Page 184 of Ricardo

I nod once.

She exhales shakily.

“But the punch,” she says. “That part should come sooner.”

“Yes.”

“I mean it.”

“I understand.”

The answer seems to reach her.

Some of the tension leaves her shoulders.

Then she looks at my mouth again, and fresh pain crosses her face.

“I hate that he did this to you.”

“I have had worse,” I assure her.

I reach for her waist and draw her between my knees.

She comes willingly, sliding her arms around me and leaning gently against me.

“I’ve seen the scars.”

I press a kiss to the top of her head and absorb the sting of my lip.

“I am sorry,” I say.

“For what?”

“For the position I have put you in.”

“We both made choices.”

“Yes.” My hands tighten at her waist. “But my choices come with baggage.”

“I know.”

“You should be angrier with me.”

“I am angry with you.”

My mouth almost curves, but pain stops it.

She pulls back and looks at me.

“I am very angry with you,” she says.

“I believe you.”

“And with him.”

“I know.”

“And with myself.”