Page 190 of Micah

He cleaned up my bar. Protected my brother. Made sure my employees could keep working without walking into yesterday's nightmare. Ordered me a new phone before I'd even realized mine was beyond saving.

He thought through a dozen problems I'd been too overwhelmed to face.

All without asking for recognition.

All without making me feel like I owed him anything in return.

And now, he’s apologizing for overstepping.

My throat tightens until I can barely swallow.

The words won't come.

One question keeps circling through my mind.

Why?

Why would anyone go to so much trouble for me?

Chapter 24-Micah

After I tell Sloane everything I did without her permission, I stand there waiting for the fallout.

For her to call me crazy.

To tell me to mind my own damn business.

To tell me to go fuck myself.

I'd deserve it.

Hell, I'd rehearsed every version of the argument in my head while driving back from the cryo barn this morning.

Instead...

She launches herself at me.

I barely have time to catch her before she's in my arms.

Of course I catch her.

I'll catch her every damn time. That’s a promise.

She buries her face against my neck and wraps herself around me so tightly it's a wonder I can still breathe.

Not that I'm complaining.

Christ.

Being held by this woman feels better than any medal I ever earned.

Her shoulders shake.

Tiny hiccupping sobs break against my skin, and between every shaky breath she whispers another thank you. Another reason I apparently deserve more credit than I do.

“You don't have to thank me, Princess,” I murmur, rubbing slow circles over her back.

“I wanted to.”