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He didn’t react in any way or move an inch.

“Did you hear me? I don’t want you to go.”

His smile was slow but quite beautiful, like the sun emerging from behind a cloud.

“And why is that, Soul Sucker?”

She almost stamped her foot. “You’re going to make me say it?”

“Of course I am. I’ve killed for you and threatened to annihilate my whole world just to keep you safe. What are a few little words in return?”

“They’re a big deal to me!”

“I know.” He briefly rested his forehead against hers. “Would it help if I said them first?”

“No one’s ever said it to me and meant it.”

“I mean it. I love you, Ella. I always will.”

She swallowed hard. “Okay. Me too.”

He straightened up. “Ella…”

“All right! But you have to promise not to do what your mother wants, and go back to Otherworld.”

He placed his hand over his heart. “I promise.”

“You should go and tell her that right now!”

He smiled. “And let you out of my sight at this crucial moment?”

She faced him. “You’ve already told her no, haven’t you? This is all a setup.” She jabbed herself in the chest. “I’ve killed for you. I even sat and typed that stupid report to keep you safe! Isn’t that enough? Why do I have to say the stupid words?”

His smile faded. “Maybe because no one has ever said them to me and meant it either, Soul Sucker.”

“Oh, God.” She whispered, “Vadim, I?—”

But he had already disappeared.

* * *

Dammit!What the hell was wrong with him? Where had that pathetic, needy statement sprung from? He knew she loved him, knew it in his soul. Why was he so determined to make her say it?

He picked up the nearest pillow and sent it spinning, smashed his fist against the wall. It wasn’t enough. He needed to get out. His glance slid over the rest of his destroyed hotel room and he quickly made things right again. There was no reason to burden the staff with extra work because of his petty tantrum.

God, he needed to be free.

In a second, he magicked himself north to the immense sequoia forests and changed form. Here at least he could fly undetected and act like the animal he was. He flew for a while and then perched at the top of one of the massive trees and watched the sun go down. The scent of pine and eucalyptus filled his lungs, and he breathed deep.

“Morosov, is that you up there?”

He squinted down and saw Ella’s upturned face at the bottom of the massive trunk. She’d never let him get away with disappearing on her. She’d even followed him to Otherworld to save him, without caring for her own safety. Without answering, he swooped down, picked her up and flew her up to the top of the tree.

She opened her mouth and he put his finger against her lips.

“Don’t say it.”

“I’m not going to say anything, I’m going toscream!” She gave a convulsive shudder. “I’m terrified of heights.”