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“You’re not a bother.” Jethro touched Stella’s arm.
“Thank you.” She leaned against him. “I feel so safe with you.”
“Ah...” He dropped his hand and took a step away from her. “I can’t let you stay with me either. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders sagged as she glanced at him from under her lashes. “Are you sure? We are engaged.”
“Uhm. Yeah, but—”
“I promise I won’t pester you. You can do whatever you want. I won’t even ask you where you’re going when you leave.” She moved closer to him. “I can cook and clean. Please. I’m scared to go back to my apartment.” She shivered.
Jethro felt the blood rush from his face as his chest tightened. He was caught. Trapped. If he let her move in with him, he’d have to marry her. Society already hated her. They’d use this as a reaso
