He cleared his throat, ignored his two guards and the old woman and marched to Alyssa’s side.
“I wanted you from the moment I saw you,” he admitted.
“Want is not love.” She turned to glance out the window again. “You let me believe we could have something. That in time you might grow to love me.”
“Alyssa.”
“No! I opened myself up to you from the moment you held my hand and walked me around the woods. I nurtured my feelings and let them grow to the point I couldn’t control how much I felt for you.” She turned back to him, eyes filled with tears. “How much I loved you.”
He swallowed hard. The tiger in him hurt seeing her so upset. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “I refuse to be some woman you have s*x with. I deserve more. I deserve to be loved.”
“You’re right.”
“I’m glad you feel t
