Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Dean looked at Maja again, catching the shimmer of tears in her eyes. In the lamplight, they sparkled—beautiful, even in their sadness. “That day, when you said someone wouldn't make it to heaven... you meant him, didn't you?"

Maja held his gaze for a moment, gave a fragile smile, and let her tears slip down her cheek. "Yeah."

"Maja, how about we trade stories?" Dean's voice was gentle, almost hopeful. "Maybe we could help each other heal."

“Heal?” Maja echoed, a little skeptical.

Dean nodded. "You know how I am always the good guy. I can't say no to anyone. Big stuff, little stuff, if you ask, I'll help. It's my best and worst quality. But you, you've been carrying your pain all by yourself."

Maja looked at him, and Dean had to look away, afraid that if he stared any longer, he'd get pulled in even deeper. "What are you so afraid of? Why are you always running? Why can't you go home? Why the gunshot? Maja, who are you, really?"

Finally, he met her eyes again, his question laid bare between them.

Maja stared into the fireplace. "If the person you loved was killed by the man your little sister loved... what would you do? And there's a catch-your sister is the one you love most in the world."

The fire cracked, tossing light and warmth into the silence.

Dean spoke softly, "So... who's right and who's wrong?"

into her memories. Who was

started dreaming about her sister a lot.

now. Let me take care of it,"

Annie chose to believe him. "Are you sure you're not

so much

eyes. "Come on, I know exactly what you've

night, Annie's heart ached for Conner-starting over isn't easy. Her family couldn't do much, but Conner's old buddies stepped up without

called Conner just to check in. The conversation soon drifted

is good

"It's fine. The Dark Web folks didn't get what they wanted. They won't dare hurt her. So, tell me-how's the baby? Been kicking you

you never seen a pregnant

How'd you know?" he shot

just went quiet

kid's something else. Knows to keep his godmom company so she doesn't get too

just kind of overwhelmed," Annie

antics.