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His eyes drifted shut as though he were taking in those words.
It was clear that Lincoln had kept himself aloof from others. Reserved. Reticent. When was the last time he’d heard someone tell him he was loved? It was then I knew what my newest goal in life would be. To help this strong, resilient man in front of me see how amazing he really was. I had so much love to give him. As did Eric.
As opposed to my mother.
She wasn’t capable of loving anyone but herself.
She treated her children like garbage.
She destroyed others with no regrets.
Iwasn’tmy mother.
I recognized my fortunes. I was blessed to have a brother who had made life fun even when it was hard. He’d showed me how to keep an open heart and a forgiving spirit. Because of Eric, I was here with Lincoln, as happy as I’d ever been.
And I’d been so close to allowing my parents to rob me of that. For what? To prove to them I wasn’t a user like they were?
I had nothing to atone for when it came to them. They would always be able to hurt me. I accepted that.
But I didn’t have to give them control of how I let it affect me.
“I was going to take us back to my apartment,” I said quietly. “I didn’t want anyone to be able to say I’m only with you for your money.”
He sighed. “People are always going to say that.”
I hadn’t thought beyond my immediate circle. Lincoln was a high-profile individual. Once our relationship became public knowledge, the slings and arrows would fly in my direction.
I frowned.
I was guilty of thinking that about other women too. And it hadn’t been fair. I wouldn’t make that mistake again.
“I hope this is the worst it hurts.”
“Ignore them. The only thing that matters is that we know the truth.” He touched my forehead with his. Such a simple gesture, but it made me feel safe. “Tell me you didn’t delete those messages?”
“No, I kept them. I was too busy running to the toilet to . . . well, you know what.”
He made a noise of dissatisfaction at the mention of me getting ill.
We stayed forehead to forehead for a while, just leaning on each other in the quiet.
“I needed you to teach me how to say a proper greeting,” he finally said.
“And you better not be giving it to anyone else.” Apparently I had a jealous streak I didn’t know about.
“I only see you.”
My heart twisted. “You can’t say stuff like that.” Because I wasn’t sure my heart could survive a sweet Lincoln Hollingsworth.
“I can, and I will for as long as I breathe.”
Chapter Thirty
Lincoln
I understoodthe urge to kill.
It was the follow-through I struggled with.
