Page 215 of Toxic Kiss

“I should’ve told you about Declan earlier. I just figured that I didn’t have proof, and we had a lot of other things to discuss.”

“It’s fine, I get it.”

Moving a few loose strands of hair away from Haven’s cheek, I graze my fingers along her soft skin.

“You know…I kind of love the idea of being kidnapped by you.”

“We’re missing rope,” she says with a smile.

“Oh, you want to tie me up?”

“I’ve fantasized about that and a whole lot more,” Haven says, but the dark glint in her eye gives me pause.

“You’re not stabbing me in these fantasies, are you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Haven teases.

Laughing, I grab her. She squeals as I roll on top of her, and I fucking love that sound. I pin her wrists and stare down at the woman I nearly ruined and somehow still get to love. It seems impossible.

“Can you ever forgive me? For all I’ve done and caused?”

I watch her eyes closely. Haven’s never been good at lying, but she doesn’t look away.

“I forgive you,” she whispers. “Maybe I shouldn’t, but life is too short. I haven’t forgotten, but I’m willing to move on and give us a chance at a fresh start.”

My throat tightens.

“I’m still learning how to forgive myself.”

Haven cups my jaw.

“Then let me love you while you do.”

For a long time, I believed that love kept score, counted wounds, and remembered every betrayal. But holding Haven, I understand the truth.

The holiest thing love does is forgive.

chapter

fifty-five

“I never believed that Heaven existed until I looked into her eyes and she became my safe haven.” - Cyrus

CYRUS

“I need you to know that I’ve kissed hundreds of women, probably slept with just as many.”

Haven stiffens beneath me, and there’s a flash of hurt in her eyes.

“Thanks for the reminder,” she snaps, turning her head away. “Maybe, I shouldn’t forgive you.”

“Look at me.”

The muscles in her jaw twitch as she stubbornly keeps her eyes on the window.

“Haven…look at me.”

With an irritated sigh, her gaze returns to mine while sparks dance in the green depths.