Chapter 40

• Joaquin’s POV
• The heavy oak doors of our bedroom clicked softly shut behind us, securely locking away the rest of the chaotic, noisy world. In here, it was just the two of us, enveloped in a quiet sanctuary that felt entirely insulated from the syndicate, the threats, and the dark history that had tried so hard to tear us apart. Without breaking our intense, unwavering gaze, I swept my arms beneath Roxanne’s knees and back, lifting her effortlessly against my chest. She gasped in surprise, a soft, bright laugh escaping her lips as her arms instantly wrapped securely around my neck to steady herself against the sudden movement.
• I carried her across the dimly lit expanse of the room and gently laid her down against the soft, cool sheets of the king-sized bed. The warm amber glow of the bedside lamp washed softly over her face, highlighting the radiant, unburdened smile she wore—a smile that used to be heavily guarded and full of paralyzing fear, but now belonged entirely to me, shining bright and free. I leaned down, pressing my lips softly against hers in a slow, lingering kiss that tasted like forever. As I shifted my weight, pressing gently down over her while resting my forearms on either side of her pillows to cage her in safely, a sudden, mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.