"I know," I say gently. "I love you."
"I love you, baby.”
He slowly lets go, straightening up to his full, imposing height. He turns to Jade, stepping into her space and wrapping his broad arms around her in a brief, fierce bear-hug of an embrace that almost lifts her off her feet.
"Thanks, Jade," Locke says, his voice thick with a quiet, profound gratitude. "Seriously."
“Take care of business, big guy.” Jade hugs him back, slapping his heavy shoulder blade with her palm. "I've got her."
Locke gives us both one last, lingering look from the doorway before he turns and walks out down the hallway. A second later, the elevator door slides open and then shut, leaving the apartment enveloped in a deep, peaceful quiet.
The moment the door closes, my stomach decides that exact second to vio
