𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝟏𝟖+

Epilogue

GABRIEL DALTON

A year later

I wouldn't say I've been stalking her. More like keeping an eye on her.

When she left I felt like a piece of my soul had become detached from me and life didn't feel real. But I respected her decision to heal on her own terms, I couldn't take that away from her. Especially not after everything she went through.

It wasn't until two months ago that I decided to work on finding her like I promised. Ten months was a long fucking time and I've been desperate to see her face again and pray that she's happier within herself and finding the peace that she wanted. I've been dying to see that smile that lit up my world brighter than I could have ever expected.

From the information I gathered she works at a bar that is run by females. She moved quite far away and finding her wasn't easy but I wasn't going to give up. I remember when I first saw her again after so long, there was no way I could forget how naturally beautiful she is.

I thought about making my presence known then but I kept quiet and admired from afar. I didn't know if she was ready yet and I have to admit, I was secretly enjoying watching her. My only wish was to cradle her, let her know that I'm here. How I dreamt of holding onto her body and feeling her face in the crook of my neck as she breathes.

But when it came to one exact year since she left, I decided it was now or never.

She's been on my mind every day without fail. I wonder if it's the same for her.

I slip into the bar that has a fun, friendly vibe. You can tell by the huge security men at the door that if any trouble kicks off, they're going to beat you into the ground. Poppy serves someone at the bar and offers them a smile, her hair is up in a ponytail with her red strands flicking behind her.

Her lips stretch into a smile as another bartender says something to her and she tilts her head back and laughs. I smile along with her because it's therapeutic for me and I've been deprived of it for ten long months, once is never enough.

I want to take a picture and capture it forever.

As the crowd at the bar begins to quieten down, I approach and lean on the counter. She's still smiling at her friend before walking towards me. "What can I get yo–" the words die in her mouth as soon as she lays those stunning green eyes on me.

"Hey, Red."

"Gabriel," she whispers my name to perfection.

We stare at each other for long moments and seeing her up close is even better. She looks good, she looks healthy, she looks safe. And that's the most important thing in my head because she deserves peace and to live her life with no more pain and suffering.

"I told you I'd find you."

"I-I know," her hands begin to tremble as she places them on the edge of the counter. "I can't believe you're here."

My eyes physically won't leave her face, I inspect every inch. "How are you?"

She nods and glances at another bartender who is watching us cautiously. "I'm good." Her lips twitch. "My mental recovery has taken a while but I finally found these women, all of them have suffered some form of trauma in one way or another. We found safety and comfort together and now we run this bar that gives us the freedom to do what we want."

Poppy's eyes widen as she speaks and I glance down wanting to touch her hands but knowing better right now. "I'm glad you found your people," I admit. "You like it here?"