Regret washed over me like a cool summer rain. This couldn’t happen again.

"I’m sorry," I whispered and placed my face in my hands. "I’m so sorry. This is my fault."

A light touch grazed my arm, and I jerked my hands away. Brilliant green eyes stared at me. I opened my mouth and closed it.

He winced and pushed himself up on the bed. Then he opened his arms and motioned for me to come. I did without hesitation.

When I sat on the bed next to him, he sucked air between his teeth. He placed his hand on my leg and rested his head against the pillow.

Silence lingered.

I didn’t know what to say, and he didn’t speak, but I wanted to talk about everything that happened. I wanted to tell him how horrible Jesse was to me and the things she made me do. I wanted to tell him how I thought Luke was a terrible man. I wanted to tell him that when I was lost in the darkness, the thought of him guided me back to reality. His smile, his smart mouth, and the way his hair barely tucked behind his ear. How he could wear anything or nothing and still be just as sexy. But it didn’t seem like a good time. Would there ever be a good time?

"Don’t be sorry, Jennifer. You didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do, so stop being regretful. I can see it painted across your face. I do what I want, when I want… remember."

I leaned my head on the same pillow and positioned myself to face him. I made sure to not make any sudden movements.

"Right. Will that ever change?" We smiled at each other, and he barely shook his head. The answer would always be no.

"I've missed you so much. I didn't think you'd ever find me."

"I will always find you."

If I were away, it certainly wasn't because I wanted to be.

I ran my fingers across his lips. "I need to go back to Texas, even if it's for just a few weeks. When I was kidnapped, I realized that all of my life I've run away from my problems instead of facing them head-on. I’m ready to fight my demons. I’m ready to put my parents’ death to rest and really move forward with living."

I moved from his face to his hair, and he closed his eyes. The moment continued to push forward, and I didn’t want it to end.

"I never thought I would be stabbed and shot while trying to save you. I didn’t figure that into the equation."

I opened my eyes, and he stared at me. "Finnley."

He placed his finger over my lips to shush me.

"I’m not finished. I don’t regret it. I don’t regret any moment I’ve spent with you. Jennifer Downs, sometimes love is worth dying for. Sometimes love is worth risking everything. Life’s been an experience for me since I met you, a roller coaster ride that is never ending, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Since I met you, I have truly lived. And if you want to go home, I’ll go with you, because I am not letting you go alone. Not while—"

"Not while what?"

"Not while… Not while Jesse hunts you. This is far from over and I don't think she will stop until you're dead. But that's not going to fucking happen. I won't let it."

The elephant in the room grew at a smothering rate. They must not have found her when they saved me. Bile rose in the pit of my stomach, and I thought I would be sick. The psychopath was on the loose, and she had my name on her tongue. She wouldn’t stop until… I wouldn’t think about it. I couldn’t.

"You’re safe with me. I will never let anything happen to you. Ever. I will die making sure you’re okay."

Anger flashed on his face, then washed away.

"My mother says I look like my father. That we have the same build, hair, and laugh."

He ran his fingers through my hair as he changed the subject.

"Franklin is a good man. He raised me like his own son. He was the only real father I ever knew. But I couldn't help but wonder about the man who created me. When I went to Columbia, a few professors that taught my father were still there. I was a spitting image but with different eyes, they would say. Apparently, he never lost an argument and was eager to succeed. Undoubtedly, I am my father's child, but he wasn't invincible, and neither am I. I understand that now. My mother never got over my father. People may die, but love can live forever, and I want to be here for you, Jennifer. I want to share my days with you."