Page 73 of Intense (Beneath The Blaze #3)

STEPHANIE

H e’s looking at me as if I am his only lifeline.

I can feel it—how when he speaks, he transports himself back to being a vulnerable ten-year-old.

I can’t imagine how painful this is.

“I’m here, baby. I always will be. You can do this.” I keep my voice calm.

When inside, I’m breaking for him.

“I–I need more fucking pain, love. Please,” he stutters.

I suck in a breath, trying to stop my fingers from shaking. He tips his head back, and I drag the blade along his left shoulder.

The blood spills, and he doesn’t even flinch, like he’s numb.

I hate this for him. I can’t ever take this away from him. But I hope I can help him heal in some way.

That he can realize he isn’t evil. He’s not a cold-hearted monster.

He’s everything to me. Regardless of his past. No matter what made him who he is today.

I love him no matter what.

“Better?” I whisper.

He brings his head back to mine; I can see the tears threatening to stream from his eyes, but he holds them back.

I press my forehead against his.

“Just let it all out, let me take some of this pain from you. Please, Finn.”

I pull back and swipe up some of the blood dripping down his skin and swipe it between my breasts.

“I’m yours. Nothing can ever change that.”

He nods, and tears stream down his cheeks.

I chase them away and kiss him gently.

“It’s always going to be you for me, Finn,” I whisper against his lips.