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He helped me pull the sheet down and then slid in next to me, still naked. Wrapping an arm around my back, he pulled me to his side. I rested my cheek on his chest. He lifted my chin and stared down into my eyes, worry wrinkling his brow. “Are you okay?”
I smiled. “Yeah.”
“No, I mean really okay?”
My smile faded. “As okay as can be expected.” I kissed his chest. “If you’re asking if I’m okay with what we just did, though, I’m more than okay. But the rest…I’ll need a bit of time.”
He bent down and gently kissed me. “Understandable.” Worry and fear tightened his face. “But despite what just happened between us, I still wonder if you should be with me.”
I rose on my elbow and started to protest, but he put his finger to my lips.
“Hear me out, love. I need to say this.”
“Okay,” I said softly, terrified of what he was going to tell me.
“I want you, Ellie. Not just for your body, but your mind, your wit, your stubbornness, and your courage. I look at you now—like this—and I can’t believe you’ve let me into your life.” He swallowed. “But I can also see that you’re loyal, and I don’t want that to be your downfall.”
My lips parted to respond, but the pressure of his finger increased.
“The day may come when I’m no longer a help but a hindrance. If it does, I need you to promise me that you’ll let me go.”
Anger surged through my body. “No!” I sat up, wincing at the pain. “You don’t get to tell me what to do!”
Sitting up, he rubbed the back of my neck, bringing my face closer to his. There was no anger in his face, only patience and devotion. “I know that, Ellie. I would never dream of telling you what to do, but back when we made the agreement for our partnership, you agreed to give all of my suggestions and concerns consideration.”
“What are you doing, David? Is this your way of trying to leave me? Just like every—” I stopped.
Sadness filled his eyes. “Like everyone else? Your father and your mother? Hell, even Collin left you—he just forced you to be the one to walk away with his lies and deceptions.” He sighed and closed his eyes. “God, how could I be sostupid?”
Tears filled my eyes. “Do you want me or not, David?”
“Christ, Ellie,” he pleaded. “It’s not about wanting you. I just want what’sbestfor you.”
My chest tightened; my words thick with emotion. “You don’t get to decide. I do. It’s my decision.”
“Okay, okay.” His hand caressed my cheeks, wiping away my tears. His eyes burned with intensity. “Elinor Lancaster, I pledge to never leave your side of my own free will. I will stand with you and always be at your service. The only way I will leave is if you send me away.”
My mouth dropped open and I shook my head in disbelief. “You can’t promise me that.”
A teasing smile lifted his lips. “I just did.”
“But—”
“Ellie, you need to know you can count on someone to be there for you, no matter what. No matter how hard it is or how dangerous. I am promising to be that someone.”
“But why?”
His lips pressed against mine, his hand gliding across my bare back. His fingertips dug into my skin as he sucked my upper lip into his mouth.
I panted with need, clinging to him.
His head lifted and he looked into my eyes, all the teasing gone. “Do you remember when I asked if you believed in destiny?Youare my destiny, Ellie Lancaster. You.”
We made love again, slow and gentle, but with reverence as we explored each other’s bodies.
Afterward, sunlight crept through the drapes, and I rested my cheek on his chest.
His arm tightened around me. “Do you still think you’re broken?” he asked, sounding sleepy.
