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“You stayed here with me the whole time?” Her voice cracked with emotion.
“Of course I did. Ilove you, Jessica.”
She pulled one hand from his grasp and placed it against his cheek. “Why are you so good to me?” The ball of knots in her stomach unraveled, releasing a guilt that was almost as debilitating as whatever she’d just gone through. She frowned and looked away. He deserved so much more than she had to offer. The baggage alone that she carried would be enough to scare anyone off. “Before I left, I said some things—”
Ian grasped her chin with his finger and thumb. “It’s okay.”
She shook her head. Her voice broke. “I shouldn’t have left. I’m so—”
“Jessica.” He ducked his head, that smile still on his face. “Don’t worry about it. You’re safe. That’s all that matters to me.” And yet there was this wall between them. Something intangible. He didn’t trust her. She could feel it in her gut.
She bit back the emotion that threatened to overtake her. Despite it all, he was being so understanding—saying all the right things. Jessica pressed her lips together, took a deep breath, and released it. She needed to give him an out. Lifting her gaze to his once more, she pushed aside every selfish thought she had. “I don’t deserve you. You should save yourself the heartache and find someone else who can be what you need them to be.”
“Hey.” His voice was strained. She could hear a hint of alarm in it. “Where is this coming from?” Finally he frowned. The space between his brows creased and his eyes flashed with something dark—like a thunderous lightning storm. Shaking his head, he brushed his thumb across her cheek. His voice held notes of anger, and a shiver ran through her veins. “Don’t put yourself down like that. Ever.” Then his features softened. “You’ve been through a lot. We both have. Cut yourself some slack. As far as I’m concerned, you’re perfectly imperfect, and I love you for it.”
Her whole body trembled. Her throat constricted, making it hard to swallow. “How did I get so lucky?”
Ian pressed his lips to her forehead. “We’re both lucky.”
“More like blessed. I love you, Ian,” she whispered.
He gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly. He let out a heavy sigh. “You don’t know how glad I am that you’re okay.”
She nuzzled her face against his chest. “I think I have a pretty good idea.”
