“...it isn't because you're the prettiest woman I've ever seen.”
Her brow furrows.
“It's because you're theonly womanI will ever see.”
Her breath catches.
“I don't compare you to anyone, Daria.Because there isn't anyone else who even comes close.”
She swallows.I watch the movement, but I keep talking.Because she needs to hear it.
All of it.
“I don't wonder if someone prettier exists.They don't.Not to me.”
Emotion fills her whiskey-colored eyes.
“I've spent forty-two years waiting for you without even knowing your name.”
My voice grows rough.
“And I'd wait forty-two more if that's what it took.”
She reaches up and cups my cheek.
“That’s—I mean, I want to believe you.God, I do.But I've been burned before, Rand.”
My heart squeezes.
“I know.”
“No.”
She shakes her head.
“You don't.See, I've loved men who loved the idea of me.”
She swallows.
“But when things got real, they left.Just took off.They wanted someone easy.Someone who wouldn't ask questions or make demands.And I’m not an easy person.I’m always saying or doing something that bothers someone?—”
Her voice cracks.
Anger flashes through my Wolf.
Not at her.
At every fool who failed to see her.
“Not me, Honey.I swear it.I think you’re perfect.”
She looks away.
“I mean, I want to get to know you, but I don't think I can do a platonic relationship with you.”
“Honey,” I say, and gently guide her face back toward mine.“That's the last thing I want.”
Her eyes search mine.
