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WINNOW

Today just may have been the happiest day of my life. Not because Gideon bought me nice things, but simply because no one has ever made me feel so cherished and appreciated.

The entire way home, he holds my hand, and the tether between us pulses with so much love and adoration it fucking hurts in the sweetest way.

When he pulls up to his driveway, he releases my hand reluctantly to climb out and check the mailbox.

When Gideon turns back toward the truck, face contorted with frustration, my eyes dip to the singular pretty pink envelope in his hands

My heart drops.

He doesn’t have to spell out who it’s from.

When he climbs back in the truck, he tosses it on the dashboard and slams the truck door.

“I’m sorry, angel.”

My stomach churns.

“For what,ferion? It’s not your fault.”

Silence descends, and Gideon’s frustration is palpable. When we reach his house, he turns off his truck, and we sit there unmoving, both of us staring at the letter.

“Are you going to open it?”

I’m surprised the letter hasn’t burst into flames from the hatred with which he’s staring at it.

“Nope.”

His eyes finally slide to me, gaze softening.

“Are you upset with me?”

My brows pinch. “For what? From what you’ve told me, you’ve done nothing to encourage her, right?”

He shakes his head. “Never.”

My hand closes around his.

“Then what are you worried about?”

“Just that I have baggage that might scare you away.”

“Baggage as in a crazy ex that still writes you love letters?”

He heaves a sigh. “Yeah. I understand why someone might find that off-putting.”

Anxiety is a fist in my fucking throat. If he thinks one deranged ex is a deterrent…

Dear fuck, what will he say about my living in a war camp’s prison for two years and all the trauma I’ve buried because of it? Or my magical powers? Or being part of a royal family? Being a duchess? That I’m going to need to drink your blood soon or I’ll probably die. That I’m half-daemon. Oh, and by the way, your soul is mine, sir. You’re stuck with me. For-fucking-eternity.

My throat works around a rough swallow as I force my face into a placid expression and try to give his chest a reassuring rub. “I can think of far worse things…”

His brows furrow as he leans toward me and lowers his forehead to mine. “Please don’t leave me, angel. I know it’s waytoo early to admit it, but I’ve never wanted anyone or anything more than I want you.”

My hand cups his cheek as I press a soft kiss to his lips trying not to fucking cry.

“There’s no amount of crazy that could keep me away from you…”