Believe Me (Shatter Me #6.5)

by Tahereh Mafi

“This better be good, Kenji, or Warner is going to kill you, and I’m going to help him do it.” And then, just like that— I’m smiling again.

I want nothing more than to escape this noise with Ella. I want, above all else, for her to be safe. I want people to stop trying to kill her. I want, for the first time in my life, to live in peace, undisturbed; I want to be required by no one but my wife.

“How’s this for a surprise?” Kenji says, leaning against the folding chair. “This beautiful piece of shit right here?” He gestures at the dilapidated house next door. “This one’s mine.” That wipes the smile off my face. “That’s right, buddy.” Kenji is grinning now. “We’re going to be neighbors.”

I am rolling

“Okay, then.” Kenji nods toward the wedding arch. “Go ahead and get into position under that flower thing. Castle will show you exactly where to stand—” I turn sharply to face him. “You’re not coming with me?” Kenji goes stock-still at that, his mouth slightly agape.

“Yeah,” he says finally. “Of course I’m coming with you.”