“I…I…” I started to say, but the words stuck in my throat.
He raised his hand to my chin, and I could see the tear forming in his eyes.
“I’m fine, Liam,” I forced myself to whisper.
“I’ve lost so many people, Maya,” his voice cracked, “I can’t lose you. You’re all I’ve got.”
Before I could respond, he pulled me into his arms. His hold wasn’t rough, it wasn't demanding, it was just desperate. His chest trembled against mine, every breath uneven, every beat of his heart betraying the fear he couldn’t hide.
Though I couldn’t fathom the WHY, I pressed my face against his shirt, feeling the thud of his heartbeat. “You won’t lose me,” I murmured.
I wasn’t sure I believed my own words. The island had already taken so much from us. Who was I to promise anything?
But he clung tighter, like h
