A broken laugh escaped her.
“And if anyone offers to buy it,” he murmured, “I will laugh in their face.”
Tears ran freely.
“Do you hear me?”
“Yes.”
“Properly.”
“Yes.”
His eyes closed for a second. He kissed her forehead and stayed there.
Her hands rose, wrapping around his wrists.
He held her as she cried, his forehead against hers, his breath warm between them.
When he pulled back, he tilted her chin up. “Look at me.”
She opened her eyes and met his. And what she saw stole her breath.
Love.
Furious in its devotion.
Terrifying in its depth.
Entirely hers.
“Was there anything else you came to say?” His voice softened.
A small laugh slipped out through tears. “Yes.”
“Tell me.”
Her grip tightened on his wrists. “I love you.”
He froze.
“I should have told you in the balloon.” Her voice trembled. “I should have told you the first time you held my hand.”
Her eyes dipped, then rose again.
“I think I loved you before I even understood what it was.”
His eyes darkened.
“And tonight… I am not speaking from guilt or fear.” Her voice thickened. “I am saying it because it is true.”
His hand tightened against her jaw. “Meera.”
“Yes?”
“Say that again.”
Her lips trembled. “I love you.”
