Shadows Redeemed (Garrison Security Innovations #4)

Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

PARKER LAY BESIDE SAGE, his heart still racing as they rested in each other’s arms. She took it easy on him, considering his wound, but they still collapsed on the bed in exhaustion, sweat covering their brow. The adrenaline from the mission had faded, leaving him in a peaceful haze. Sage’s warmth against him felt like a dream, and he reveled in the comfort of it. He had been through so much over the past few days, but having her here—both of them alive—was something he hadn’t dared hope for. Her breath was steady against his chest, and as he watched her, he ran his fingers gently through her fiery hair, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Parker didn’t feel like he was running or fighting for survival. His future seemed more solid, more real, with her in it. He could finally see past the chaos and danger that had consumed him for so long.

A soft smile toyed at his lips. He was going to Biloxi. It wasn’t just an escape. It was a new beginning, and he was starting it with Sage.

His mind drifted to the logistics of his move, the weight of everything he had to do back in New Orleans before he could leave. First, of which, he needed to make sure his brother was all right. He wasn’t sure how much the police department would have his back, even though Sage seemed to think Jacob’s captain had been aware—and approved—of everything Jacob did. The idea of packing up his life, of leaving his parents, even if only an hour away, was daunting, but knowing Sage would be there made it easier to face. With her by his side, anything seemed possible.

As the exhaustion from their shared moment overtook him, his hand rested on Sage’s back, and he closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him once more. It was the most peaceful sleep he had in quite some time, with her nestled at his side.

When he finally woke, it was to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains and the subtle sound of birds outside. Sage stirred beside him, her naked body still pressed close. She looked up at him with a sleepy smile, and he couldn’t help but lean down to kiss her gently, wrapping an arm around her and snuggling into her even more.

“Morning,” she whispered, her voice hoarse from sleep.

“Morning.” His own voice was thick with contentment, as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I was thinking about Biloxi last night.”

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity in her eyes. “Oh?”

“I’m looking forward to it, being with you, starting a life together.” He grinned, kissing her forehead. “As soon as everything’s settled here, and I know what will happen to Jacob, helping my parents through whatever happens, I want to make the move to be with you. I don’t want to wait.” He leaned back, his eyes going wide, worried he had misread her statement last night. “If that’s what you still want, that is.”

Her eyes softened as she placed a hand on his chest. “I want that, too. But are you sure? What about your parents? Your job?”

There was a beat of silence as they both let the weight of that sink in. Parker had been so wrapped up in clearing his brother’s name, making sure his brother didn’t get himself killed, and everything else, that he hadn’t allowed himself to truly consider a future. But now, with Sage, he could.

He shrugged as best as he could while being held down on the mattress by the fiery redhead next to him. “Jobs change. And my parents are in their fifties. Still quite active in life. They’ll be fine, and they’ll only be an hour away. I can pop by anytime I want. They’ll probably be glad to have their thirty-one-year-old out of their house finally.”

A smile slipped over her lips as she made a slow bob of her head. “You know, I could take some time off. Help you pack things up.” She rolled over, placing her hands on his chest as she gazed down at him. “Of course, I’ll have to get a key made for you. And I do expect you to cook once in a while. I’m not one of those fifties housewives, you know.”

He chuckled, running a hand down her back. “Oh, trust me, I know. And I wouldn’t want one of those, anyway. I like your fiery spirit.” He kissed her forehead. “And I’ll take you up on that offer. I could use your help. There’s not much to pack, but just having you next to me while I try to figure out what’s happening with Jacob will be a great help.”

“Somehow, I think your brother’s going to come out on top of this thing.” She grinned at him, and he felt parts of him stirring awake that he couldn’t control. “And that sounds like a plan. Besides, I think Biloxi could use your charm.”

He laughed, pulling her closer. “Oh, it definitely could.”

They lay in each other’s arms for a while longer, savoring the peaceful quiet that had been so rare for both of them. Eventually, though, they knew they had to face the day. Damn the real world.

Sage sat up, stretching. “We should talk to Dane about our plans. Let him know I’m staying here for a bit.”

He nodded. “Yeah. And I owe him—and the others—so much. I should at least stop by and thank them. Without them…” He sighed. “I honestly don’t know how this would have turned out without your team’s help.”

“Just be ready for the hazing.” She giggled as she snuggled into him harder. “They’re going to have fun with you. I just know it. Especially Elvis.”

They took their time getting ready for the day, first fixing coffee in the room, and then taking their time washing each other, making sure not to get his bandages wet. However, that didn’t keep him from putting her on the counter, spreading her legs, and sliding in between as he roamed his hand over her breasts, kissing her as if for the very first time. Sliding a hand over her drenched mound, he slipped two fingers inside of her, causing her to cry out as she gripped his uninjured shoulder tighter. He couldn’t believe how wet she was. He needed her. Craved her more than he had ever craved anything else in his life. Stepping back, he nudged her legs apart further and then plunged his hardness into her sweet slit.

