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“If you trusted me, then why did you lie to me? Why did you keep everything you knew a secret? And don’t you dare say it was to protect me.”

Declan stared at me helplessly, and I knew that he wasn’t able to answer that question. I also knew what his answer would be, what all of their answers would be: to protect me. I hated that they felt the need to keep me cocooned in bubble wrap and buried in obliviousness. I had always strived to be strong, to be courageous, to beworthy,and I suddenly felt as if I was a timid child. In their minds, I was weak. I didn’t know if that conclusion came from my gender or my background, but I would prove them wrong.

“I’m not mad…” I repeated, trailing off. I didn’t know how to eloquently express what I was feeling. Declan seemed to understand that, for he merely nodded. I glanced down, towards my bag, and spoke in a whisper.

“I just want to be worthy of your love.”

I would’ve never said those words if I knew he could hear me. They were too personal. I hadn’t even admitted them to Calax or Ryder, the constant insecurity and doubt plaguing me. How long until they decided I wasn’t worth such an unconventional relationship? How long until they left me for girls like Elena and Bikini?

I scrubbed at the tears welling in my eyes. I prayed Declan hadn’t noticed my break in composure, but I shouldn’t have been surprised when he pulled me into a hug. He noticed everything.

In his strong, familiar arms, I made a promise to myself.

I would prove myself to these men who had slowly wormed their way into my heart.

Or I would die trying.