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She starts shaking with sobs, taking a tissue out of her bag to blow her nose. I remain quiet, letting her have her moment.
“You did?”
I give her a soft smile. “I did. He saved my life, Diana. What he did was brave and courageous. He stood in front of a knife for me,” I choke out. “I thought you had come to blame me today, to tell me you hated me for being responsible for his death.”
“Oh, you sweet girl. You aren’t responsible any more than I am. He would have wanted this. All he wanted was to make amends. I’m going to miss my nephew terribly. Underneath all that arrogance and bad boy persona, he was a good boy. He felt deeply—too deeply. And all he wanted in this world was for you to forgive him.”
I lean against Banner, my heart hurting. “I’m sorry he died, and for your loss.”
“Thank you, Emma. That’s means the world coming from you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“That’s all I wanted to say. I couldn’t move forward until I finished what he what he wanted to accomplish. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me.”
I stand when she does, stepping forward and pulling her in for a hug. “Thank you for coming. And again, I’m so sorry for your loss,” I say into her shoulder.
She hugs me tighter before pulling away, her watery smile making my chin wobble.
“Live a happy life, Emma.”
“You too,” I force through the lump in my throat.
We walk her to the door, saying one last goodbye before quietly shutting it behind her.
I turn to Banner once she’s left, not knowing what to say. “Didn’t expect that,” he whispers, pulling me closer, his hands on my hips.
“Me neither,” I admit, tilting my neck up to see him.
“You doing okay?”
I shrug, not knowing how to feel. “I’m feeling a lot right now.”
He runs his finger down my cheek, something he does often. “Emma, I love you.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I love you too.”
He smirks, shaking his head. He leans closer, his lips brushing mine, and I gasp. His thick, dark eyelashes brush across my cheeks. “Emma, you’re not hearing me. I’m in love with you.”
“Has she gone?” Mark blurts out, stepping out of his room.
Banner pulls away, glaring at Mark. “Can’t a guy kiss his fucking girl without being interrupted?”
“Huh?” Mark mutters.
“Fuck this,” Banner curses, before grabbing me.
I don’t have time to prepare before his lips are on mine in a punishing kiss. He dips me a little, pressing me against him. I moan into his mouth, opening a little to give him access.
I never thought it would feel this good.
Another moan escapes me, and I clutch his T-shirt tighter in my fingers, needing to be closer.
His tongue does another sweep, and I feel like I could pass out from the ecstasy.
When he pulls away, his face still close, I’m breathing heavily, staring up at him with stars in my eyes.
“Woah,” I breathe out.