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This is him, worried about me.
I decide to change the mood—to deflect. It’s the coward’s way out… but it works.
“Why didn’t you tell me Lars had a daughter?” I whisper.
His chest rises and falls before he answers.
“It wasn’t my news to share.”
A pause. Then—“Is that what’s wrong?”
I hesitate. “A little.”
His fingers trace slow circles on my back. “Why?”
I swallow. “If you can keep something like that from me… what else can you hide away in that head of yours?”
Hunter shifts slightly, tilting my chin so our eyes meet. His expression is unreadable. Deep. Knowing. Unshaken.
“Let’s make one thing clear,” he says, his voice dark with certainty. “You are mine to love and protect until the day I die. But there will always be things I don’t tell you because of that.”
My stomach tightens.
“Everyone has secrets, Megan.” His thumb brushes over my cheek. “And getting yourself all upset over things that don’t concern you isn’t a productive way to spend your time.”
“Is that right?” I bite back.
His lips curl slightly. “I get that having someone love you is scary, baby, but if you keep running from it… you’ll never know just how good it can be.”
“And you know this how?”
His gaze darkens. “Because since I let you in, I’ve never been this happy in my fucking life.”
The tears spill before I even feel them coming.
And for the first time, I let myself believe that I deserve this.
I deserve him.
Chapter 41
The Starlight Showdown
MEGAN
The moment I step into the space, I feel it.
The weight of this moment.
The energy of the Starlight Exhibit hums around me—the polished marble floors, the soft murmur of conversations, the clinking of champagne glasses. My piece, the one I nearly let fear keep me from finishing, hangs proudly on the far wall. Illuminated, commanding attention.
For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like a scholarship student in an art school.
I feel like an artist.
A real one.
Hunter’s hand rests at the small of my back, his touch warm and grounding. He hasn’t left my side all evening, though he’s been content to let me soak it all in.