“You wanted to suffer?” I ask softly, trying to understand.
He nods sheepishly. “Yes, I deserved it. You were giving me a get out of jail free card, and after what I’d done to you and Owen, I couldn’t accept it. After years of pushing you away, I was too embarrassed for you to see me at rock bottom in a jumpsuit and unshaven. I didn’t even want Gemma and my dad to visit, but I knew that I couldn’t stop them.”
“You never have to be embarrassed about anything in front of me,” I ensure him. “Ever. No matter what. I thought you knew that?”
“I did,” he confirms. “But it didn’t matter because I was ashamed and mortified. Though I’m in love with you, I knew I’d never deserve you, and I thought if I pushed you away enough, you’d move on and find true happiness. I’d hoped anyway. I thought when
