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“I messed up today,” I go on, hugging him more tightly. “And I’m really sorry. I wasn’t thinking—and I know that’s not an excuse. I seriously believed I could slip in and out and no one would be the wiser.” His lungs inflate again. “I get that it was really freaking stupid. You would have come with me, I know you would have. I just…”

“You wanted your dad’s picture.” He slowly spins in my embrace, and I hold my breath as I shore up my courage to glance up at his face.

He’s really mad.

I really hurt him.

But when my gaze locks with his, when I stare into the beautiful hazel depths of his eyes, I don’t see the hurt or anger.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “When Dylan surprised me, I realized that my dad would never want me risking my life for a picture, realized how idiotic it was for me to have gone to the house.” I settle one hand over his heart. “And I know you wouldn’t want that either, that you’d have done anything to stand between me and the person who was trying to hurt me.” My fingers flex at the flare of emotions cascading across his face, but I have to finish this. I have to make sure that he understands. “I’ve done a lot of things in my life—both dumb and smart—and I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities, and I know that I’m incredibly lucky even despite what’s happened over the last couple of years?—”

He opens his mouth, but I gently press a finger to his lips, stifling his protest.

“But I know that I’m even luckier…because the universe brought me you.”

His eyes shimmer with tears, and I’m not doing any better.

“You’re more important than a picture, of course you are. And so is what we’re building. I’m sorry I went there and messed up so catastrophically that I risked myself and our future, but I’m even more sorry I let you think for a second that you aren’t the beautiful gift you are.”

“Princess,” he murmurs.

“I know I don’t have to ask your permission, and I was a giant jerk for saying that.” My throat is tight, but I push out the next words. Because he needs to know. Because he deserves them and so much more. “You’ve given me freedom and love, understanding and kindness, and I know that I’ll need to work to rebuild the trust I broke, but I promise you that I’ll do whatever it takes to get there.” I take a breath. “I’ll share my location. I’ll take your advice on making sure I’m safe. I’ll even carry a stun gun or take self-defense?—”

I don’t finish.

Because he’s brushing my hand away from his mouth, bending, and slanting his lips over mine.

Kissing me so deeply, so intensely, that my chest is heaving by the time he lifts his head.

And when he does that—even though I want him to keep on kissing me like that for eternity—relief pours through me.

Because he’s smiling.

Because his hazel eyes are gentle and filled with love instead of hurt.

And teasing, I realize a moment later.

“I saw what you did to him with that frame, baby,” he says, mouth curving as he lightly smooths a hand down my back. “I don’t think you need to worry about the self-defense classes.”

Laughter bubbles up in my chest.

But I hold it back.

I touch his cheek. “I’m serious, honey.”

He covers my hands with his own. “I know.” He brushes his lips lightly over my bandage. “And thank you for saying that. I…I know that my instinct to protect may be a little overbearing sometimes, so I don’t want you to hesitate to call me out on that, okay?”

I nod.

“And let’s talk to Ty. He can be a neutral party and come up with a plan to make sure you’re taking proper precautions…he’ll make sure that I don’t take my protection detail too far.” He touches the backs of his knuckles to my cheek. “Because I know that I’m not always going to be rational when it comes to keeping you safe.”

God, is it possible to love this man any more?

I don’t think so.

“Honey,” I whisper, heart thudding against my ribs.

“I won’t ever cage you, princess.” A beat. “I promise.”