The conversation went on for a little bit after that, and then the time was picked, and when we ended the call with everyone, Zayne closed his laptop and looked over at me.

“How are you feeling about this?” he asked.

I thought that over. “Good, I think. Hopeful. In twenty-four hours, this could be all over.”

His gaze flickered over my face as he nodded. “It’s a good plan. We will stop Gabriel.”

“We will.” My gaze met his, and there was a catch in my chest.

This would end tomorrow night. Either we succeeded or we failed, but it would end, because there would be no second chances after this.

The reality of that struck me then as I stared at Zayne. If we didn’t succeed, we wouldn’t be able to launch another attack, because people would be wounded in this. Failure meant Gabriel would capture me, and that I couldn’t allow. So either Gabriel died or...

I didn’t let that thought finish, but the heaviness was still here. The weight of what I would need to do if we failed had already settled on my shoulders.

Heart kicking around in my chest, I took off my glasses and carefully folded the arms, placing them on the coffee table.

I didn’t know what Zayne was thinking when I picked up the laptop, tossing it on the nearby cushion, and took its place. There was a fire in his eyes, though. A golden-white glow behind his pupils that burned bright.

The tips of his fingers brushed over the line of my cheekbone and the curve of my jaw as I skimmed my fingers along his lower lip. “I love you,” he whispered.

I dipped my head, my lips replacing my fingers. This kiss started slow and gentle and we took our time, as if we were mapping the layout of our lips and committing the shape to memory. The kiss became fierce, full of soul-burning yearning and a hint of desperation, consuming both of us. Somehow, we made it to the bedroom, and our clothing came off with a speed that was rather impressive and then...then our bodies melded together.

Behind every touch and every kiss there was the knowledge that I didn’t want to give life to. So I used my mouth, my hands and my body to say what I couldn’t ever say to Zayne.

If we didn’t stop Gabriel, I wouldn’t be coming home with Zayne. This would be our last time together.

The following day started off like any other normal, good day.

Zayne and I had breakfast with Jada and Ty that lasted till lunch. They wanted to be there tonight, but as trained as Ty was and even though Jada could defend herself, neither were ready for this. They weren’t happy, but they understood.