Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 86: Love’s Redemption

Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Love’s Redemption

The floor was covered in deep shadows as the city lights flashed outside the rooftop windows. Curled up on the couch, Lily’s mind was jumbled with all that had transpired. Vanessa’s admonition still weighed heavily and relentlessly on her.

Carlisle had left.

However, Alec Moreau had taken his position.

At this point, Ethan was preparing for another conflict that would cost them everything.

With a shaky sigh, Lily ran her fingers over a blanket’s edge. She had never given any thought to what would happen after she had spent so much time struggling to live and to get away from the ghosts of her past.

Would they truly be at peace?

When everything around them appeared intent on destroying them, could they still maintain their love?

She was startled out of her reverie by the sound of footsteps.

Ethan stood in the doorway, observing her intently with his piercing blue eyes. He appeared worn out; his jaw was tense, and there were shadows under his eyes. Beyond that, though, there was another factor.

Something that isn’t said.

"Had trouble sleeping?" As he entered the room, he inquired.

Lily gave a headshake. "I’m thinking about too much."

Ethan sat next to her, not touching, but near. "Speak to me."

She looked down at her hands and paused. "Do you ever question whether we’ll survive this?"

Between them, he was silent.

Then, at last, he spoke something. "Daily as hell."

Startled by the candor in his speech, Lily raised her head.

Ethan put his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. "Loving you, Lily—it scares me."

Her throat tightened with each breath.

He looked at her, his face honest and unvarnished in a way she seldom ever saw. "I’ve thought for a very long time that love only results in suffering. because letting someone inside would give them the ability to ruin me.

Lily took a gulp. "And now?"

With a hand through his hair, Ethan let out a breath. "I now realize that’s accurate."

Her chest grew constricted.

"But I also know that not having you?" he said, his eyes meeting hers. That would further ruin me.

Lily’s heart began to shatter.

This guy, this difficult, shattered, guarded man, had given her what he vowed never to give.

His heart.

Behind her eyelids, tears blazed. "Ethan."

He extended his hand, his fingers lightly and respectfully grazing her cheek. "I have no idea what the future will bring. I am uncertain if we will prevail in this battle. However, I am aware of one thing.

Desperate for his warmth, she leaned into his contact. "What?"

"I promise not to lose you," he muttered. "Not to them. Don’t be afraid. Not to anything.

Lily exhaled nervously. What happens if I lose you?

Ethan’s face became stern. "You won’t."

She felt a chill go down her spine at his assurance.

Because she secretly hoped she would believe him.

She hoped that love would triumph over this conflict.

That they would be able to endure it.

She threaded her fingers with his as she slowly reached for him. He held them both tightly, comfortingly, as though he were anchoring them.

She inhaled deeply. "After that, we battle together."

Ethan gave a nod. "With each other."

A Worth Trying for Love

The days of preparation went fairly quickly. Ethan was more intent than ever on obtaining intelligence, fortifying relationships, and making sure all potential threats were taken into consideration.

Lily saw how his mind was constantly active while he worked. He never forgot about her, though, despite the confusion.

In his own way, Ethan reminded her that she was the reason he battled with every snatched gaze, every touch of his fingers on hers and every hushed assurance in the middle of the night.

She would also stand up for him.

Lily looked at him one evening as they were sitting on the rooftop balcony, her heart racing.

She declared, "I want to know everything."

Ethan scowled. "How about?"

"Moreau Alec," she murmured. "Ethan, I don’t want to be in the dark. I have to be aware of the challenges we face if we are in this together.

Ethan’s jaw tightened as he observed her. Then he nodded and sighed. "All right."

His look was inscrutable as he leaned back. Alec Moreau is not your typical criminal boss. He is a tactician. A specter. He manipulates events and governs things from the shadows without ever leaving a trace.

Lily took a gulp. "Why is he pursuing you?"

Ethan’s eyes became gloomy. "Because I stole from him something."

Lily gasped for air. "What?"

Ethan paused. "His sibling."

She stopped. "You—"

"I didn’t kill him," Ethan blurted out. However, I was to blame for his demise. Alec holds me responsible for everything. He now seeks retribution.

Lily’s hands tightened. That’s what this is, then? A personal grudge?

Ethan gave a nod. However, it goes beyond that. Alec wants to destroy all I’ve created, not just kill me. He wishes to inflict pain on me.

Lily felt a knot in her gut.

Ethan softly squeezed her hand as he grabbed for it. We must thus be intelligent. He cannot control what we do next.

With a flare of resolve in her breast, Lily looked him in the eye. "Then let’s go to war with him."

Ethan grinned. "I assumed you would say that."

A Fire-Sealed Promise

Ethan drew Lily close to him as they lay in bed that night, his arms around her like a shield.

She listened to the steady beat of his heart as she rested her face on his chest.

She slipped the words out before she could stop them, whispering, "I love you."

Ethan stiffened.

Suddenly uncertain, Lily froze. Did she say too much?

He gradually withdrew enough to meet her gaze, though.

She watched something crack inside him for the first time.

Something unprocessed.

Something tangible.

His thumb brushed her cheek as he clasped her face.

"I also love you," he whispered.

A pledge was forged in the silence of the night as the words rested between them.

Closing her eyes, Lily allowed herself to believe it.

Allowing herself to think that love was worth fighting for despite its fragility.

Additionally, with Ethan at her side—

She was prepared for combat.