Mase pulled away and cradled my face in his hands. Then a beautiful grin bloomed across his mouth and evaporated the dark hollowness in his cheeks and the worry in his eyes. "You did it."
I could only nod, even though I had so much to say, so many questions and a few answers.
"The Saelises?" he asked.
"Gone."
"Holy shit."
"Their ship?"
"It was already gone when the news broke that you were arrested."
"Is Parker - "
"Dead." He barked the word, his face tensing.
I tried to smooth it all away, including his memories. "You crashed into the police station for me?"
"I had help, but it's the least I could do for my favorite college girl." He hugged me to him again, and I nestled into my favorite place, the spot between his shoulder and neck, and sobbed. There had been so much pressure rising inside me, both from within and without, that I had to burst, and there was no place more comforting or accepting or safe than right here to do it.