“Was there always something there?” I have to know. “In your heart?”
“From the moment you walked in on me that day.” His thumbs stroke my cheeks. “I just didn’t know what to call it. Didn’t know how to face it.”
“Now, I know exactly what to call it.” His eyes hold mine, unwavering. “I love you, Rowan St. Clair. I f*****g love you.”
The words wash over me like a baptism, sweeping away every last doubt, every fear, every shred of resistance. I am born again. I am purified by his love.
I throw my arms around his neck. “I love you, too. I’ve loved you for so long.”
His mouth finds mine in a kiss that’s different from any we’ve shared before. No domination, no power play, no battle of wills. Just pure, naked emotion flowing between us.
When we break apart, we’re both breathing hard.
“I’l
