Page 166 of Adored

“Are you okay?” Poe asked.

He was honest because they were now married, and he wanted a marriage not mired in secrets and lies.

“I don’t know,” he admitted.

Poe stopped him before he left the building, and led him to a bench. It didn’t take a therapist to know that someone was tripped up on something.

All Poe could hope was it wasn’t regrets.

That might kill him.

Taking a chance, and trusting his mate, he went there for him.

“I’m here, Gamble. Talk it out,” he offered.

He took him up on that offer.

“It feels surreal. I never expected to be happy again, and here I am. Then, I’m scared about the whole crypto key thing, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out where it could be. I’m an emotional powder keg, and I’m trying to process it all. I came here alone, and I’m going to be leaving with you.”

Poe touched his leg.

“I know how you feel about all of the emotions. All I can say is that I hope you aren’t sorry that you chose to marry me.”

He stopped him.

“Never. I love you, and I know what I feel. I just am shocked as shit that I made it, Poe. I survived the death of my child, and the devastation in the aftermath. When I wanted to give up, you never let me. How do I repay that? How do I say thank you for saving me and loving me so much that you put me back together again?”

He was honest.

“You love me and stay married to me until we die. Hopefully, that will be at the same time from old age in bed as crotchety old men.”

That sounded like the most beautiful life. All Gamble wanted was to get old with someone he could trust. Someone who would make him see love and joy again.

That was Poe.

Because he needed to, Gamble leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips. When he broke it, his husband was curious.

“What will help you get through this?” Poe asked. “All you need to do is tell me.”

Well, since he asked…

Gamble stared into his eyes.

“Don’t die on me.”

Oh, and he knew why he said that. To reassure him, Poe touched his face.

“I won’t. I promise. I’ll fight like hell no matter what, and we will have long lives together. I’m not going to hurt our children, or break you. I’ll do anything I can to keep your heart safe, like I know you’ll do to keep my person safe.”

That was the absolute truth.

Gamble would die for Poe.

In.

A.

Heartbeat.