Page 57

She studies me.

I force myself to continue.

“I believed I was defending you. Instead, I frightened you.”

“Vidar…”

“No. You deserve to hear this.”

I step backward, giving her room.

“I am sorry, Wren.”

The words are unfamiliar.

Difficult.

But they are true.

“I will not become another man who mistakes your obedience for your love.”

Her eyes fill.

I hate that I have put tears there.

“What would you have me do?” I ask.

She looks at me for a long moment.

Then whispers, “Just hold me.”

My heart clenches.

“That I can do.”

She comes to me willingly.

One moment, we stand on opposite sides of the kitchen.

The next, her arms circle my waist and her cheek presses against my chest.

I fold myself around her.

Carefully.

As though the entire world has narrowed to the small, trembling woman in my arms.

She exhales.

A long, unsteady breath.

I rest my chin against her hair.

“Is this better?”

She nods.

“Much.”