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Sucking in a gulp of air, tears were already filling my eyes, teetering on the edge of my lids. “Okay.”

Taking my hands, he braided our fingers together. I watched him take in a deep breath as his eyes settled on mine. Licking his lips, he swallowed hard. “I lied to you, I lied to everyone. I couldn't tell you the truth because I didn't think I could tell anyone, and when I needed to tell you, I couldn't because I thought my mother should know first.”

Yuri told me all about that night and what really happened, how he was protecting his brother and how he lost so much to save someone who ended up being unsavable.

I felt stupid for thinking that he was anything other than the man I had loved. He wasn't the person I had created after that, he wasn't a criminal. He was still my Yuri, and he gave up his life to help someone he loved.

That was the man I knew.

His thumbs traced my knuckles, making the blood rush through my veins. His touch was electric, it made me feel alive. I hadn't felt that alive in years. I had been sulking through life, walking around like there were cement anchors secured at my ankles.

Lifting a hand to my cheek, he grazed his knuckles across my skin, scooping his fingers around my nape.

“You deserve to be happy, Gwen, but I want us to be happy together. I don't want you getting on that plane, I don't want to think about my life without you in it. It took me almost ten years to tell you the truth and if I have to spend ten more trying to prove to you that we're meant to be together, I will. . .” His voice trickled off into air as he kissed my forehead. “I'd do anything for you.”

My heart swelled in my chest as tears I couldn't control streamed down my cheeks. “I've missed you, Yuri, I shouldn't have doubted you.” Wrapping my arms around his sides, I laid my head on his chest.

I listened to his heart, the beating loud as it thumped against my ear. “You hear that?” he asked, pressing open palms against my back. “It beats for you, it's always beat for you. I love you, Gwen, and I'll love you forever.”

“I love you too.” Tipping my head up, Yuri pressed his lips against mine.

I lost myself in that kiss.

But in the same breath, I also found myself again.