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Ice settled into my bones. But her warmth kept me alive.
I couldn’t stop.
It just kept pouring, pouring—
At some point in my breaking, Ily shifted on my lap. Wrapping her arms around my head, she hugged me to her breasts. She held me to her, cradled me, protected me.
I cried harder.
I should’ve been the one to protect her.
Guard her.
Avenge her.
Because of me, he’d taken her.
Because of me, she was a slave.
Because of me.
Because of me.
Always because of me.
God—
My head cracked from the pressure. I bled out all over the floor.
“I’m sorry.” My voice broke. “I—” I couldn’t finish.
Another feral noise tumbled from my mouth; I held her far too tight.
She moaned in my arms, but I couldn’t stop.
How could I ever make it up to her?
How could I ever repair this?
How could she ever forgive me?
The thought of her hating me for eternity was too much.
Too painful.
Fresh tears stung.
Horror that I’d lost her.
Acceptance that I deserved it.
“I’m sorry…” I tried again. “So, so fucking sorry.”
“Hush.” She kissed the top of my head. “It’s okay. You’re okay...”
Jesus Christ, how was this woman so goddamn strong?
Her strength put mine to shame.