The small bathroom filled with the sound of Sage’s cries and their bodies pounding each other. She clutched to him, begging him to go faster, to fuck her harder, and Parker was not about to disappoint the lady. It didn’t take long before she dug her nails into his shoulder, wrapping her legs around his waist and shoving her heels into his ass. Her body thrashed in his grip as she cried out, her eyes wide, her mouth that perfect, satisfying O that he loved to see. His wound screamed at him, but he didn’t care. He bit down on it, losing himself in the woman in front of him.

When her body relaxed, he kept driving into her, the sound of her wetness filling his ears, until he filled her with his own passion. He thrust once, pinning her to him as he emptied himself, his gaze fixed on her dark green eyes. The room filled with their heavy breathing as he clutched onto her, holding her against him as he laid his head on her shoulder, relishing the feel of her. He felt her hands rubbing his arms as she kissed his neck. And then kissed him again. And again.

He chuckled as he looked up, smiling at her. “I will never grow tired of moments like this.”

“Good to know, because I’m needy in the bedroom.”

He kissed her forehead. “I got you covered, babe. Promise.”

An hour later, Parker and Sage stood in front of Dane’s door, hand-in-hand, and he didn’t think he would ever grow tired of touching her, even in a way as simple as holding hands. Before she knocked, however, Parker felt a flicker of nerves in his chest. However, Sage’s reassuring presence kept him grounded. They knocked, and a second later, Marissa opened the door, a pile of luggage behind her.

“Already packed up, huh?” Sage asked as she entered the room, only dropping Parker’s hand just before she passed through the doorway.

Dane stood by the small table, a cup of coffee in his hand. “Got a call from a Bryson Mitchell. Apparently, his company needs our services.”

“Well, they called the right team from all I saw over the past few days.” Parker rubbed his hands together, wishing he at least had a cup of coffee to hold. “I want to thank you for all you did.”

Dane gave a curt nod. “No worries.” He glanced over at Sage. “It’s what family does for each other.”

Sage grinned, a redness coloring her cheeks. “That they do.”

Parker glanced around, his brows pinched. “Where are the others? I’d like to thank them as well.”

“Elvis and Gage are down grabbing a free breakfast from the hotel, and Cookie left last night to meet up with Fiona. I’m sure there will be time to thank them later.”

“Speaking of that…” Sage moved over to a small desk chair and plopped down. “I want to stay here and help see this thing closed out. If it seems like it’s taking too long, then I’ll reassess.” She shot Parker a look, taking a deep breath. “And then I’ll be helping Parker move to Biloxi.”

A sly grin slipped over his face as Marissa clapped her hands and rushed to Sage’s side. “Now that’s what I like to hear,” Marissa said as she wrapped her arms around Sage, hugging the redhead.

Parker nodded, relief filling him that they didn’t tell Sage it was a bad idea. “It’s where I need to be.” He glanced over at Sage. “She’s who I need to be with.”

Dane nodded, chuckling. “Well, I can’t say I’m shocked. You’ve been through hell, Parker. You deserve some happiness.” He glanced over at Sage, his expression softening. “And I know Sage does as well.”

“I won’t keep her away long,” Parker assured the other man. “I promise. I should know soon what path my brother’s stupidity has set him on. Not much here for me to close out other than my job, so starting over won’t be a problem.”

Dane crossed the room, extending his hand to Parker. “Well, I’m happy for you both. I think you’re perfect for each other.”

Parker shook his hand, the weight of the moment settling in. They were actually doing this. And Sage’s friends accepted them. Accepted him.

He glanced over at Sage, who gave him a warm smile. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think she would be his and he would be hers. Oh, h had fantasized about it enough, but never actually thought it would become a reality.

“Thank you,” he told Dane genuinely. “And tell Gage and Elvis I said the same. I couldn’t have made it without you guys.”

Dane chuckled as he lifted his coffee mug toward his lips. “You’re family now, Parker. Never forget that.”

They talked for a few more minutes, sharing a laugh or two, and then Sage promised she’d check in once she knew more. As they walked out of the room, hand in hand again, Parker felt a sense of finality—a chapter closing in his life.

But it wasn’t the end of the book. Not really. It was the beginning of something new, something better, and he knew this next chapter would be even more exciting than the chapters before it. It had to be because Sage was in it.

As they reached the car, Sage turned to him, placing her hands on his hips as she leaned against him, her eyes full of love and certainty. “Ready for the next adventure?”

Parker smiled, pulling her close for a kiss. “More than ready. I feel like I’ve waited for this my whole life.”

And he meant it. With Sage by his side, the two of them together could face anything the future held in store. Together, they would build a life in Biloxi, a future that felt full of hope and promise. Jacob would be fine, no matter what happened, now that they had cleared his name. It was now time for Parker to focus on Parker.

And Sage.

Just the two of them, carving out a fresh path, creating their own adventure.

And for the first time in years, Parker felt at peace.